NBA Free Agency 2018: Winners, losers, and shockers

MIAMI, FL - JUNE 20: LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat, sitting with the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) trophy, is interviewed by NBA legend Magic Johnson following the Heat's victory against the San Antonio Spurs in Game Seven of the 2013 NBA Finals on June 20, 2013 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2013 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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OAKLAND, CA – MAY 20: Chris Paul #3 and James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets stand for the National Anthem before their game against the Golden State Warriors during Game Three of the Western Conference Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 20, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Loser: Houston Rockets

The Western Conference built itself up while the Rockets took steps back. They lost two of their wing stoppers in Trevor Ariza and Luc Mbah a Moute, a pair of key cogs (and one with great acting chops) in their system.

Even holding the status quo would have been a move backwards with everything the other contenders added.

While they re-signed Chris Paul, Gerald Green, and James Ennis, the only new blood they brought in was Michael Carter-Williams. Eesh. As of this writing, they remain far apart with re-signing Clint Capela.

Sometimes doing nothing is the smartest move of all. Other times, it’s the worst thing you can do. Like if you find yourself in a room on fire, you shouldn’t do nothing. And if you’re intent on beating Golden State, you shouldn’t let your 3-and-D wings walk.

Houston finished this past season with the best record in the league and came one game from going to the Finals. Their title window is now. ‘Less is more’ doesn’t apply to good players when building a team gunning for a champoinship.

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