On Tuesday, the Rockets held an introductory press conference for new owner Tilman Fertitta.
He made it pretty clear what he expects from his team this season.
"To walk into this situation with James Harden and Chris Paul is unbelievable. You've got to remember the name of the game is to get to the playoffs, and this is a superstar league. You are not going to get to the playoffs every year and likely make it to the second round if you don't have a James Harden playing for you.
"You add a guy like Chris Paul, and you should get to the Western Conference Finals."
In 2015, Houston advanced to the West Finals -- losing to the Warriors in five games.
[RELATED: Rockets coach D'Antoni: Warriors 'not gonna stop us either']
Last year, the Rockets went 55-27 and finished in third place in the West.
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They eventually lost to the Spurs in six games in the West Semis.
When you add a guy like Paul, the expectations rise substantially.
"That's the way the league's going is two or three stars per team," Fertitta added. "And you know what? If we don't get where we need to be this year with two superstars ... we're going to make good decisions, and we're going to do whatever it takes to win.
"I can promise you that."
No pressure Rockets.
Drew Shiller is the co-host of Warriors Outsiders and a Web Producer at NBC Sports Bay Area. Follow him on Twitter @DrewShiller
