After Dark: Can the Rockets Challenge the Warriors?

Assuming you have not been living under a rock today, you no doubt heard that Chris Paul was being traded by the Los Angeles Clippers to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Sam Dekker, Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams, DeAndre Liggins, Darrun Hilliard, Montrezl Harrell, Kyle Wiltjer, a top-three protected 2018 first round pick and cash. The Rockets will now pair Paul with another ball-dominant guard in James Harden.

This raises the question, can the new-look Houston Rockets now challenge the seemingly unbeatable Golden State Warriors led by Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry? The most likely answer would seem to be a firm no given that the Warriors still maintain a clear talent advantage and there is no way of knowing how Paul and Harden will coexist on the same team, but this is at least interesting.

Anyway, let us know in the comments what you think about the Rockets and their championship aspirations after this trade. Or, you know, talk about whatever you want because this is the After Dark and you do not need to stick to the topic.