GM Morey ready to put Rockets 'up against any in the league'

Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey has made significant acquisitions this offseason, and he seems ready to showcase his new product.

The outspoken GM commented on a variety of topics in a press conference introducing forward P.J. Tucker, including matching up against the Golden State Warriors, the current issue of superstars pairing up with each other, and how Tucker's defense could make the Rockets a top-10 defensive team.

Regarding Houston's prospects this year, Morey was more than confident in his team. "I'll put that group up against any in the league," he said, per Brian Smith of the Houston Chronicle.

"We really like our eight that we have right now," Morey added.

One of the ways Morey hopes to topple the reigning NBA champion Warriors is through improved defensive play, highlighted by Tucker.

Morey praised Tucker's ability to defend a multitude of positions on the floor, saying that such a feature is a necessity to defend the Warriors style of play. "We're trying to get our defense into the top 10," Morey said, per Smith. Houston finished 18th in defensive rating last season.

While Morey mentioned Tucker had larger offers than Houston's, James Harden was reportedly adamant in Tucker landing in Houston. According to Smith, Tucker himself explained how Harden told him outright that he was coming to Houston once his playoff run with the Toronto Raptors ended.

With the acquisitions of Tucker and Chris Paul, Morey is clearly loading up for the arms race he sees in today's NBA.

"The stars are trying to figure out which ones to pair up with. It really is a have and have not situation right now," explained the candid Morey, per Smith.

He added: "The players are more aware of their power and they're the ones who create the wins."