Toughness is Still the Rockets' Identity

The head of the snake is Udoka, who coaches his players hard but is equally passionate about winning and getting the best out of his players. He's generally seen as one of the toughest coaches in the league, and the team has adopted parts of his personality while in games.

Tari Eason and Steven Adams may be the new top tough guys with Brooks gone. Eason has already shown his ability to be a pesky defender who doesn't back down from any matchup. His defense and rebounding are vital contributions to Houston's efforts. He brings down a high rate of offensive rebounds and 50/50 balls by playing harder than other players on the court.

Adams is also a dominant offensive rebounder. He's long been considered one of the league's toughest and strongest players. Few big men can match his strength, and smaller players try to avoid crushing screens courtesy of Adams.

New additions Kevin Durant and Dorian Finney-Smith should fit right in with the aggressive and forceful nature of the Rockets team. Durant is more of the silent killer type of player. He is borderline unstoppable on offense, but he has an attitude that could mesh well with the rest of the team's dynamic. The same can be said for Finney-Smith.

Jabari Smith Jr. is another player who shows this team's toughness in a lesser sense, becoming a much more proficient rebounder as the season went on. Jae'Sean Tate might be in the same toughness tier as his head coach and the recently traded Brooks.

Despite the Brooks trade, the Rockets will still be known for their tough demeanor and their unrelenting efforts to do the dirty work on the court.