Fertitta: Anything less than the Western Conference Finals would be a disappointment

Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta opened up Media Day today by answering some questions on the podium, and he has some rightfully high expectations for the Rockets this season.

After the team won a franchise-record 65 games last year and fell in seven games to the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Finals, Fertitta wants to see at least something similar this year:

But naturally, Fertitta has his eye on the final prize, and in particular, is hoping for a ring for Chris Paul, citing CP3’s preternatural work ethic as a reason he deserves the chance to compete for the trophy:

Ultimately, however, especially after last year’s experience when Paul went down with a balky hamstring at the end of Game 5 in the West Finals, he knows the Rockets are going to need a little bit of luck from the injury gods in order to go all the way.

But Fertitta certainly feels that this is the year for the Rockets, saying he thinks they are a better team this year with the new additions, and he particular called out Carmelo Anthony, Michael Carter-Williams and James Ennis for their expected contributions.

Fertitta also discussed some financials, saying that repeater tax is hugely prohibitive, but that he’s here to win titles, and he’s not going to let $5 or $10 million stand in the way of that elusive goal:

Fertitta also mentioned some possible improvements coming at the Toyota Center in the next several years, from lighting, to presentation, to concessions, so it sounds like he has some major plans for the franchise both on and off the court.

It’s shaping up to be an exciting year on the hardwood in H-town.