The Houston Rockets have the profile of a championship contender. They’ve the celebrity in Kevin Durant. They’ve co-stars in Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson. They’ve rugged wing defenders in Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, and Dorian Finney-Smith when he returns. They’ve the enforcer in Steven Adams. And lastly, they’ve deadly taking pictures in Reed Sheppard off the bench.
Houston shall be main gamers within the West this season, and up to now they’ve appeared the half. Even with the lack of Fred VanVleet, the Rockets haven’t missed a beat. With the vacation season approaching, although, there needs to be one merchandise on the prime of their wishlist.
The Houston Rockets want one other dynamic guard
As nice as Sheppard has been, and even with Thompson bettering in his on-ball function recreation by recreation, the Rockets want extra firepower of their backcourt. An excessive amount of is being placed on the plate of Sheppard, Thompson, Durant, and Sengun. These are the one 4 guys on the roster which can be both perimeter threats or snug as ball-handlers.
The world the place one other creator would assist probably the most is within the clutch. Houston is without doubt one of the extra subpar clutch groups within the league at the moment. They’re simply 6-8 in clutch video games, are twenty fifth in clutch web score, and are simply 1-4 in additional time video games this season.
The Rockets are one of many NBA’s greatest offensive groups due to their relentlessness on the glass and the strain they placed on the rim. Durant’s elite potential within the mid-range, Sengun’s enhancements within the put up, and Sheppard’s floor-spacing have been big as properly. Having extra perimeter threats, although, will assist diversify their offense.
Houston has the pliability to make an enormous transfer
Common supervisor Rafael Stone has been extraordinarily calculated with each extra he has made and has preached endurance with this group. He is not going to make a panic transfer. With the Rockets being able to compete now although, they’d be sensible to repair this weak spot sooner quite than later.
The commerce deadline is in February, so Houston does have time. Guards like Malik Monk, Collin Sexton, and Anfernee Simons are prone to be obtainable, and if they’re, the Rockets ought to pounce if the worth is true.
Houston is already a contender, however they’re flawed. Including extra backcourt depth will assist them take the subsequent step and make them an much more formidable risk in a loaded Western Convention.
