The Houston Rockets have the profile of a championship contender. They have the superstar in Kevin Durant. They have co-stars in Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson. They have rugged wing defenders in Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, and Dorian Finney-Smith when he returns. They have the enforcer in Steven Adams. And lastly, they have lethal shooting in Reed Sheppard off the bench.
Houston will be major players in the West this season, and so far they have looked the part. Even with the loss of Fred VanVleet, the Rockets have not missed a beat. With the holiday season approaching, though, there should be one item at the top of their wishlist.
The Houston Rockets need another dynamic guard
As great as Sheppard has been, and even with Thompson improving in his on-ball role game by game, the Rockets need more firepower in their backcourt. Too much is being put on the plate of Sheppard, Thompson, Durant, and Sengun. Those are the only four guys on the roster that are either perimeter threats or comfortable as ball-handlers.
The area where another creator would help the most is in the clutch. Houston is one of the more subpar clutch teams in the league currently. They are just 6-8 in clutch games, are 25th in clutch net rating, and are just 1-4 in overtime games this season.
The Rockets are one of the NBA’s best offensive teams because of their relentlessness on the glass and the pressure they put on the rim. Durant’s elite ability in the mid-range, Sengun’s improvements in the post, and Sheppard’s floor-spacing have been huge as well. Having more perimeter threats, though, will help diversify their offense.
Houston has the flexibility to make a big move
General manager Rafael Stone has been extremely calculated with every more he has made and has preached patience with this group. He will not make a panic move. With the Rockets being ready to compete now though, they would be wise to fix this weakness sooner rather than later.
The trade deadline is in February, so Houston does have time. Guards like Malik Monk, Collin Sexton, and Anfernee Simons are likely to be available, and if they are, the Rockets should pounce if the price is right.
Houston is already a contender, but they are flawed. Adding more backcourt depth will help them take the next step and make them an even more formidable threat in a loaded Western Conference.
