The Houston Rockets entered the season with expectations of competing for an NBA championship following the acquisition of Kevin Durant. The Rockets got off to a flying start, but they have just a .500 record since December 1. What is wrong with the Rockets, and how can they improve at the trade deadline?
3 Rockets Who Are Reportedly Drawing Interest From Other Teams
Houston (24-15) began the season playing some of the best basketball, posting a 13-4 record as one of the top offensive teams, averaging nearly 122 points per game. However, the Rockets have lost five of their last eight and are just 11-11 in their previous 22. They are now tied for fifth place in the Western Conference with the Los Angeles Lakers, one game ahead of seventh-place Phoenix.
Houston’s biggest issue has been on the offensive end during this 22-game stretch. Over this stretch, the Rockets are averaging just 113.5 points despite shooting 47.4% from the field. However, the Rockets have struggled from the 3-point and free-throw lines. They are making just 10.4 threes at a 34.3% clip and 74.2% from the charity stripe. Both stats are significantly lower than their season average.
While Durant and Amen Thompson have stepped up their production during this stretch, Reed Sheppard has struggled a little. More significantly, Alperen Sengun and Tari Eason have missed seven and 15 contests over these 22 contests. The Rockets are just 4-3 in games without Sengun, averaging just 110.7 points, as Ime Udoka runs much of his offense through him. The Rockets average 120.4 points with Sengun in the lineup and are slightly better defensively.
What Could The Rockets Do At The Trade Deadline
Despite Houston’s recent struggles, Yahoo Sports’ Kelly Iko said the Rockets’ brass isn’t panicking.
“Prior to the season, Houston laid forth a playmaking-by-committee plan; more opportunities for Şengün, Durant, and Amen Thompson — along with Sheppard,” Iko said. But at essentially the halfway point of the season, it’s clear that Fred VanVleet’s absence is greater than previously advertised.”
“For what it’s worth, the Rockets’ brass hasn’t signaled any aggressive intention to upgrade their current roster as they have in seasons past, opting not to react to what they deem a containable slump,” Iko continued. “The Rockets weren’t interested in Trae Young prior to him being dealt, nor are they interested in Ja Morant or a more experienced veteran like Chris Paul. They’re also less inclined to chase expensive names like LaMelo Ball or Darius Garland because of the potential complications that accompany blockbuster deals of that nature.”
“Houston, according to team sources, has had discussions with around half the league — with more incoming and outgoing calls expected over the next 10 days as the February 5 trade deadline draws closer — but doesn’t have any firm offer in either direction that is cause for serious internal discussion,” Iko added. What they do have is an understanding of what they are willing to do and an inkling of what teams want. For instance, the Rockets received several calls surrounding Tari Eason prior to him becoming a starter, sources say — as well as inquiries on summer additions Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela — but nothing, as mentioned earlier, was concrete.
Who Could The Rockets Pursue on The Point Guard Market
Houston is limited in the moves they can make. The Rockets do have an open roster spot, though they are just $1.2 million below the first apron. What type of point guard is the Rockets looking for?
Thompson has done a fantastic job running the team, but he is versatile enough to play any of the three backcourt positions. Josh Okogie has started 24 games at shooting guard, and the Rockets are 13-6 in those games with Udoka’s other regular starters on the court. The Rockets are +8.9 points per 100 possessions with Okogie with the first unit.
So, the Rockets don’t necessarily need a starting point guard. However, the Rockets are +1.3 points with Okogie on the floor and +5.1 with him off of it. Orlando’s Tyus Jones and Sacramento’s Dennis Schroder make sense. Also, if the Rockets wanted to check the free-agent market, Monte Morris could be a possibility, or perhaps someone on the buyout market after the trade deadline. Morris hasn’t played since being waived by Indiana towards the end of November
Should the Rockets Trade Eason, Finney-Smith, or Capela?
The simple answer regarding Eason is no. Eason, who has had a fantastic season thus far, is one of the Rockets’ most important players on both ends of the floor. He is an elite defender who can guard three positions — 2 through 4 — and is a strong rebounder. The only way the Rockets should consider moving him at the trade deadline is for a star-level player or a starting point guard.
Finney-Smith and Capela are different stories.
Finney-Smith has been a disappointment. After missing the first 29 games, the 32-year-old has gotten off to a slow start. He hasn’t reached double-figures in 10 appearances and is only playing 16 minutes a game. He is shooting 25% from the field and 25.9% from the 3-point line.
Despite his struggles, Houston could get the veteran point guard or a ball-handling combo guard plus some draft capital (likely a second-round pick(s)). The reason is he’s a known quantity: a playoff-caliber 3‑and‑D wing who is a switchable defender.
Capela has seen much action this year, falling behind Steven Adams and serving as the Rockets’ third center. The 31-year-old has not been much of an offensive factor but remains an elite rim protector. The Rockets may have a tough decision here, and their decision to move the veteran could hinge on what they can get in return or whether he is part of a bigger package.
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