The Houston Rockets have made a huge splash this offseason. The Rockets spent $246.5 million this offseason for Fred VanVleet, Jock Landale, Jeff Green, and Dillon Brooks. These acquisitions complement the Rockets’ youngsters Jalen Green, Alperen Senguin, Jabari Smith, and 2023 No. 4 overall pick Amen Thompson. Kevin Porter Jr., Cam Whitmore, and Tari Eason are also expected to be part of Houston’s future.
NBA Rumors: Houston Rockets Reportedly Scouring Free Agent Market For Backcourt Depth
Still, the Rockets have three open roster spots and are about $4.5 million under the cap. Houston also reportedly has all of its $7.7 million room exception and two trade exceptions, totaling over $3.3 million.
According to The Athletic’s Kelly Iko, the Rockets are ” surveying the market for guard depth.” Iko states that a veteran who can handle either backcourt position would be ideal for the current roster.
VanVleet and Thompson are the only point guards on the roster. Meanwhile, Green and Porter Jr. are listed depth chart as shooting guards.
There is a chance that Houston will trade for trade depth, as Iko tweeted several teams have inquired about Jae’Sean Tate. However, the Rockets are unlikely to trade the young veteran as he is considered an important piece of Ime Udoka’s rotation.
Rival teams that have inquired about F Jae’Sean Tate’s availability at various points in the offseason have all been left with the impression that he’s considered an important piece of Ime Udoka’s puzzle, sources tell @TheAthletic. https://t.co/UiMUbfFsnn
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) July 3, 2023
Who Could The Rockets Target?
Kelly Oubre Jr.
Kelly Oubre Jr. is not a great fit to fill both guard positions. But, with Green and Porter Jr. still on the roster, he doesn’t have to play with the ball in his hands much. He would help them defensively, be another dangerous scorer, and help space the floor.
Terrence Davis
Terrence Davis is closer to the ideal fit for Houston. He is an elite scorer who can play all three perimeter positions off the bench. He is not a great distributor, but he is a career 36.6% 3-point shooter. Houston certainly needs to find more shooting to match their athletic roster.
Hamidou Diallo
Hamidou Diallo is a great fit for the Rockets. The 24-year-old is experienced and can play both guard positions. He is a good scorer and distributor who defends. However, turnovers are an issue.
Mike James
Mike James is an ideal fit for Houston. The 31-year-old veteran can certainly handle both guard spots and is an excellent ball-handler. While he has not been in the NBA since 2020-21, James has been tearing it up in France. James averaged 16.3 points and 4.7 assists for Monaco during EuroLeague play this past season.
Svi Mykhailiuk
Svi Mykhailiuk is potentially everything the Rockets could want as a reserve guard. The 6-7 guard can play four positions and is a good shooter. He also has demonstrated the ability to be a capable playmaker. Myjhailoiuk holds his own defensively and is coming off a fantastic 19-game stretch for Chicago.
Frank Ntilikina
Frank Ntilikina certainly fits the bill as someone who can fill guard spots. He is a strong ball distributor and a solid defender. But, he is not a shooter.
Austin Rivers
Austin Rivers is another player who is an ideal fit for the Rockets as he checks all the boxes. The 30-year-old is mainly a three-point shooter though he can handle and distribute the ball.
Edmond Sumner
Edmond Sumner is also very capable of handling both guard positions. He has played very well the last two years, though he is not a great distributor. Sumner also has demonstrated the ability to defend.
Justise Winslow
Justice Winslow is very versatile, and while not a true lead guard, he is a terrific playmaker and ball-handler. Winslow gets after it defensively, although shooting is an issue for the 27-year-old.
