The Houston Rockets have made another significant move to bolster their roster. They have agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal with veteran guard Marcus Smart.
How We Got Here:
The Houston Rockets are coming off an interesting season. Many people assumed that they were going to take a major step forward. However, they finished the season as the fifth seed in the West and had a disappointing playoff performance against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Because of their playoff loss, there were a lot of questions about their roster construction and what they needed to change going into next season. However, the Rockets have remained firm in their stance and haven’t made any major moves.
Smart himself is coming off a solid season with the Lakers in which he averaged 9.3 points, 3.0 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.4 steals. He then elevated his play in the playoffs, averaging nearly 13 points and over five assists in 10 playoff starts. That impact in the playoffs is exactly why the Rockets have decided to bring him in.
His Impact:
This move will allow the Rockets’ defensive identity to get much stronger. They finished third in defensive rating last season and gave up the fourth fewest points in the league. They have a number of young players who will benefit from playing with a veteran capable of organizing teammates, guarding multiple positions, forcing turnovers, and bringing an edge that often energizes an entire team.
On top of that, his familiarity with Udoka’s scheme and what he likes to do on both ends of the floor is a major bonus. This will give Udoka some flexibility in late game situations as the Rockets struggled to execute when it mattered most last season.
However, if the Rockets rely on him too much, it could prove to be detrimental to what they are trying to accomplish. Smart has struggled at times over the past couple of seasons when given a bigger role. If the Rockets deviate from their true young core that is full of talent, they risk seeing that version of Smart.
This is an impactful move for the Rockets after their disappointing end to the season. They are bringing in a player who is willing to sacrifice his numbers for team success, which is exactly what the Rockets need next season.
Leave a Reply