Rockets Face Point Guard Dilemma as VanVleet’s Absence Clouds Offense
The Houston Rockets are grappling with a significant point guard crisis as December unfolds. Despite a promising Christmas Day victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, which could have reignited their season, the team is still struggling to find its rhythm. Currently sitting at 5-6 for the month, the Rockets are not performing at the level they achieved in the first 20 games of the season.
Defensive Woes and Offensive Inefficiencies
While the Rockets’ defensive intensity has faltered—ranking 20th in defensive rating throughout December—offensive struggles are also glaring. The absence of Fred VanVleet, a veteran presence expected to stabilize the team, has left Houston vulnerable. Without him, the Rockets are languishing at 27th in turnover percentage, averaging 16.3%, and 29th in turnovers per game, with 16.2.
The lack of a true point guard to initiate plays has forced stars like Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun into less effective positions. Durant often finds himself double-teamed, while Sengun faces pressure beyond the three-point line, limiting their offensive production. This dynamic has contributed to Durant’s current average of just 16.8 shots per game, the lowest figure he has posted since the 2016-17 season.
Future Trade Prospects
As the February trade deadline approaches, the Rockets’ front office remains relatively quiet. According to insights from NBA sources, Houston is not expected to make any moves before the deadline, despite recent setbacks. The organization is content with its current roster, although the underperformance over the past 15 games has raised some eyebrows. Decisions regarding potential roster changes are likely to be assessed at the end of January, just before the trade window closes on February 5.
Should the Rockets’ struggles persist into the new year, General Manager Rafael Stone and his team may be compelled to explore trade options to address the point guard situation. Historically, the Rockets have been linked to Chris Paul, particularly following his tumultuous exit from the LA Clippers. However, other point guards could also be on the radar as potential solutions for the team’s offensive woes.
Encouraging Signs From the Roster
Despite the point guard predicament, the Rockets’ wings and backcourt have shown promise, especially with the anticipated returns of players like Tari Eason and Dorian Finney-Smith. These reinforcements could bolster the team’s overall performance. Nevertheless, the ongoing issues at the point guard position remain a significant hurdle, one that could define Houston’s trajectory as the season continues.
As the Rockets navigate these challenges, the focus will be on finding a way to enhance their offensive flow and minimize turnovers—elements that are critical for a successful campaign moving forward.
