Houston Rockets’ Point Guard Dilemma Intensifies
The Houston Rockets are facing a significant challenge at the point guard position this season, a situation that has drawn considerable attention and scrutiny. The team’s attempt to assign Kevin Durant some playmaking responsibilities has not yielded the desired results, raising concerns about the effectiveness of this strategy.
Durant’s Struggles with Ball Control
Durant’s foray into playmaking has revealed a troubling trend: an alarming increase in turnovers. Over the last four games, he has averaged 4.8 turnovers per outing, a statistic that highlights his struggles, particularly when confronted with double teams or aggressive defensive schemes. This trend is particularly concerning given that Durant is often unable to find an outlet during crucial moments, limiting his impact on the game. As a result, he has averaged just 17 shot attempts per game, marking his lowest output in this regard since the 2016-17 season.
Amen Thompson’s Role and Limitations
Amen Thompson has taken on the role of the Rockets’ full-time starting point guard throughout the season, handling the majority of the on-ball responsibilities. However, his optimal use likely lies in a more off-ball capacity, where he can leverage his strengths. The team’s reliance on Thompson has been evident, especially during critical junctures of games, where a dedicated floor general is desperately needed to facilitate plays and create scoring opportunities for Durant.
Exploring Trade Options
Given their current predicament, the Rockets may need to explore trade options to bolster their backcourt. Unfortunately, their financial constraints complicate matters. Houston finds itself just $1.2 million under the first apron, effectively hard-capped. This limits their ability to add significant contributors without incurring luxury tax penalties. The Disabled Player Exception, which amounts to $12.5 million—half of the injured Fred VanVleet’s salary—could provide some relief, but it would require moving additional salary to create necessary cap space.
Coby White: A Potential Solution
One name that has surfaced as a possible fit is Coby White from the Chicago Bulls. According to reports, White is averaging 21.7 points and five assists per game, despite not yet hitting his stride as a three-point shooter. While his defensive value remains a concern, his offensive capabilities make him an intriguing option for teams looking to enhance their backcourt depth.
White is currently in the final year of his contract, valued at $12.9 million, making him a viable trade target. To facilitate a potential deal, the Rockets could consider packaging players like Dorian Finney-Smith and Jae’Sean Tate to match salaries. This scenario could provide Houston with a much-needed upgrade at the point guard position, allowing them to better utilize Durant’s scoring prowess and significantly improve their overall offensive efficiency.
As the Rockets navigate this complex situation, the urgency to find a reliable point guard grows with each game, highlighting the crucial balance between financial strategy and on-court performance.
