Only one shooting guard! Durant s trade sequelae is revealed, the Rockets hoard six-forward lineup

The Houston Rockets are undoubtedly the best team in the league's offseason this year, and they got Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns through a super big deal involving seven teams, becoming the biggest winner in the offseason. Then he signed Dorian Finney Smith in the free agent market to replace Dillon Brooks, and also increased the lineup depth of the center position by signing Clint Capela, and successfully renewed the contract with power forward Jabbarri Smith Jr. These are very smart operations, helping them build a championship lineup that wins in the current situation, but the editor thinks this lineup is not perfect. The Rockets' lineup now has height and weight, versatility, defensive strength and toughness, and even some talented young players. But this team has as many as six forward players, but not many shooting guards. Currently, there is only one real shooting guard, that is Stephen Austin, and there is also a 1.96-meter-tall double-seater Kevon Harris, but he is just a two-way contract player. If he stays on the team, he will only spend most of his time with the Rockets' Development League team Grand River Valley.

It is obvious that the departure of Jaylen Green and Cam Whitmore caused the Rockets' outside explosiveness and athleticism to drop significantly, which raises the question of who in this team can top the shooting guard position. The Rockets definitely hope that this person is Reed Shepard. Although the dream is beautiful, the NBA's lineup construction cannot be achieved by imagination, especially those teams who are eager to win the championship.

But in general, the Rockets already have everything they need. Without large-scale injuries, I believe that even in the extremely competitive West, they can achieve very good regular season record and make it to the playoffs. But do they have enough strength to compete for the championship? This remains to be seen, but from the editor's point of view, the lack of a real shooting guard is a clear weakness.

Even though the Rockets' three offensive organizers including Jaylen Green, Amen Thompson and Whitmore last season, it is still difficult for them to score in the half-court offense. And now they are only left with Amen, a truly dynamic organizer, and he can't play all over the game in every game.

This raises a big question, which is when Durant is off the court or is unable to play for a long time due to injury, who can provide the Rockets with much-needed scoring ability? The editor thinks this may be a question that the Rockets themselves don’t know the answer. Maybe that person comes from the current lineup in the training camp, such as expecting Tari Ethan to reach another level on the offensive end, or expecting that blind trust in Shepard will pay off, or simply believing that Smith and Shin Kyung can improve their offensive level? The editor thinks these are not realistic.

What's more serious is that there is no choice in the free agent market to automatically solve this problem. Some would say Quentin Grimes is a good option, but the Rockets simply cannot get him. Even if he is a restricted free agent for the 76ers, this team will inevitably choose to match when other teams bid, and the Rockets can't come up with any competitive offer because they have already spent the middle class contract on Finney Smith, so they can't expect Grimes to accept the veteran's basic salary.

Of course, there are two players with outstanding offensive skills in the free agent market, Jonathan Kumingga or Cam Thomas, but the possibility of getting them is even smaller than Grimes, because both are restricted free agents and both want to get larger contracts (Cummingga wants an annual salary of $30 million, while the Train wants an annual salary of $20-25 million), these are prices that the Rockets can't afford. Someone may mention Russell Westbrook, but the Rockets had a bad time with Westbrook in the past, and he is unlikely to choose to join the Rockets. As for Malcolm Brogden, there is no need to mention it. He does not meet the needs of the Rockets at all. Even Shepard, who is so sluggish, is currently more suitable for the Rockets than Brogden.

To be honest, this problem may not be solved this season, and if possible, it is likely that it can only be solved through trades. The Rockets have enough wing depth, but these people are all weak offense and strong defense. They lack the elite-level scoring explosiveness and competition-proven offensive ability.

But the editor will never underestimate this team. In order to get Durant to improve the lineup, many problems can be compromised. The Rockets got one of the greatest scorers of all time, but that did cost them. Many Rockets fans will ask a question, that is, is it not worth it to spend these costs to get Durant, who is old and injured? This question may not have a final answer until June next year.