The Houston Rockets are coming off a season in which they were one of the NBA's worst shooting teams for the fourth straight season. His success rate from beyond the arc was 35.2 percent, which ranked 23rd in the league. This is better than last season's record of 32.7 percent (the previous lowest).
Sure, it was an improvement over last season and contributed to the Rockets' 41-41 record, but finishing at .500 and missing the playoffs was never the Rockets' goal. In order to take the next step back to the top tier of the NBA, the Rockets must become a better shooting team. Throughout the season, the key for opponents was to get into the 2-3 zone when the Rockets gained momentum offensively.
Houston couldn't make outside shots and often slowed down. Sure, the addition of Tali Eason, who was one of the Rockets' best shooters before the injury, will help next season, but the Rockets still need additional shooting.
One thing to remember is that while the Rockets don't have as much cap space as they did last season, there are moves the team can make to free up space. Jock Landale and Jeff Green are not guaranteed for next season, and Jae'Sean Tate, who is in the final year of his contract and makes more than $8 million a year, could be on the move. Also, as currently constructed, the Rockets don't have a lot of playing time for players like Tate or Landale, even if they move on.
So without further ado, here are three role player free agent options the Rockets should consider this offseason to improve their outside shooting.
Malik Beasley
Age: 27 years old
2023-24 salary: $2.7 million
Malik Beasley is currently with the Milwaukee Bucks, and the only time he shot above 41.3 percent this season was in 2019-20, making him the best 3-point shooter of his career considering he played in just 14 games. The season is coming to an end. .
He improved his outside shooting this season, shooting over 44 percent from the field overall, his highest field goal percentage since the 2018-19 season. Also, in his eighth year, his field goal shooting percentage was nearly 60 percent, an all-time high.
He will make just $2 million in the 2023-24 season and will be looking for a raise next season. Not only is he a 3-point shooter, he can score off the bounds and even make shots at times.
Kendavious Caldwell Pope
Age: 31 years old
2023-24 salary: $15 million player option
Next on my list is Kendavious Caldwell-Pope. It's been another productive season for the defending champions, shooting over 40 percent from three-point range for the third time in the last four seasons. Pope is probably the most exciting player on the list. That's because he's spent the past two seasons playing with Nikola Jokic, who has a similar playing style to that particular center in Houston.
Alpelen Sengun has been compared to Jokic several times, but it's probably hundreds of times, and you have a player like Pope who is also a good passer and knows how to attack a dominant center. with the Rockets, which may bode well for his suitability. Caldwell-Pope shot 40.6 percent from downtown. Of course, being on the same court as Jokic plays a big part in that, but think back to the Rockets' games this season. You must remember how many open shots the players took when Sengan was there. on the court.
Of course, Pope could easily accept his player option and remain in Denver next season, but he's definitely someone the Rockets should consider if he hits the open market.
alec barks
32 years old
2023-24 salary: $10.4 million
The next player on my list is Alec Burks. Although he is not a very well-known player, he is a key contributor for the New York Knicks, who are currently competing in the first round of the playoffs, and has been one of the best shooters in the league for several years. Burks split time between two teams last season and struggled with his 3-point shooting with the Knicks, but still finished the season shooting 37 percent from downtown.
One explanation for the struggles with the Knicks is that they play a different offensive style than most teams, and it took Burks time to adjust. He will also get more open looks with the Rockets and will fit into a more traditional role. He has shot 38.3 percent from deep in his career, and like Pope, he shouldn't command a big contract like Buddy Hield or Klay Thompson. Also, like Pope, he doesn't need a lot of touches or a key role on the team.
Burks is 32 years old and is past his prime as he lost his spot in the rotation late in the season, but given the Rockets' needs, he would be a great addition to add this offseason.
The Rockets entered the offseason on a high note, with their best performance in the last four seasons, but there are some areas they need to improve on, most notably their 3-point shooting. The three players in this article are realistic options that could help the Rockets take the next step in 2024-25.
