The Houston Rockets have come out swinging this season-and not just figuratively. With a 13-5 record, they’ve climbed to third in the Western Conference and are sitting near the top of the league in both offensive and defensive rating.
That’s not a fluke. This team is built tough, plays smart, and has the kind of two-way balance that screams “contender.”
But even the best-built teams need fine-tuning. And for Houston, the next step is clear: they need more shooting.
Specifically, perimeter shooting. Right now, the Rockets rank second-to-last in the NBA in three-point attempts per game.
Only the Sacramento Kings are taking fewer. That’s a red flag for a team with championship aspirations in today’s pace-and-space league.
To be clear, this isn’t about chasing another superstar. The Rockets don’t need to make a blockbuster splash. What they do need is to consolidate some of their depth-particularly in the frontcourt-and turn it into reliable shooting from beyond the arc.
Durant and Sengun: A Dynamic Duo with Room to Grow
So far, the pairing of Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun has been a revelation. Their games complement each other beautifully.
Sengun’s crafty post play and passing open up lanes for Durant, while KD’s gravity as a scorer gives Sengun room to operate in the paint. It’s a one-two punch that’s been key to Houston’s early success.
But the supporting cast around them has started to show cracks-especially from deep. Josh Okogie, who’s been getting open looks, is shooting just 24% from three over his last 10 games.
Durant himself, while still dangerous, is connecting on 38.3% from deep-down from 43% last season. And Tari Eason, who got off to a hot start, remains sidelined without a clear return date.
The Rockets have been able to mask some of those issues with hustle-crashing the boards, grabbing offensive rebounds, and kicking it out for second-chance threes. But as the season grinds on, that well might not be enough to carry them through a deep playoff run.
A Frontcourt Logjam That Could Be an Asset
Here’s the good news: Houston has the kind of depth most teams would envy. Their center rotation-Sengun, Steven Adams, and Clint Capela-is as physical and imposing as any in the league.
Once Dorian Finney-Smith returns, the frontcourt only gets deeper. They dominate the glass, protect the rim, and set the tone defensively.
But that surplus in the paint also gives the Rockets flexibility. They don’t need to overhaul their identity-they just need to rebalance. Packaging one or two of those role players for a reliable perimeter shooter could be the difference between a strong playoff team and a legitimate title threat.
The Move Doesn’t Have to Be Flashy-Just Smart
This isn’t about swinging for the fences. It’s about making the kind of savvy, under-the-radar move that championship teams make. A knockdown shooter who can space the floor, keep defenses honest, and cash in on the open looks generated by Durant and Sengun-that’s the missing piece.
We don’t know yet who’ll be available as the trade market heats up, but one thing is clear: the Rockets are in a position of strength. They’re not scrambling to fix flaws-they’re looking to sharpen their edge. And if they can find the right shooter to plug into this already dangerous lineup, the rest of the West better be ready.
Because the Rockets aren’t just good. They’re built to win. And with one smart move, they could be built to win it all.