Coming off a 131-135 overtime loss to the Washington Wizards on Monday night, the Houston Rockets sit with a 9-10 record to start the season. Compared to the 15-4 record through the first 19 games last season, it is obvious the Rockets are struggling to replicate the success they saw a year ago.
Injuries have played a role in their troubles early on, with just about all key players not named Clint Capela or P.J. Tucker having missed time. This has only shed more light on this roster’s lack of depth and desperate need to add to the rotation.
With Houston always seeking to continue improving the roster down the stretch of the season, it is expected that their name will pop up frequently in trade talks.
Here are some potential candidates for the Houston Rockets to target between now and the February trade deadline.
3. Terrence Ross
The Orlando Magic swingman is having an impactful season so far and putting up some of the best numbers of his career. Through 21 games this year, he is averaging 14.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.5 blocks. Currently in the last year of his contract, Terrence Ross has much more to offer Houston than just expiring money.
It is no secret that the three-point shot is a fixture in the Houston Rockets' offense. Although they are second in the league in makes and attempts, the Rockets are 23rd in team three-point percentage, down from 13th last season. Terrence Ross has been one of the most reliable perimeter shooters this season and could be the answer as Houston seeks to improve their efficiency from deep. Out of all players with at least five attempts per game, Ross’ three-point percentage of 42.5 percent places him in a tie for sixth highest efficiency in the league.
Able to create his own shot, as well as attack the basket, adding Ross would give the Rocket’s roster an offensive boost. He is also able to play the two or the three, which would give a little extra versatility to their line ups and hopefully alleviate having to choose between playing James Harden 40+ minutes or playing Michael Carter-Williams at all.
2. Otto Porter Jr.
The Houston Rockets got a close-up view Monday night of Otto Porter Jr.’s all around game. While his numbers have regressed a little this season amidst a turbulent season for the Washington Wizards, he has still shown himself to be a solid 3 and D player. So far this season, he is putting up 12.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game. Though he would be a hefty contract to take on, Porter could be a perfect roster plug in for the Rockets.
The Houston Rockets' offense has started to recover from early struggles, now sitting eighth in offensive efficiency, but their defense is still a problem. Ranking 25th in defensive efficiency, this has been one of the major areas of concern for the team. Otto Porter Jr. could mimic the role played by Trevor Ariza last season, able to spend minutes at both the three and the four. Porter Jr.’s 1.5 steals per game seat him in the top 25 of the league in a category Houston currently ranks 17th in as at team, compared to fifth last year.
His perimeter defense and ability to take on tough assignments could be of great benefit to Houston in the postseason. Facing players like Paul George, Kevin Durant, or LeBron James, Otto Porter Jr. would be a noticeable defensive upgrade over James Ennis or Michael Carter-Williams.
The Rockets would be hopeful that a change of scenery would help to restore some of his shooting efficiency from previous seasons. Porter Jr. is absolutely capable at hitting open threes and would likely see many opportunities in Houston.
1. Kyle Korver
Premier marksman Kyle Korver is being eyed by many teams shopping the trade market, but could find a home in Houston. One of the best three-point shooters in the league, Korver is showing he can still make an impact in the game in his 16th season. Through 16 games this season, he is averaging 6.8 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.2 steals, and 0.1 blocks, all in just 15.7 minutes per game.
Though he doesn’t lend much in the way of defensive presence, Kyle Korver has been one of the best scorers off the bench thanks to his shooting from deep. Ranking sixth overall in efficiency, Korver is putting up 1.6 threes a night on 46.3 percent shooting.
He may not be quite as complete of a package as other available players, but he may be the most reliable. In his last 10 seasons, he has only shot under 40 percent three times and has shot 50 percent or better in seven of his 16 games so far this season. Fitting him into the rotation as someone who could capitalize on catch and shoot opportunities and nail a couple threes anytime the Rockets find themselves in a cold stretch could be exactly what they need.