Trading for Kevin Durant and adding Dorian Finney-Smith in free agency should solve the outside shooting woes that have bogged down the Rockets‘ offense, writes Kelly Iko of The Athletic. He notes that Houston went just 5-of-17 from beyond the arc in a Game 7 loss to Golden State while averaging just 78.0 points per 100 halfcourt plays. Management believed the team had become too reliant on scoring off the offensive glass and needed to find a way to stretch opposing defenses.
Durant, who remains one of the league’s top shooters at age 36, should go a long way toward fixing the problem. Iko notes that Phoenix managed to be a top 10 halfcourt team last season, which is largely due to Durant’s brilliance. He should provide the lion’s share of Houston’s offense, with elite athletes surrounding him to keep opposing defenses honest.
Finney-Smith posted two huge games against the Rockets in March and April, Iko adds, going a combined 12-of-20 from three-point range. Iko cites statistics from Cleaning the Glass showing that Finney-Smith’s on-off numbers were plus-10.8 during his time with Brooklyn last season and plus-9.3 with Los Angeles. Iko expects the Rockets to see fewer zones with Durant and Finney-Smith on hand to counter them.
There’s more from the Southwest Division:
- Rockets two-way player David Roddy appears to be headed to the Hawks as compensation for Clint Capela when a seven-team deal becomes official on Sunday, according to Danielle Lerner of The Houston Chronicle (Twitter link). Roddy began last season with Atlanta before being waived at the trade deadline.
- God Shammgod talked to Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News about his decision to leave the Mavericks‘ coaching staff and join his friend Jamahl Mosley with the Magic. Shammgod is among four assistants Dallas is losing this offseason. He has been with the organization since 2016 and said he never expected to make such a move a month ago. “I’ve been very fortunate, being under a great coach like Rick Carlisle, and then going to another good coach like (Jason Kidd) and being a part of one of the best organizations in the world,” Shammgod said. “And Mark Cuban, you know, probably one of the greatest owners in sports — but, to me, an even better person. There will always be a love relationship for me here in Dallas. I just appreciate everything Dallas did for me, as a coach and as a person.”
- New Pelicans head of basketball operations Joe Dumars is taking a huge chance that the young roster he has assembled can be a playoff contender, observes William Guillory of The Athletic. If it doesn’t work out, Guillory believes Dumars will be facing a full rebuild that could include trading Zion Williamson and firing coach Willie Green.
So Dumars is taking a huge risk , resulting in a possible rebuild ….. and the coach would be on the hot seat …Nice
It almost reads more as a case for OSHA than a quality environment to well …. Coach
Retaining Green was suprising. He doesn’t seem like a Dumars guy. He’s probably setting up for 2026-27 more than next year, and may think he can attract a better coach when (if) they see some healthy players.
The Pelicans had a difficult 2024 season, finishing with a 21-61 record, the fourth worst in the league.
Team Expectation (Not my opinions)
Pelicans have strong beliefs that something will be good and successful this season. Some analysts predict Pelicans could be a top-six seed if they stay healthy and Williamson plays at a high level.
Zion Williams plays 30 games last season. He should have a relatively healthy season (70 games?). Their success will depend on Williamson’s health.
This is my question to Some analysts.
Pelicans will win 51 games (jump from 21 wins to 51 wins? )
Rockets should try to convince Ray Allen to play and get a hired gun
Umm he’s 50? Might as well see if Reggie Miller wants to leave the booth lmfao
Is it meaningful that GS said « great coach » Malone and only « another good coach » Kidd, instead of « two great coaches » as more assistant coaches move on from Dallas?
Carlisle*
4 Assistent coaches leaving – special love for Mark Cuban. This is a message to the New owners and their Management.
And I guess Kidd would not have been Opposed to talking to the Knicks.
If they did not have stolen Flagg, Kidd might have send a message to the owners that he will not Look for an extension.
Dallas is a dumpster fire organization. Flagg will be a Celtic when his rookie contract is up!