1 Deeply concerning stat highlights Rockets' biggest problem

The NBA's three-point revolution is here to stay. Teams are shooting a record number of threes, and that's unlikely to change. Have the Houston Rockets gotten with the program?

It's debatable. The Rockets fire 35.5 threes per game in 2024-25. That's 19th in the NBA. Calling for a higher volume could be perilous given how light on shooting this roster is.

Unfortunately, the guys who are supposed to space the floor are not spacing it. A new stat reflects exactly how bleak the Rockets' shooting situation is.

Rockets lottery picks are shooting woefully

Avert your eyes if you're squeamish. This will not be pretty.

Dear God.

Smith Jr. is the most egregious defender. His entire prospect profile revolved around his shooting. Connecting on 15% of his wide-open threes is unacceptable.

It may not be a statistical anomaly. Smith Jr. has shot just 32.9% from long range across his entire NBA career, but his 36.3% shooting last season inspired confidence. Now, it's fair to wonder what his real level is. Smith Jr. was an elite shooter in college - what happened?

There are several explanations. The Rockets don't do much to involve Smith Jr. on offense. They run precious few sets for him. One could argue that Smith Jr. isn't allowed to get in rhythm.

None of that justifies a 15% mark on wide-open threes. Smith Jr. will likely find his shot - or at least a semblance of it - in time, but with Tari Eason nipping at his heels, it may or may not happen on the Rockets.

Green's potential value is not tied as tightly to his shooting as Smith Jr.'s. His ability to get to the rim holds regardless of his shooting percentages. Still, he needs to connect on more than 24% of his wide-open threes.

What if he doesn't?

The Rockets have a problem to solve

Trades could be on the horizon.

The Rockets have playoff aspirations. They will struggle to achieve their goals if they continue with one of the worst shooting teams in the NBA.

It could be a blockbuster consolidation deal. It could also be a more incremental move. The Rockets have tradeable salaries that they could flip for a shooting specialist.

Still, both Green and Smith Jr. will have a tenuous grasp on their roster spots if they don't improve these percentages. Each is replaceable if they aren't quality shooters. The Rockets' offense could be broken wide open if they replaced Smith Jr. with a reliable spot-up shooter. The same effect could take hold if they replaced Green with a more reliable star guard.

After all, the three-point revolution is not going anywhere.