Houston Rockets: Where Does Jordan Hamilton Fit In?

Nov 21, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Jordan Hamilton (1) drives to the basket during the first half against the Chicago Bulls at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Newly acquired forward Jordan Hamilton won’t be ready to suit up for the Houston Rockets until the weekend, but what his role will be remains unclear. The 3rd year pro from the University of Texas has been averaging 6.8 points and 3.4 rebounds this season, including 11 starts for the Denver Nuggets, while shooting 36 percent from the 3-point line.

Head coach Kevin McHale will have to see what Hamilton brings to the team before deciding what to do with him:

“We’ll have to wait and see, I know he played for them earlier and it gives us a wing. I think that (adding an athletic wing) was definitely the thinking behind it. Again, hopefully we get him here as soon as possible and get him in practice and see what we’ve got.”

Hamilton’s potential has the chance to make him an ideal fit for the Rockets: a 6’7 swingman who can run the floor and knock down 3’s. In fact, in his original scouting report entering the 2011 draft on DraftExpress, Hamilton’s strengths fits hand-in-hand with what the Rockets look for in their wings:

“Hamilton is clearly a big time offensive talent with a game that is probably better suited for the more wide-open style of the NBA. The superior spacing and faster pace of the professional game will make his shooting and overall scoring ability stand out even more. If he wants to reach his full potential, though, he must improve his mentality on both ends of the floor.”

The Nuggets did not pick up Hamilton’s rookie option for next season prior to the trade, so it was pretty clear that he didn’t live up to expectations while in Denver. Hamilton will be an unrestricted free agent in the summer, and hopefully, a change of scenery for him could mutually benefit both him and the Rockets.