5 Current NBA free agents the Houston Rockets should consider

3. Tyler Johnson

Former Phoenix Suns guard Tyler Johnson is an interesting option for the Houston Rockets, especially as it pertains to their style of play. The Rockets value the 3-point shot, and Johnson can provide value there, as he’s a career 35.8 percent shooter from long-range.

The Rockets have also famously shifted to the small-ball strategy this season, and the 6-foot-4 Johnson could play either guard position and possibly even the small forward spot as well. Johnson is a career 10.5 point scorer and was one of the best 3-point shooters for the Miami Heat from 2015-2017, which would provide great bench production for the Rockets.

Johnson has stepped up his play when the stakes have been the highest, as he improved his 3-point shooting percentage during the 2015-16 playoffs to the tune of 50 percent, which was second best on the Heat. This was an improvement over an already impressive 38 percent he shot during the regular season.

Johnson did the same during the 2017-18 season, as he shot a scorching 60 percent from downtown during the postseason, which was a team-high for the Heat. This was also an improvement over the 36.7 percent he shot during the regular season.

Johnson hasn’t necessarily shown the ability to create offense for others, but he doesn’t need to, because the Rockets obviously have Russell Westbrook and James Harden for that. Johnson would be asked to shoot threes without any pause or hesitation, and he’s shown the ability to thrive in such a role.

The Phoenix Suns recently waived him, as they’re ways away from playoff contention, and don’t have much of a need for the six-year veteran. If the Houston Rockets are interested in the 27-year-old’s services, they’ll have to move quickly because the Lakers and Clippers are both rumored to be interested in the former Fresno State product, according to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated.

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