How Stephen Silas will change the Rockets offense

Mavericks vs. Rockets

The Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets on the surface look like they had very similar offenses. The two finished one and two in 3-point attempts and the Mavericks averaged 117 to the Rockets 117.8 points per game.

However, that’s where the similarities end. The Rockets were much more adherent to the most analytically inclined shots of lay-ups and threes. They took the fewest long-2’s, mid-range jumpers, and shots from 3 to 10 feet from the rim in the league.

The Mavericks, on the other hand, took the second-fewest shots at the rim and were close to league average in mid-range attempts. Part of this came down to their rosters but it also indicates that the Mavericks were willing to have an offense that exploited all areas of the court, instead of just two.

If Stephen Silas brings components of the Mavericks’ offense to Houston then expect the Rockets to take more mid-range jumpers. While these shots aren’t as analytically friendly as lay-ups if they’re converted at a high enough clip they can still provide value.

NBA shot charts have become relatively homogeneous so an uptick in mid-range shots wouldn’t suddenly drag the Rockets offense back into the 20th century but it should be a welcome sight to fans who grew weary of the Rockets’ predictable shot diet. The most pronounced change that Silas will bring is how the Rockets go about getting their shots.

Next: A new offensive ideology