Rockets: 3 reasons why trading for DJ Augustin was a smart move

3. Augustin’s play-making is much needed for the Houston Rockets

It’s no secret that the Houston Rockets have a scarcity of facilitators, as their only true point guard on the roster is John Wall. Sure, they have Kevin Porter Jr., who is a converted point guard with an average of eight assists this season, but Porter is still learning the position, as the transition just took effect during the G-League season.

The Rockets have had a shortage of point guards for quite awhile now, which has been masked in recent memory by James Harden, who is one of the better playmakers that the league has ever seen. Having Harden allowed the Rockets to stagger the point guard minutes of each of his last two backcourt teammates, which were Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook.

This year’s version of the Rockets could certainly use a facilitator like D.J. Augustin, who is a natural point guard and has played the position through his entire 13-year career. Rockets coach Stephen Silas is very familiar with Augustin’s playmaking abilities, as he was on the Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets) coaching staff from 2010-12, during which span Augustin was the starting point guard for the franchise.

Augustin posted averages of 6.1 assists and 6.4 assists during those seasons, which were both career-bests. In 2019-20 Augustin averaged 6.6 assists per 36 minutes, and is averaging 5.6 assists per 36 this season. Augustin has a high basketball IQ and provides tremendous spacing and playmaking, which the Houston Rockets (and any team, for that matter) could use.

Next: No. 2