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

2. DJ Augustin is a proven 3-point shooter

Aside from playmaking, Augustin is a knock-down 3-point sniper, as he’s made at least 40 percent of his threes in five seasons. Augustin is a career 37.9 percent long-range shooter, which shows the steady hand he’s hand from distance.

Augustin has seemingly struggled of late, but he’s still made 38 percent of his treys this season, which is a noticeable improvement over his 34.8 percent clip in 2019-20. In spite of Augustin playing just 19 minutes per contest, the veteran guard has scored in double-figures in eight games this season, guiding the Bucks to a 7-1 record during those games.

In those games, Augustin has made 61.7 percent from three (21-of-34), which should quell any concerns about Augustin’s inability to contribute offensively at this stage of his career. Augustin has also started in six games for the Bucks this season, shooting 35.7 percent from long-range during such games.

Augustin’s elite ability to make threes would allow him to share the floor with Houston Rockets point guard John Wall, who could set him up for open looks. To that point, the 33-year-old guard has made 43.8 percent of his catch-and-shoot threes, in addition to 43.2 percent of his threes when he touches the ball for less than two seconds. Augustin’s success in catch-and-shoot long-range scenarios is further outlined below:

• 41.6 percent in 2019-20
• 44.5 percent in 2018-19
• 43.7 percent in 2017-18

In an offense like Silas’, which focuses on ball movement, Augustin’s long-range shooting would be a welcome addition. Especially considering the fact that the Rockets rank dead last in 3-point percentage (32.6 percent).

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