Why Armoni Brooks could be Rockets GM Rafael Stone’s biggest gem

As the Houston Rockets began to transition into the analytical era, multiple roster changes were brought in for support. They brought in everything from lob threats like Dwight Howard, Clint Capela, and Josh Smith to slashers like Corey Brewer.

Not to mention defensive-minded vets such as Trevor Ariza, Robert Covington, and P.J. Tucker. Basically, Houston believed that if you were efficient at the rim or from deep you were going to be a part of their system.

And for a while, thanks to the likes of Howard, Ariza, and Covington, the Rockets’ needs were addressed quite well. However, Houston never could find their perfect sniper.

They seemed to have identified that in Troy Daniels after he hit one of the biggest threes in Rockets history against the Portland Trail Blazers in the playoffs, but now no one even knows who or where he is. Then Ben McLemore arrived and showed glimpses of a white-hot shooting stroke, but the consistency or lack thereof led him to be released, and being later picked up by the Los Angeles Lakers.

Why Armoni Brooks could be Houston Rockets GM Rafael Stone’s biggest gem

But have no fear Houston fans because our next, and hopefully final, hope has arrived: Armoni Brooks. And on the outside, this looks like the perfect fit.

Brooks is a Texas native, as he was born and raised in Waco, Texas. As a collegiate athlete, he chose to rep the University of Houston, so there’s also the familiarity there.

And oh yeah, the dude can flat out SHOOT it from deep! He led the entire G-league with 57 threes at 38 percent and as a Cougar he made 3 long-range shots per game at 40 percent during his final two seasons.

So the potential for efficient volume is there. Since his call up, he’s kept the Houston Rockets in two games HIMSELF, thanks to some 16 and 14-point performances on over 80 percent from deep on 5.5 attempts.

Ladies and gentleman the stats don’t lie. He could be a PROBLEM for the rest of the league.

Look, I understand that Troy Daniels and even Ben McLemore had these same type of moments, if not even bigger. But this one can be different.

Besides actually giving just the slightest effort on defense, Brooks can show he belongs by continuing to play with this level of confidence. You’re home playing with guys you’ve played alongside all season in Kevin Porter Jr. and KJ Martin, so it’s not just confidence that should be there.

Comfort should be there too. And once you pair those two, you get the one thing a shooter truly needs.

So, what’s it going to be Armoni? Will you be the sniper we’ve all been waiting for for the next decade, or are we going to chalk this up to another, “Well that was fun while it lasted…?”