Houston Rockets must consider reunion with a former fan favorite

The Houston Rockets should have the Mid-Level Exception (MLE) available this summer. That doesn't mean they have to use it all.

Who knows? An optimal target could become available at a lower price. The Rockets don't need much. They could run the roster they have right now and expect a strong 2024-25 performance.

That said, they could use an injection of shooting. A guard with significant three-point gravity would be a sensible addition to this roster. If that player were a veteran who could provide leadership, that would be a plus. What if that veteran already knew his way around the organization?

Wait a minute...

Former Rockets hero is set for free agency

Isn't Eric Gordon a free agent?

Last year, Gordon shot 40.9% on 3.5 three-pointers per contest for the 76ers. Put differently, he's still got it. Gordon has always been an elite shooter.

He's also a fairly versatile shooter. Gordon can knock down threes off the catch or dribble. He's got limitless range. Defenders will be desperate to ensure he's not open from deep.

That's an element that the Rockets haven't had in their roster since - well, since they had Eric Gordon. The Rockets have employed shooters, but none of them have commanded Gordon's attention.

Is he the perfect addition to this roster?

Rockets should work around Gordon's flaws

Well, no.

Defense can be more difficult to quantify in the NBA. Metrics have never put Gordon's stopping powers in a positive light. Still, fans who saw him in Houston know that he was solid at the point of attack.

Fans who have watched him since will have a different understanding.

Gordon hasn't been a good defender in years. Age has a way of draining a player's powers on that end of the court. At 36, Gordon doesn't have the energy to chase young players around the perimeter like he used to.

That doesn't mean the Rockets shouldn't sign him.

In 2024-25, Gordon played 19.7 minutes per game for the Sixers. At his age, he should be in line for another minute reduction in 2025-26.

That's perfect for the Rockets. Again, this roster is already strong. The Rockets don't need a new starter or even a new sixth man. They need to open up minutes for Reed Sheppard - and Cam Whitmore, if he remains on the roster.

What they do need is a three-point specialist. Gordon is that guy. The fact that he's comfortable in the Toyota Center is only a bonus. Fans would love to see Gordon back in the fold, and he's a perfect fit for this roster:

Best of all, he shouldn't even cost the full MLE.