4 Things that must happen before Rockets win another championship

3. Outside sniper

The Rockets have lacked a 3-point specialist all season, as they didn't prioritize this skillset in the offseason. The franchise was focused on bolstering their defense, which had been one of the worst in the league for several years.

The additions of Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, and Ime Udoka have morphed the Rockets from 29th in defensive rating last season to fifth in the same category this season. However, the Rockets' 3-point shooting has been about as dismal as last season.

The franchise ranks 27th in 3-point percentage this season at 35 percent, compared to 30th last season at 32.7 percent. 

The Rockets' best shooters have been ultimate surprises, as Aaron Holiday, who was signed to the vet-minimum at the last minute, has made 39.3 percent of his triples and has led the team in long-range shooting all season.

Reggie Bullock was expected to fill this role, but his defense has hindered him from seeing the court. And although Bullock is finally at 39.1 percent from deep, he hasn't always been this proficient from long-range this season.

The Rockets haven't had a single player at the 40 percent clip this season, which isn't what you see on championship teams. For example, the Denver Nuggets, who won last year's championship, had two starters at the 40 percent clip in Michael Porter Jr. and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. 

The Rockets will need to get a 3-point specialist expeditiously.