5 Holes Rockets still have to fill to return to the playoffs

4. Efficient shooter

The Rockets were the worst 3-point shooting team in the NBA last season by percentage and finished 29th in threes made. Houston also ranked 28th in field goal percentage last season. Their efficiency was problematic and despite the upgrades, it may be worse.

Fred VanVleet shot 39.3 percent from the field and 34.2 percent on his threes last season. Both were below his career averages and VanVleet is usually a plus 3-point marksman, but is the 29-year-old starting to decline? His efficiency could remain subpar in Houston and further drag the Rockets down.

Brooks connected on just 39.6 percent from the field and 32.6 percent on his threes last season. He was not happy with his role. The Grizzlies wanted him to be a 3-and-D option, but the 6’7 wing loves to shoot and will keep chucking in Space City.

The Houston Rockets improved their roster, but they could be the least efficient team in both field goal and 3-point percentage this season. It is impossible to see them returning to the playoffs if they finish near the bottom in both categories. Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun should all continue to improve in this area, but that is not enough.

The franchise might need multiple additions to solve this problem, and even that does not matter without the next thing on this list.