Ranking the 5 worst free agent signings in Houston Rockets history

4 of 5

2. Ryan Anderson

Antony's deal was marginal. Anderson's was enormous. In the beginning, it looked like he'd justify his price tag.

Anderson was always productive. He shot 40.3% from long range during his 2016-17 debut season with the team. Anderson's ability to square up from well beyond the arch warped the floor's geometry exactly as D'Antoni wanted.

Great sequence for Ryan Anderson and the #Rockets. Two 3-pointers in under 30 seconds. Capela flare leads to the first Ryno 3. Harden with good post defense on Gasol, yielding the baseline so Gasol meets help-defender in Capela. In transition, Ryno again for 3. pic.twitter.com/x7Kes4XRKi
— Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) February 2, 2018

Unfortunately, that was only half of the Rockets' identity. The Harden-era Rockets also leaned into playing multiple defensive wings. P.J. Tucker, Trevor Ariza, and Luc Mbah a Moute were all stalwarts on that end of the floor.

By contrast, Anderson was a liability on that end of the floor. He lasted just two seasons in Houston before the team sent him to the Phoenix Suns - and were forced to attach De'Anthony Melton just to unload Anderson's contract.

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