Ranking the 6 worst starters of the Rockets' rebuild

5. Daniel Theis

Daniel Theis was the Rockets' biggest free-agent acquisition in 2021, as he landed a $36 million contract over four years. Rockets GM Rafael Stone lauded Theis as "a versatile center who impacts both ends of the floor," which seemed like a great addition. At least on paper.

However the fit was never quite there.

Theis' presence led to massive spacing issues for then-rookie Jalen Green. And the fit alongside Christian Wood was clunky, at best.

It wasn't supposed to be that way though. Theis had been viewed as a respectable defender, which should have helped Christian Wood in theory, who was known as the exact opposite. 

Theis posted averages of 8.4 points and 5 rebounds and started 21 of 26 games in Houston, shooting 46.9 percent from the field (career-worst), 29.1 percent from deep, and 67.5 percent from the field. The Rockets went 1-16 after signing Theis and proceeded to give him a bevy of DNPs before trading him and absolving themselves of his contract.