Ranking the Houston Rockets' 3 biggest needs nearing the NBA Trade Deadline

It's funny to talk about the Houston Rockets' needs. This team has far surpassed expectations at 28-14. They're one of the best teams in the NBA:

Are we sure they need anything?

It depends on your philosophy. If you want the Rockets to prioritize player development, you may opt against any deadline deal. Bringing in a quality veteran is assured to block someone's path to playing time, and Reed Sheppard and Cam Whitmore are already on perilous paths.

By contrast, if you want the Rockets to prioritize the present: yes, they have needs. Realistically, they have several.

Here are three as the deadline approaches, from lowest to highest priority.

3. Rim protection

Do the Rockets even need rim protection?

It's an interesting question. No player on this roster qualifies as a conventional rim protector. It's not Alperen Sengun's strength - he defends better at the level as a free safety. Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, and Amen Thompson all provide weakside protection, but none are a primary rim protector. Steven Adams occupies tremendous space on the interior, but he still doesn't quite fit the bill.

The Rockets have been protecting the rim by committee. It's working. Opponents are shooting 61.6% on field goals from 5 feet or less against the Rockets. That's the seventh-best mark in the league.

This front office could justify bringing in a rim protector at a marginal cost. They could look at young, raw bigs who should be easily affordable, but it doesn't feel like a pressing priority.

Especially with other concerns on the docket.

2. Secondary ball-handling

In theory, Sheppard should be the backup point guard. He hasn't looked ready. Aaron Holiday has handled those responsibilities in his stead.

Holiday has performed admirably, but surely he could be upgraded. It would be optimal to be able to put a larger guard on the floor when VanVleet rests. A combo guard who can play alongside him or Jalen Green but also pilot the offense when both need a rest would be an ideal target.

That said, the Rockets shouldn't be breaking the bank. They ought to look into low-cost options like Malcolm Brogdon or Lonzo Ball to satisfy this need. Think of players who are, for one reason or another, distressed assets - but still useful.

Ideally, Sheppard will be ready to take the reigns next year. The Rockets just used the third overall pick on him - surely they've got a plan for the former Kentucky guard. Still, a stopgap may be necessary if they want to succeed in the 2024-25 playoffs.

1. Shooting

Forget rim protection. You can even disregard ball handling. Shooting is the Rockets' most pressing need by - if you'll pardon the pun - a long shot.

As of now, the team is shooting 33.8% from three-point range - 27th in the NBA. The Rockets are an elite defensive team that punishes opponents on the glass. They've got no shortage of talent, but shooting is not their strength.

On the subject of young talent, Jabari Smith Jr.'s absence has complicated their outlook. He was shooting 35.4% on 4.8 three-pointers per game. That stat is slightly misleading - after a cold stretch to begin the season, Smith Jr. became one of the Rockets' most reliable shooters.

Since he got hurt, Amen Thomson has been starting. During the month of January, he's averaged 17.1 points,10.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. Thompson has proven his ability to do virtually anything on a basketball floor - besides shoot.

Who knows how Ime Udoka will reconfigure the starting lineup when Smith Jr. returns. In any case, adding a movement shooter would help him mix and match tenable lineups. Someone low-cost like Garrison Mathews or Luke Kennard ought to suffice:

The Rockets don't need much.