Rockets could be in for a shocking positional battle as the season approaches

The Houston Rockets' point guard rotation could make for some interesting battles this year. Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard are projected to share the duties, but who will be the third man?

For some teams, that would be an inconsequential decision. Who's the third-string point guard? What are we talking about?

For the Rockets, it's a more substantive discussion. Thompson has played as a wing for two NBA seasons. Sheppard is a sophomore who struggled as a rookie. The Rockets will run point by committee, so their third rotational point guard matters.

Who will it be?

Rockets have positional battle heading into season

The knee-jerk answer is Aaron Holiday.

The veteran floor general isn't flashy, but he's a steady hand. In 2024-25, he shot 39.8% from long range. Holiday can get the ball up the floor. He rarely takes risks, and he's an acceptable defender. That's fine:

But it doesn't create an unreachably high bar for JD Davidson to clear.

In two preseason games, Davidson is averaging 15.0 points and 3.0 assists while shooting an otherwordly 54.5% on 5.5 three-point attempts per game. Granted, nobody should make definitive conclusions based on two preseason games, but if nothing else, Davidson has given the Rockets something to think about.

Is he the answer in their rotation?

Rockets must consider all options

It's simply not a question that can be answered right now.

The Rockets ought to be hoping Davidson can usurp Holiday. For starters, he's younger. Davidson is someone who could be part of this team on a longer-term basis.

Beyond the future, let's be honest: Holiday is fine. He's not inspiring. If Davidson is the better option, well, that will mean the Rockets upgraded. In shocking news, that would be good.

That said, Holiday winning the battle wouldn't be catastrophic. To belabor the point, he's fine. Besides, the Rockets may have a third option:

What about an outside hire?

Rockets could look to acquire point guard

Russell Westbrook isn't an option now, but Houston could get him on a smaller contract later in the year.

If Westbrook isn't your bag, that's fair. More broadly, the Rockets could look at an outside hire. At the moment, a deal would be nearly impossible, but after December 15, most of this roster is eligible to be traded.

Perhaps the Rockets could flip Josh Okogie for a modest upgrade over Holiday. They may decide Clint Capela is superfluous. Broadly speaking, if neither Holiday nor Davidson suffices, the Rockets could look to acquire a third-string point guard elsewhere:

They'll need one more than most teams.