Rockets give NBA long shot the opportunity of a lifetime

It's been a long time since the draft was less consequential to a Houston Rockets offseason than it was this summer.

Technically, the team drafted Khaman Maluach - only to send him to the Suns. The acquisition of Kevin Durant may have signalled a change in philosophy. The Rockets have shifted some of their focus from the future to the present.

It's an exciting time for Rockets fans. Still, some draft nerds will miss the scouting. Luckily, the real diehards still have a prospect to look at.

The Rockets are giving one young player an opportunity with the squad.

Rockets invite defensive ace to training camp

Meet Mississippi State's Cam Mathews.

In some respects, Mathews is the 2024-25 Rockets personified. He's a 6'7" wing with an impressive wingspan and outstanding defensive instincts. Last year, he averaged an incredible 2.4 steals per game. What's not to love?

The shooting.

Last year, Mathews shot 24.0% from long range for Mississippi State. That's a bit better than his 20.0% career mark. Perhaps that's why this 23-year-old senior is just getting to the NBA.

Shooting isn't his only limitation. Mathews is also a subpar ball-handler. With no discernible offensive game, his road to the NBA will be perilous.

Could it begin in Houston?

Rockets unlikely to stick with Mathews

At the risk of being cynical, let's be perfectly frank:

It's not likely.

The Rockets have shifted firmly into win-now mode. That means taking inventory of what the team needs. The team doesn't need defense - they've got a surplus of it.

The team badly needs shooting.

So, the odds of Mathews cracking the rotation are slim. Realistically, the odds of him making his way past training camp are long.

That's not even a knock on Mathews. There's a reason he's 23, and not yet in the NBA. He's a fringe NBA player.

Let's take a step back. Even being considered for an NBA team is a tremendous accomplishment. Mathews should be proud, but he shouldn't be making purchases with his next Rockets check in mind yet.

Still, he's got an opportunity. We know Ime Udoka loves defensive-minded players. The Rockets may spare a two-way contract for Mathews.

Who knows? His three-pointer could develop in time. Player development is nothing if not unpredictable. There's a world where we see Mathews in a Rockets uniform someday.

It's just less likely than it has been for prospects in recent summers.