Rockets must lean into controversial offensive shift that could define their season

As the Houston Rockets have climbed to a 4-2 record on the back of an impressive win streak, the team has shocked fans with one surprising development: the fact that they are, as it stands, the best perimeter shooting team in the NBA.

Yet, in spite of this, the Rockets are dead last in the league in 3-point attempts per game, and, in order to maximize their rejuvenated offensive potency with Kevin Durant on the roster, they must re-shape their identity, at least partially, around this newfound strength.

Admittedly, this would be a massive change for the team, whose bread and butter has been in the paint and around the rim for quite some time. However, Durant's presence changes things immensely, and Houston must learn to adjust throughout the course of the season if they wish to be one of the league's premier offensive teams.

The Rockets must lean even further into their 3-point shooting in order to remain viable offensively

While it's been said before, let's say it again for effect. Through their first six games, the Houston Rockets lead the NBA in 3-point percentage with an astounding 42.3%.

This is surprising, to say the least. With the absence of Fred VanVleet and the departure of both Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks in the Durant trade, there was justifiable worry that this team would struggle to gain enough spacing to allow their remaining viable perimeter shooters to go to work.

Since head coach Ime Udoka made the move to substitute Josh Okogie into the starting lineup in place of Steven Adams, that has not been the case. Durant is shooting 36.7% from beyond the arc. Reed Sheppard is shooting 41.9%. Alperen Sengun is shooting 47.4%. Okogie is shooting 50%.

You get the picture.

So, why are the Rockets so hesitant to take more threes?

Through each of their past three games, Houston has been outshot pretty heavily from 3-point range, at least as far as attempts go. While it has been a recipe for success to this point, they will need this facet of their game to continue to stay strong in order to put forward the offensive front they require to enter championship contention this season.

Quite simply, it is a case of a hesitance to adjust their identity. A season ago, Houston was 20th in the NBA in 3-point attempts, shooting only 35.3% as a team over the course of the season.

With Durant, who is an almost guaranteed 40% shooter from beyond the arc on the roster, it's a different story this year.

It's not that the Rockets should become the 2023-24 Boston Celtics; it's not their identity, nor should it be. However, this team is clearly different than they were a season ago offensively, and they need to act like it in order to reach the mark they hope to this season.