Rockets News: Rival questions team's toughness, but they could get tougher through trade

The Houston Rockets have become synonymous with toughness.

Ime Udoka barks orders from the sidelines. He scowls. He doesn't love success. Udoka merely hates failure.

On the floor, Dillon Brooks looks to intimidate whoever he can. Amen Thompson's demeanor is stoic, but his defensive abilities speak for themselves. Tari Eason is one of the most physical wings in the NBA.

All of which makes the Rockets awfully tough. Their second-ranked Defensive Rating of 105.3 reflects that toughness.

They aren't tough enough to impress a certain guard on the best defensive team in the league though.

Rockets rival has choice words for team

Alex Caruso is one of the best defensive guards in the NBA. Nobody can question his impact on that end of the floor. When he discusses defense, everyone should listen.

That said, he seems to have a bee in his bonnet regarding the Rockets. Caruso claims the Rockets' tough demeanor is mostly bluster.

Fair enough. Fighting words from a fellow fighter should be welcomed by the Rockets. The classification of their identity as a "shtick" feels farfetched. Still, if anyone can question the Rockets' toughness, it's the best defensive guard on the best defensive team in the NBA.

That said, other teams around the NBA are feeling the effects of playing in Houston. If they add a guard they've recently been linked to, they'll get even though

Rockets linked to former Udoka protege

If you guessed Marcus Smart, don't wear yourself out patting yourself on the back. It was telegraphed.

The Rockets have been linked to Smart before. It seems Udoka was a fan of his when he coached him in Boston. Naturally, that means the Rockets would take a look at him.

Smart would be a perfect cultural fit. He's one of the most competitive defensive guards in the NBA. The Rockets could double down on their strengths by adding Smart:

But it wouldn't be advisable.

Rockets should take another route on trade market

Smart is shooting 32.5% from long-range this year.

That's bad, and it's also typical. Smart has struggled with his three-pointer throughout his entire career. Stop us if you've heard this before:

Shooting is a weakspot for the Rockets.

Any player that'd added to this roster ought to be a reliable shooter, a backup big man, or a star guard. Smart is none of the three. Targets like Jose Alvarado or even Lonzo Ball would make more sense for the Rockets.

They're already tough enough without Smart.