Spurs' acquisition of former Rockets fan favorite could spell trouble for the team

Nobody could accuse the Houston Rockets of inactivity this summer.

That would be absurd. The Rockets acquired Kevin Durant. They followed that up by adding Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela. This is a different team than we saw in 2024-25 - and, dare I say, a substantially better one.

Yet, the Rockets aren't the only team making moves. Some of their conference rivals are making more marginal decisions that could have meaningful results. The Spurs just acquired a former Rockets fan favorite:

It should make them a better team as well.

Rockets rival makes bold acquisition

That's right, folks. Kelly OIynyk will wear Spurs black and silver. For some Rockets fans, that's a nightmare.

After all, Olynyk was fantastic in Houston. In 2020-21, he averaged 19.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 27 games for the Rockets.

Granted, the team was tanking. Still, Olynyk was highly efficient and productive. He showed the world that he's a dynamic offensive player with significant capabilities.

How concerned should the Rockets be about the Spurs acquiring him?

Rockets' rivals will be formidable next year

Let's start with a basic premise - the Spurs didn't acquire the 2020-21 version of Olynyk. He's 34 now and outside of his prime.

Last year, Olynyk averaged 8.7 points and 4.7 boards per game between his time with the Raptors and the Pelicans. His -1.4 Box Plus/Minus (BPM) pales in comparison to the 1.6 mark Olynyk posted for the Rockets.

Luckily for the Spurs, they don't need prime Olynyk. They have another guy on their roster. Victor Wembanyama will be their North Star in 2025-26. Olynyk is the perfect acquisition for a team with a star big man. He can back Wembanyama up at the 5, or play alongside him at the 4. His 38.9% three-point shooting from last season gives him unique portability.

Does his presence vault the Spurs ahead of the Rockets?

Rockets should rule the roost in division

No.

The Spurs won 34 games in 2024-25 and added Kelly Olynyk. The Rockets won 52 games and added Kevin Durant. These teams are not in the same place.

Olynyk wasn't the Spurs' biggest summer addition. That would be rookie Dylan Harper. Harper oozes potential, but he won't move the needle in a major way for the Spurs in his rookie season.

Meanwhile, the Spurs have problems to solve. They need to manage Wembanyama's minutes to avoid injuries. They also need to figure out how Harper plays with Stephon Castle and De'Aaron Fox.

The Spurs are a long-term problem for the Rockets. Acquiring Olynyk shouldn't make them a better team than Houston immediately. That said, the acquisition will make them a tougher matchup throughout the 2025-26 season:

No matter how many acquisitions the Rockets make.