The Houston Rockets have struggled to get their offense into gear. Last year’s team wasn’t necessarily world-beaters on that end of the floor, but they were much better, even without Kevin Durant, one of the game’s greatest scorers ever.
Even with the same double-big lineup, although Jabari Smith Jr. wasn’t a permanent starter, as the team started Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks on the wing.
The missing piece has clearly been Fred VanVleet, one of the most sure-handed point guards in the league, who
consistently ranks near the top of the league in assists-to-turnovers. Say what you want about VanVleet, and he sure has his naysayers, but he was able to orchestrate and facilitate the offense.
There weren’t issues with bringing the ball up the court. And again, the turnovers were lower.
But the Rockets’ options of replacing VanVleet are limited, outside of parting with a key role player or trading VanVleet directly, who would have to sign off on such a move, due to an implied no-trade clause.
One easily attainable option could be Kris Dunn of the LA Clippers. Sure, he’s not a sexy name, but beggers can’t be choosy.
Dunn has made a great early case for Sixth Man of the Year, as fans have clamored for him to start alongside James Harden. Offensively, he’s a great cutting guard and he applies effort on defense.
For 94 feet.
Opponents have a hard path getting to the lane on Dunn.
And he hustles all game, doing the dirty work that others often shy away from.
He can also bring the ball up the court and makes the right reads. He’s a savvy veteran who has a high IQ.
He’s a decent outside shooter, shooting 37.5 percent from three this season. As a playmaker, he averaged 5.6 assists just three seasons ago on a Utah Jazz team that didn’t have much around him.
The Rockets could acquire Dunn for Clint Capela and likely second-round draft compensation, which would be a very reasonable deal, although it couldn’t be finalized until December 15.
