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5 Roster Moves The Houston Rockets Need To Make

By Matthew Hallett

Apr 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) and guard James Harden (13) walk down the court after the Rockets were called for a foul against the Golden State Warriors in the fourth quarter in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Rockets 115-106. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) and guard James Harden (13) walk down the court after the Rockets were called for a foul against the Golden State Warriors in the fourth quarter in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Rockets 115-106. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 24, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Josh Smith (5) reacts after making a three point basket against the Dallas Mavericks in the second half at Toyota Center. Rockets won 115 to 104. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Move On From Josh Smith

Houston almost managed it last season; they got rid of Josh Smith for half the season. Then the Los Angeles Clippers decided that he actually was not what they wanted so they sent him back to Houston. For some reason, the Rockets took him back.

How did he go this year for Houston? He played in 23 games, averaged 18.2 minutes, had 2.9 rebounds, 6.6 points, 2.0 assists and 0.6 blocks per game.

Smith is 27th all-time in blocked shots; however, with 0.6 blocks per game, even that skill is starting to let him down.

Smith is starting to take minutes away from younger players who could impact the future of the Houston Rockets in the next couple of years,

Montrezl Harrell missed 22 games after Smith came back. His stat line reads 39 games, averaging 9.7 minutes per game, 1.7 rebounds, 3.6 points and 0.3 blocks per game.

I look at the stats and if you double Harrell’s stats to equate the same minutes, he played better than Smith, with greater upside. He also is eight years younger.

The real damning statistic however for Smith was shooting 34 percent from the field. Harrell hit 64 percent from the field.

If you surround James Harden with high percentage shooters, Houston will win more games. If you give him Josh Smith again, Houston will struggle again.

Next: Pick Up Michael Beasley's Team Option

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