NBA Trade Grades: Houston Rockets Add Lou Williams From Lakers

Houston Rockets

On the surface, it seems a bit curious for the Rockets to give up a first round selection — even one that’s currently slated to be the 27th overall pick in this year’s draft — for another Sixth Man of the Year candidate.

The Rockets already had Eric Gordon providing his 17.2 points per game off the bench, they’re already leading the NBA in three-point makes by a significant margin (14.5 per game) and their offense is already ranked second in the association, trailing only the mighty Golden State Warriors.

However, part of the reason for Houston having a problem over the last month is the three-point shooting completely tailed off. The Rockets are only 7-6 over their last 13 games, and though they’re leading the league in three-point makes, that’s only because they’re taking a league-high 39.8 threes per game — 6.2 more than the next closest team.

The Rockets only rank 11th in three-point percentage at 36.4 percent, which is where Lou Will’s 38.5 percent shooting on 5.5 long range attempts per game could come in handy. Corey Brewer’s 23.4 percent shooting from deep and the remaining $7.6 million on his salary for next season were more than expendable.

While there might be some concern about skill overlap in a backcourt that now includes James Harden, Patrick Beverley, Eric Gordon and Lou Will, don’t forget that both Beverley and Gordon have been very injury-prone in recent years. One injury to either and Houston’s guard depth would’ve been shot.

This provides the Rockets with some form of insurance for this year’s playoff run and next season, at a perfectly team-friendly price of $7 million.

Though Harden runs the point, the Rockets don’t really have a backup point guard. Beverley is technically listed as a point guard and Gordon shares some playmaking duties off the bench, but the Beard pretty much runs the show.

The arrival of Lou Will adds another guard who can not only create for himself, but run an offense and even create for others (his 3.2 assists per game would rank third on Houston’s roster behind Harden and Beverley).

With so many young players already on the roster and Houston looking to take the next step as a dark horse contender in the West, giving up a first-rounder this year is hardly a concern.

Lou Will fits in more closely with what the Rockets are trying to do, and though he’s a defensive liability come playoff time, general manager Daryl Morey has been consistent in his approach, putting all his money on that high-powered offense. It may have just gotten a little more dangerous.

Grade: A-