Houston Rockets: Biggest strengths and weaknesses for 2017-18
Strength: Shooting
People most likely best know the Rockets for their “barrage of 3-pointers.” Last season Houston set the record for most 3-pointers attempted and made, which made for either incredibly entertaining or boring basketball depending on how much you like watching shot after shot being jacked up from beyond the arc.
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However, it’s that volume of attempts that makes shooting a strength for Houston. After all, the Rockets were just league average in 3-point percentage at 35.7 percent. However, when you attempt over 40 3-pointers per game, the volume makes up for the mediocre percentage.
This summer, Houston lost some good shooters in Beverley and Williams, but should still be a capable shooting team (percentage-wise). Paul is an elite shooter beyond the arc, and when given quality looks, Tucker and Mbah a Moute are average or slightly above-average shooters. The offensive load/burden on Paul and Harden will increase this season as it is their job to create good looks for not only themselves but for limited offensive players such as Tucker and Mbah a Moute.
It’s likely that the Rockets will attempt to break the records they set last season in attempts and makes, but it will be interesting to see their percentage on 3-pointers this season. Will Paul’s presence and the threat of an alley-oop open the floor for Houston’s worst shooters? Will defenders leave them relatively open to close off other parts of the floor for Harden and Paul?
Regardless, Houston’s offense is designed to maximize the number of attempts from beyond the arc, and their two elite point guards will be able to create enough quality looks for both themselves and others.