Houston Rockets: Complete 2019 offseason grades
Signing Ben McLemore
Just days after signing Bennett to a training camp contract, the Houston Rockets would follow up their acquisition of the former No. 1 pick by landing another former highly regarded standout in his draft class.
In an offseason where searching for once prized lottery picks became a common theme, Houston would successfully come to an agreement with Ben McLemore on a two-year, partially guaranteed deal last week.
"“I’m ready to come in and compete,” McLemore said via his Instagram account immediately after agreeing to sign with the Rockets. “I feel that I found a great fit in this system and [I] can’t wait to start working with the staff to come in and provide what they want and need from me.”"
McLemore — who was selected with the seventh overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft — averaged just 3.9 points per game through 19 games for the Sacramento Kings last season prior to being placed on waivers in February.
Although it is currently unknown what role McLemore might have within the overall realm of Houston’s attack, the 6’5″, 195-pound shooting guard could become Mike D’Antoni‘s reclamation project should he manage to fully buy in and thrive in a system designed to take advantage of his spectacular stroke from beyond the arc.
Despite struggling to live up to the hype surrounding him in college, the former Kansas standout has displayed the ability to thrive as a spot-up shooter over the course of his first six seasons in the league.
Including flashes of athleticism in the process, as the 26-year-old is able to generate scoring opportunities be it on or off the ball, due to his renown shooting and willingness to run out in transition.
During the 2018-19 regular season, McLemore shot a career-best 41.5 percent from 3-point land. In spite of hoisting up just 41 attempts from beyond the arc during his second stint in Sacramento.
A number that is bound to change should he garner significant playing time within the Rockets rotation, as playing alongside valuable playmakers in Westbrook and Harden, will more than likely help him to generate the cleanest looks in his career to date.
Should he show any improvement on the defensive end, then the Rockets just might have a possible steal on their hands.
He could very well help them on the wing at a low price.