Houston Rockets: 5 small-ball players to target in free agency
By Dalton Sell
Houston Rockets small-ball target – Wesley Matthews
The Houston Rockets were reportedly interested in Wesley Matthews last season, and they should reignite that intrigue this offseason. Although the 3-and-D specialist has a player option worth around $2.7 million next year with the Milwaukee Bucks, he could opt-out to test the free agent waters.
In 67 starts, the 6’4″ guard averaged 7.4 points on 36.4 percent 3-point shooting while also grabbing 2.5 rebounds and dishing out 1.4 assists per game. While Matthews’ production was reduced compared to past seasons, he would still be an option worth taking a flyer on for the Rockets.
Any shooter is welcome in a Houston jersey, and that is exactly who Matthews is. Shooting 6.3 field goal attempts per game this season, 4.4 of them came from behind the arc. Adding another wing who can shoot the ball would be a no-brainer for the Rockets, but Matthews is not just one-sided, as he is also a robust defender.
As Houston fans may remember, Matthews was periodically glued to James Harden in any matchup with Milwaukee this season. The guard often took top-notch assignments for the Bucks such as LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, or Jimmy Butler. In addition to his shooting, that type of defensive prowess would be a significant addition to the Rockets.
For his two-way excellence, the Houston Rockets should add Wesley Matthews to bolster their wing-depth if he opts out of his impending player option.