Thunder’s Latest Blow Reveals Shocking Rockets’ Weakness—Is a Major Shakeup Inevitable Before Trade Deadline?
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A little over a month ago, the Rockets were second in the West with a strong 15-5 record. They have gone 8-10, are currently losers of five out of their last seven, have a bottom ten defense and, as of the new year, are 28th in offense. That they even sit in sixth place (23-15), half a game outside of the Play-In, is a miracle and testament to the sheer individual talent on the roster.
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Prior to the season, Houston laid forth a playmaking-by-committee plan; more opportunities for Şengün, Durant and Amen Thompson — along with Sheppard. But at essentially the halfway point of the season, it’s clear that Fred VanVleet’s absence is greater than previously advertised. Udoka’s quest for a sufficient in-game organizer has seen him call on JD Davison, a two-way scrappy guard, ahead of Sheppard, the No. 3 pick from the 2024 Draft, over the past two games. It shouldn’t come as a surprise — Udoka has made decent usage out of his array of undersized guards, including veteran Aaron Holiday — but the Rockets’ desperation plays only further undermine their contention hopes over the next few months.



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