Houston Rockets Bench Production Poised to Improve?

Entering training camp, it was clear to see that the Houston Rockets were going to have trouble out of the gates in terms of bench production. After Jeremy Lin and Omer Asik’s departure, it was tough to tell where the defense, rebounding, playmaking, and scoring would come from. Up until last week, that’s been exactly the case.

The Houston Rockets had been dead last in points off the bench at (22.5 PPG), second to last in rebounding (11.8 RPG), second to last in assists (5.2 APG), and dead last in efficiency (22.5). It’s safe to say the production has been pretty terrible.

Although the minutes for the bench player have been low (13.5 minutes per player – 3rd to last in the NBA), part of the reason is because head coach Kevin McHale has a tough time trusting this young group. 37-year-old shooting guard Jason Terry has essentially been the most productive bench player all season (8.8 PPG, 1.7 RPG, and 1.8 APG). While Terry has also been the first man off the bench (33.2 minutes per game), he’s also been one of the few bench players McHale trusts to lead that second unit. Veteran leadership has been lacking for this bench all season. That is, until last week.

Dec 26, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard

Quincy Pondexter

(8) guards Houston Rockets guard

Corey Brewer

(33) during the game at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Rockets had been very active last week in tinkering and adding to this roster. GM Daryl Morey pulled off a trade to bring in 28-year-old forward Corey Brewer two weeks ago for the small price of second-year shooting guard Troy Daniels and two second round picks. Also, after the Detroit Pistons shocked the league and waived 29-year-old forward Josh Smith, the Rockets waited the 48-hour period for his contract to clear and signed him to their bi-annual exception on Friday.

While the addition of Corey Brewer was fairly quiet and low-profile, Brewer is a good on-ball defender and leads the league in steals per game (2.3) and he can score the ball fairly well (10.5 PPG in Minnesota with a decent 41% FG percentage). He also takes a significant minute load off James Harden (5th in NBA in minutes per game) and Trevor Ariza (2nd in minutes per game). His 3-point shooting has historically been sub-par, however, during the past 4 games he’s been a Rocket, Brewer is shooting an incredible 59.1% from downtown. Obviously, this will inevitably drop, but it’s possible the change of scenery will cause Brewer to mould into a capable 3-point shooter. Stranger things have happened.

Dec 18, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward

Donatas Motiejunas

(20) shields the ball from New Orleans Pelicans forward

Anthony Davis

(23) in the second half at Toyota Center. New Orleans Pelicans won 99 to 90. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Then there’s the Josh Smith signing. As you may know, Josh Smith was given the starting position during his second game as a Houston Rocket so Smith gives no immediate impact off the bench. However, the man he is replacing, Donatas Motiejunas, does. Motiejunas coming off the bench is huge for the Rockets. He’s able to lead the second unit, be the primary option when he’s on the floor with the second unit, and dominate opposing second units both offensively and defensively. This is all assuming Kevin McHale utilizes his skill set in the proper manner.

One huge “x-factor” for this bench is also Terrence Jones when he returns from injury. Kevin McHale is on the record stating Jones would return in 4-6 weeks which is great news for this team, particularly for this bench. Ideally, when he returns, Motiejunas could slide into the backup center position (which is more natural for him with his height and poor 3-PT shooting) with Jones sliding into the backup power forward spot. On paper, that’s a hell of a front line to be coming off the bench with. Of course, this is assuming Jones stays on this roster come the day after trade deadline.

Houston Rockets Bench Production Poised To Improve?

By Salman Ali | Dec 30, 2014