Houston Rockets: James Nunnally is the hidden gem the team needs

The Houston Rockets need guys that can shoot the three and can defend at an exceptional level. James Nunnally could be that 3-and-D hidden gem the team is searching for.

I know what you might be thinking, WHO?! The Houston Rockets need stars, not some no-name guy I’ve never heard of before! Well, my friend, you’re right and you’re wrong. Stars are always helpful additions but, a guy like James Nunnally could help fill and shape the roster.

The Houston Rockets have a huge void to fill with the departure of Trevor Ariza. He agreed to a one-year deal with the Phoenix Suns worth $15 million. While Ariza will definitely be missed, the team should be able to replace his value with players at a lower cost.

Enter James Nunnally.

Nunnally had a small cup of tea in the NBA in between 2012-2014. He played out a number of ten-day contracts with several teams but, none of them took. Currently, his NBA career stat line goes as follows, 3.4 points per game, 1.5 rebounds per game, and 0.6 assists per game. Am I convincing you yet of why the Rockets should sign him? Well, his shooting line was .320/.326/.667. Not great.

He then found his way to the EuroLeague. Since arriving in Europe, he has thrived as a basketball player. Currently, he is playing for the Turkish club Fenerbahçe Basketball. This past season for them, he posted video game numbers.

Source: Houston Rockets scheduled a meeting with Fenerbahce free agent James Nunnally, who auditioned for Portland and Minnesota. He's a high-level 3&D wing, shot 55% from distance and 90% FTs in the Euroleague.
— David Pick (@IAmDPick) July 1, 2018

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Yes, you read that correctly. He shot 55% from three-point range. He did it on 83 shots, so, sure that number will probably decline if he shoots more. But, it is still quite ridiculous. As Pick pointed out, Nunnally is also a high-level defender.

Nunnally stands at 6’7″ and weighs about 200 lbs. I couldn’t find his wingspan anywhere but, in his highlight tape shows impressive length. His size and length allow him to be a pesky defender that shut down many great EuroLeague shooters. His defense looks like it should be able to translate to the NBA.

Nunnally isn’t going to come over and be a worldbeater on the wing. However, he could come in and help the Houston Rockets fill the role Trevor Ariza played the past few seasons. He’ll likely be a low-cost solution the team could pair with another lower cost solution. Perhaps bringing back Luc Mbah a Moute could pair well with Nunnally.

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Only time will tell what Daryl Morey has up his sleeves. But, there is no doubt he is cooking up something spectacular. Nunnally could and should be a part of his offseason plan to equip this team to make another run at the NBA finals.

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