Houston Rockets: Three role players earning playing time in the preseason
By T.A. Mock
Michael Carter-Williams, G
The Houston Rockets signed Michael Carter-Williams back in the first week of free agency in July. Amazingly, the former rookie of the year is starting his sixth NBA season on his fifth team. That is a rapid fall from glory but perhaps it’s because MCW doesn’t exactly fit the prototype of today’s NBA guard.
MCW’s is a career 25% three point shooter. His career-best mark isn’t much better at 27.3% back in the 2015-16 season. That doesn’t scream much of anything, let alone role player in today’s NBA. However, MCW has managed to carve out a role for the past few years and is looking to do the same this year.
Outside of his poor shooting, MCW’s game is pretty impressive. He is a decisive and skilled ball handler and passer. He is also an extremely stout defender across the court. Per 36 minutes, MCW averages nearly two steals and one block a game for his career. Both of those things have allowed him to carve out good minutes in the NBA.
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It’s those two things that are allowing him to carve out a role with this Houston Rockets team. The ball handling and passing is something that this team has lacked in the past beyond Harden and also behind Paul last year.
MCW provides a presence on the bench that can come into a game and facilitate the offense and distribute to the guys that can knock shots down. He’ll be especially useful if, God forbid, Paul or Harden miss extensive time with injury.
MCW has proved this worth in the preseason so far while averaging 25 minutes a game. He won’t play that much come the regular season but, proving to this team he’s got what it takes now will go a long way down the stretch.