The Houston Rockets' need to add more shooting this offseason is well-documented.
After establishing themselves as one of the toughest and most physical teams in the league that win games with their defense, the Rockets must take a step forward on the offensive end to become a true contender. The youth is on Houston's side, as the likes of Amen Thompson, Alperen Şengün, and Jabari Smith Jr. should all show improvement on that side of the ball.
To optimize its roster's strengths, the Rockets need to find more shooting. Thompson and Şengün require spacing to be effective, and Houston currently lacks elite three-point shooters who can provide them that space. That is why general manager Rafael Stone should turn to a familiar face this offseason to address this weakness.
Eric Gordon Should Be on the Rockets' List of Offseason Targets
Former Rockets shooting guard Eric Gordon might be available in free agency this summer.
The 36-year-old has a $3.4 million player option for next season. If he opts into this contract, the Rockets can still acquire him via a trade with the Philadelphia 76ers. If he opts out, the Rockets can sign him to a multi-year deal that may be more attractive to him as he enters the final stretch of his career.
Gordon is not the athlete or the defender he was in his earlier Rockets days. However, he continues to be an elite marksman, having hit 40.9% of his threes on 3.5 attempts per game with the 76ers last season. His 116 offensive rating per 100 possessions was also the best effort of his 17-year career.
Perhaps more important than his accuracy, however, is the spacing he provides. Gordon needs to be guarded way beyond the three-point arc thanks to his ability to shoot it from a few feet behind the line. His off-ball gravity and the volume of three-pointers he can get up in a pinch would do wonders for the rest of the Rockets.
The former NBA Sixth Man of the Year award winner can't play too many minutes at this stage of his career, but he would be an excellent option for the bench when the Rockets need more offensive firepower. He is worth a look this offseason.