Average 7+2+1 steals per game! The Rockets sign the 6th man in the offseason, no defender? Stone counts on 22-year-old star

The Houston Rockets did not give substitute center Dante a two-way contract as previously reported. In fact, the Rockets did this a month ago, but the Rockets eventually withdrew their offer because they believed that the team had enough insiders, especially when Capela came, the Rockets had no problem with the No. 5 position and there was no need to sign 23-year-old center Dante.

Although Dante's personal performance in the regular season and development league games last season was still remarkable, his skills at the basket were relatively rough. Although he could do dirty and tiring work and could fight, the Rockets did not lack such players at all. Smith Jr., Adams and Capela, all of whom did much better than Dante. The Rockets have signed more outside players, such as Harris and Davidson, two-way contract players. Although these players will not play much role next season, seeing so many new defenders joining more or less gives Uduka Rockets general manager Rafael Stone a confidence in his heart.

In fact, more importantly, the Rockets have introduced 4 players. Durant, Capela, Finney Smith and Okogie are the Rockets' strength improvement points next season, especially their forward line. Once Durant, Finney Smith and Okogie arrive, they have been greatly strengthened on both offense and defense.

Durant's scoring ability is not needed. Just talking about the arrival of two top defensive players, Okogi and Finney Smith, has made the Rockets' already powerful forward defense ability better. Okoji, who averaged 7 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1 steal last season, has an annual salary of only $3.1 million a year, which is quite worthwhile for the Rockets, because the Rockets are not far from the hard salary cap now, so they can only sign one player with a basic salary, and Okoji, the small forward, eventually became the sixth man to sign the Rockets.

In this summer's offseason, the Rockets have basically completed the signing. Although the small forward and wing player Okogi finally introduced, and did not sign the point guard or shooting guard that everyone wanted, the Rockets have been prepared for a long time. On the one hand, there are many players in the Rockets' backcourt worthy of reuse, such as Van Vreet, Holiday and Shepard; on the other hand, the Rockets still have many swingers who can hold multiple positions, such as Amen Thompson and Tate are both players of this type. Therefore, the Rockets signed Okogie and did not introduce new defenders, which is the same reason.

Ronald Reiner, a Rockets reporter, directly pointed out that the reason why the Rockets did not introduce new defenders, especially new point guards, is that Manager Raphael Stone admires 22-year-old newcomer Amen Thompson. Because Shepard will get more opportunities next season, and Amen Thompson will get more opportunities. He played power forward last season, and Amen Thompson will likely get more playing time in the point guard position next season. After all, the Rockets already have Ethan, Smith Jr., Durant, Finney Smith, and even veteran Jeff Green in the No. 4 position, and no more players are needed at this position.

Amen Thompson is likely to serve as the starting shooting guard next season and will also play the role of the Rockets' substitute point guard if needed. 22-year-old Amen Thompson has become a trusted player on the Rockets' back line next season. He can play multiple positions by himself. The reason why he signed Okogi instead of a defender is that with Amen Thompson's presence, the Rockets can continue to strengthen the front line with confidence.