The Houston Rockets are still alive in the NBA playoffs, facing the hot Golden State Warriors in the NBA Western Conference Finals.
The Rockets did drop their first game but the series is far from over. The winner between the Rockets and the Warriors will move on to the NBA Finals.
Moving a bit forward, the Rockets are expected to busy after their campaign. A cause for concern is the lack of a court general with Patrick Beverly out due to an injury. Without a legitimate point guard, the Rockets have oddly turned to Smith to take over, something which has surprisingly been effective for the wards of Kevin Mchale.
The move however could be short-lived, especially once the current NBA season comes to an end. Having signed with the Rockets for just one year, Smith may become a free agent and the Rockets may not be able to do anything about it. Apparently the team is already under a heavy payroll, Harden and Howard headlining it all with max deals.
With that said, the Rockets may not be able to offer Josh Smith despite word that the team is bent on keeping him.
Which brings us to the point guard problem since Smith is really more of a forward. What options does Houston have?
Rajon Rondo is on the list and so are other big names like Goran Dragic, Norris Cole, Reggie Jackson and even former Rocket Jeremy Lin.
As far as Rondo and Dragic is concerned, money will also be a factor. Both are expected to look for maximum contracts, something the Rockets may not be able to give.
Hence, they could be better off with Cole, Jackson or even Lin which makes it "if the price is right" scenario.
Beverly will most likely be kept but veering on experience, it remains that the Rockets need another point guard in tow before the 2015-16 NBA wars kick off.
