The Houston Rockets are known to need a guard. The perfect target may have just become available, as the Hornets [just waived Spencer Dinwiddie.](https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1978868549541101936)
I know what you're thinking. Dinwiddie? The "perfect target"?
Yup.
Listen - Steph Curry is not walking through that door. The Rockets are operating [above the first apron.](https://spacecityscoop.com/hated-nba-rule-costs-rockets-opportunity-perfect-signing) Even signing Dinwiddie could be complicated. The Rockets would likely have to waive and stretch someone on their current roster to create enough cap space for his veteran minimum.
Leave the capology for someone else. The point is that Dinwiddie is as good of a realistic guard the Rockets can get without making a trade. Given the slim list of trade-eligible Rockets at the moment, that makes him as good of an option as they'll find.
They could do worse.
Dinwiddie could help the Rockets
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Dinwiddie has always been a complicated player.
As a career 33.3% three-point shooter, he'd ideally be more efficient from beyond the arc. That said, Dinwiddie has never met a shot he didn't like. If you're willing to factor in degree of difficulty, that's a better percentage. Dinwiddie is less of a floor spacer and more of a shot maker.
He's also a competent playmaker. Last year, he averaged 5.9 assists per 75 possessions for the Mavericks. Dinwiddie has solid floor vision and a willingness to share the rock.
That said, whatever he gives you on offense, he can give away on the defensive end. That's not something Rockets coach Ime Udoka is known for tolerating. Dinwiddie's lackadaisical defense could deter the Rockets from signing him.
Should it?
Rockets should pursue Dinwiddie
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Beggars can't be choosers.
Again, the Rockets are operating under slim margins. Even Dinwiddie may not be viable. They simply do not have the flexibility to do much in terms of roster reconstruction.
Let's assume Dinwiddie is an option. The Rockets should take it. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?
There's been some overexaggeration of Houston's guard troubles. Splitting playmaking duties between Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard, and Alperen Sengun may suffice. That doesn't mean they couldn't use Dinwiddie. Having another option in the backcourt would ease a lot of concerns about this team.
If Dinwiddie doesn't cut it, the Rockets are back where they started. They'll likely look to make a move heading into the 2025-26 trade deadline. If he does prove sufficient, Houston may be able to keep their roster together and hang onto some assets.
It depends on how good a guard they need.