The Rockets rank first in the league in free throws! Durant s playing time is a hidden danger, and Van Jordan s role is underestimated

Last season without a superstar in Houston, Udoka turned the Rockets into a dark horse in the top five defensive leagues. The Rockets rank first in the league in total rebounds and offensive rebounds.

The ambitious Udoka obviously could not accept the result that the Rockets were eliminated early in the playoffs. He promoted a big trade and let Durant land in Houston.

At the end of his career, Durant was still the league's top scorer and brought huge traffic. In the past, the Rockets would suffer from refereeing problems when playing against the Traffic Team. Many fans lamented: Home games are like away games, and away games are like graveyards. Nowadays, the Rockets can be regarded as a traffic team. They rank first in the league in free throws this season.

According to statistics, the Rockets averaged 34.8 free throws per game and made 28.3 free throws, leading the league in both statistics. The Magic rank second in the league with 34.3 free throws per game, followed by the 76ers, Lakers and Jazz.

Durant, the Rockets' big three, ranks tenth in the league with 9.8 free throws per game, Sengon ranks 17th in the league with 8.5 free throws per game, and Amen ranks 43rd in the league with 5 free throws per game.

Free throws are the Rockets' shortcomings, and many main players have practiced hard during the offseason. "Houston Chronicle" reporter Lerner revealed that each Rockets player has signed an agreement linked to free throw training this season, and the coaching staff will tailor it based on individual training plans and goals. Durant needs to complete 20 free throws in each training session. His apprentice Smith Jr. must score at least 23 free throws in 25 attempts before he can go home. Sengon needs to complete 5 of 5 free throws twice in a row.

Durant's free throw percentage this season is 84.6%, 0.7% higher than last season, but lower than his career average (88.2%). Smith Jr.'s free throw shooting rate this season is as high as 90%, which is a career high. Sengun's free throw shooting percentage this season is 79.4%, which is also a new high. Although it only increased by 1.6%, Amen's free throw shooting rate of 70% this season is also a new high. Sheppard's free throw percentage dropped 1.3% from last season to 80%. Ethan's free throw percentage this season is only 33%, compared to 76% last season. It seems that his free throw training volume needs to be increased.

The Rockets were a strong defensive team last season and have transformed into an offensive team this season. The Rockets ranked first in the league's offensive efficiency list with 125.2. They scored close to 140 points in the past two games, showing terrifying offensive firepower. Of course, the Rockets also lost a lot of points. The team's defensive efficiency currently ranks only 19th in the league.

In addition to defense, some Rockets fans are also worried that Uduka's dead main force will increase the risk of injuries, especially Durant's playing time is a hidden danger.

Durant ranks second on the team with an average of 36.3 minutes per game this season, only 1.7 minutes less than Sengon. Durant also averaged more than 36 minutes per game last season, but he only played 62 games. Udoka should still save Durant in the regular season.

Uduka had planned to reduce Van Jordan's playing time last season. The latter averaged 35.2 minutes per game in the regular season, and averaged 40 minutes per game in the playoffs, a career high. Fan Qiaodan is physically intolerant of grass and has bad luck. There is a high chance that he will be reimbursed this season.

Although there is no Van Jordan among the Rockets' Big Three, he occupies a very important position in Uduka's system. With Van Jordan's injury, some American media are not optimistic about the Rockets' championship prospects this season.

Chasing Dream, the core player of the Rockets' rival Warriors, Green believes that Van Jordan's role has been underestimated, and it will be difficult for the Rockets to compete for the championship without him. Dream Chaser Green said on the show: Many people ignore his role in leadership, ball control, and scoring ability. He is a bulldog on the defensive end, and everyone underestimates his significance to that team. You need elite-level guard play to win in the playoffs, and Amen has the potential to be elite, but he still has some things to figure out.

Amen is indeed a strong defensive player, but his organizational ability is still very average, and his three-pointer is an obvious shortcoming (he has not scored a goal this season).