Three-pointers increased to 40%! Evolved into the peak Thompson, Tanhualang showed up to the Rockets, he wanted to play the starter

The Rockets' preseason is coming, and the team's training camp is in full swing. In the new season, the Rockets still regard the championship as their ultimate goal, but the starting lineup has not been finalized. In addition to the three core players Amen Thompson, Durant and Shin Kyung, who firmly sit in the starting position, the starting positions of the point guard and small forward are still in fierce competition. The depth and potential of the team make this competition particularly compelling, and the performance of young players will be the deciding factor in training camp and preseason. Shepard is undoubtedly the biggest favorite in the point guard position.

As Van Vleet (Van Jordan) misses the new season due to injury, the Rockets are in urgent need of a player who can fill the gaps in organization, defense and outside shooting, and Shepard is the best choice. As the 2024 Tanhua Show, although Shepard's performance last season was not amazing, he achieved a significant transformation through hard strength training during the offseason. He successfully gained weight and strengthened his physical confrontation, which allowed him to show a far better performance in training camp than he did in rookie season. Shepard's technical features make him an ideal replacement for Van Jordan. He has excellent three-point shooting ability, with a 52% three-point shooting percentage in college, and his field vision and organizational ability also allow him to be at the point guard position.

In training camp, Shepard showed greater self-confidence and game aggressiveness, especially in the face of high-intensity defense. According to teammates, Shepard is no longer easily suppressed in the confrontation, and can even complete difficult scores in front of top defenders like Durant. All this comes from his hard training in the gym during the offseason, focusing on improving strength and physical fitness, rather than simply polishing skills.

Head coach Uduka praised Shepard's progress. He said: "Shepard's improvement in physical confrontation is very obvious. He showed great enthusiasm in training camp. Whether it is organizing offense or outside projection, he showed the potential to fill Van Jordan's vacancy." Uduka's tactical system emphasizes three-point shooting and defensive intensity, and Shepard's performance in these two aspects makes him an important puzzle in the backcourt of the new season.

In the small forward position, Smith Jr.'s competition with Ethan became the focus of training camp. In an interview with the media, Uduka made it clear that he supported the two in training camp to compete for the starting position through performance. Ethan is known for his outstanding athleticism and wing defense, especially after Dillon Brooks left the team, and he was considered a natural candidate for the No. 3 position. Ethan's defense coverage is wide, his rebounding competition is active, and his athletic talent gives him obvious advantages in fast attack and defensive ends. However, Ethan's health problems are a hidden danger. Uduka revealed that Ethan and new aid Adams may need to take a round break in the back-to-back matches in the new season, which provides Smith with more opportunities.

, Smith has an advantage in health. He lost the starting position of the fourth position last season due to Amen's rise, which made him eager to return to the starting lineup. In an interview with Sports Talk 790, Smith said confidently: "I believe I deserve the starter, and I have been working hard for it. My goal is to increase my three-point shooting percentage to more than 40%, become the top scorer in the league, while maintaining excellent defensive performance. These are the keys to my starting lineup."

Smith was known as the soon-to-play player when he entered the league. His three-point shooting and defensive ability were quite mature in college, and was even considered a favorite for the quasi-no.com in the 2022 draft.

However, Magic finally chose Benkairo, and Smith fell to Tanhua. Despite this, his potential and comprehensiveness are still optimistic. Smith is considered a "tall version of Klay Thompson" because both of them are mainly shooting off the ball on the offense, while having excellent defensive abilities and a big heart at critical moments. Smith and Ethan have performed well over the past few seasons. Ethan showed stronger comprehensiveness in the regular season last season, averaged higher scores and rebounds per game, and was more aggressive in the defensive end. However, Smith's statistics in the playoffs were even more eye-catching. During his 20 minutes of playing time, he contributed 7.4 points and 4 rebounds, shooting 50% from the field and 3-point shooting percentage as high as 46%. In contrast, Ethan's performance in the playoffs was slightly unpredictable. Smith's stable three-pointer at a critical moment provided valuable fire support for the Rockets, especially in the series against the Warriors, whose performance was eye-catching. If Uduka is willing to give him more playing time, Smith has a full chance to be the X-factor in the key game. Ethan showed confidence in renewing the contract. He believes that his potential is enough to match Smith's five-year, $122 million contract, so he has not reached a contract renewal agreement with the Rockets. Ethan's athletic talent and defensive ability make him more aggressive in the third position, but he needs to prove his stability on the offensive end, especially his outside shooting ability, in order to completely lock in the starting position.

The current training camp performance, the Rockets' starting lineup is likely to be dominated by Amen as point guard and Shepard as the shooting guard. Such backcourt combinations can complement each other's advantages: Amen's organizational ability and awareness of defense can make up for Shepard's shortcomings on the defensive end, while Shepard's three-point firepower can open up space for Amen and create more opportunities to break through the inside. The small forward position will be between Smith and Ethan, Durant will continue to play in the fourth position, while Shin Kyung will firmly sit in the center position. Uduka's tactical system focuses on team cooperation and defensive strength, and the growth of young players provides guarantees for the execution of this system. The Rockets' future is full of hope, and the performances of Shepard, Smith and Ethan will determine how far the team can go in the new season.