The Houston Rockets have been one of the best teams in the tough Western Conference this season.
That doesn’t mean the team is perfect, though. The loss of Fred VanVleet before the season even began has been huge, and the team has decided to go forward without a true point guard in the rotation.
Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard have handled point duties, with mixed results. Thompson is having the best scoring season of his career and is solid on defensive, but he’s not the most natural ball handler and you’d like to see him be more efficient as a passer.
The trade deadline may be behind us, but that doesn’t mean the team can’t still make additions. As is the case every year, some veterans will become available hoping to join a contender.
However, there’s one veteran who is already available after being released last week- Tyus Jones.
Jones was traded from the Orlando Magic to the Dallas Mavericks at the deadline. Jones reportedly asked for his release so he could join a contender, and Nico Martinez of Fadeaway World identified the Rockets as a perfect landing spot.
Regarding Jones and the Rockets, Martinez offered the following:
Tyus wouldn’t solve all the Rockets’ problems, but he’d certainly be a major boost for them given what they’ve lost. Without Fred VanVleet, they’ve lacked a true offensive floor general, and it’s left them extremely vulnerable. While Jones wouldn’t play a huge role, he could provide some of what they need with his ball handling, court vision, and perimeter shot-making. He’d get clean looks alongside Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun, and his capable defense would ensure he could hold his own on the other end.
As Martinez mentioned, Jones isn’t a fix-all but he’s a reliable veteran who can be a sturdy floor general down the stretch.
It hasn’t been a season to remember for Jones, but he could have new life with a contending team. So far in the 2025-26 season, Jones has averaged 3.1 points and 2.6 assists.
Jones is having the worst offensive season of his career, but the Rockets have plenty of shooters already. As long as Jones distributes the ball and plays tough defense, he’d be worth a roster spot for the rest of the season.
