The annual salary of 3.08 million is a bargain! 6 of 10 three-pointers in 4 games, the Rockets successfully missed it! DFS signed for nothing?

During the offseason, in addition to Durant joining the Rockets, which was particularly eye-catching, former Lakers forward Finney Smith (DFS) also joined the Rockets. Although the impact of joining Durant is not as great, Finney Smith is a player that the Rockets spent a lot of money to sign. The Rockets gave him a four-year, 53 million contract, and therefore the Rockets used the entire middle class.

Up to now, the Rockets have no chance to sign any more players. Because of the use of this full mid-level salary, the Rockets are about to hit the hard salary cap, so the Rockets have no chance to sign another minimum-salary point guard. This is also a mistake of the Rockets. Manager Stone paid too much attention to reinforcements in the frontcourt and inside, which ultimately resulted in not much room for outside signings.

But now, these signings made by the Rockets this summer are very valuable. For example, Capela was signed for 21.5 million in three years. Although Capela seems a bit redundant now, Adams may not be guaranteed to play 82 games. When Adams is injured and absent, or when he is taking a break, Capela will be able to come on the bench with Shen Jing and become his main substitute, or even the two of them together in the Twin Towers lineup.

Finney Smith’s contract is actually not expensive. Last season, Finney Smith was the Lakers' best forward defender and one of the players with the highest three-point shooting percentage. His three-point shooting percentage reached 41% last season. However, in order to switch to the Rockets, Finney Smith also directly rejected the Lakers' contract extension.

But when it comes to picking up the slack, Okogie of the Rockets is the Rockets' real bargain signing. He only signed a basic salary of 3.08 million a year with the Rockets during the offseason. At the age of 27, he is far from the age to receive a basic salary. However, in order to join the Rockets and compete for the championship, Okogie took the initiative to reduce his salary.

In the last two games, the Rockets have quickly changed their formation. Okogie has become the starting shooting guard, replacing starting center Adams. In the two games, Okogie scored 10 points in each of the two games, and the Rockets also won two consecutive victories. In the game against the Nets, Okogie played 31 minutes, making 3 of 5 shots and 2 of 2 three-pointers. He scored 10 points, 1 assist, 2 steals, and did not make a single mistake. The day before, the Rockets defeated the Raptors. Okogie played 23 minutes, making 4 of 5 shots and 2 of 3 three-pointers. He scored 10 points, 2 assists, 1 rebound, and made only one turnover in the game.

The two games were full of games. Although Okogie only scored 20 points, his scoring average has increased, which is quite difficult for a player with a minimum salary. More importantly, Okogie has made 4 of 5 three-pointers in the last two games, with a hit rate of 80%; even after 4 games in the new season, Okogie has made 6 of 10 three-pointers, with a hit rate of 60%. He has almost become the Rockets' top shooter.

In the league, shooters who can hit 60% of their three-point shooting percentage in the first four or five games are almost rare, but Okogie, a minimum-paid guard, still did it. From this point of view, a basic salary of 3.08 million a year is indeed a bargain. Okogie shot three-pointers very well in two games. Even in 4 games, Okogie's three-pointers were like a miracle. It can be said that the Rockets have successfully picked up the leak. It was previously reported that when Finney Smith is unable to play, Okogie may replace him and play more roles.

Now we can see that Okogie is even better than Finney Smith. Even if the Rockets do not sign Finney Smith, Okogie can still play at the starting level at the 2nd and 3rd positions. Therefore, the Rockets' four-year, 53 million contract for Finney Smith seems a bit redundant. It cannot be said that Finney Smith signed for free, but with Okogie around, Finney Smith's importance has been weakened.