The Houston Rockets have become synonymous with toughness.

Ime Udoka barks orders from the sidelines. He scowls. He doesn’t like success. Udoka simply hates failure.

On the floor, Dillon Brooks tries to intimidate whoever he can. Amen Thompson’s demeanor is stoic, but his defensive skills speak for themselves. Tari Eason is one of the most physical wingers in the NBA.

All of this makes the Rockets awfully tough. Their second-ranked defensive rating of 105.3 reflects that toughness.

However, they aren’t strong enough to impress a certain guard on the best defensive team in the league.

The Rockets rival has good words for the team

Alex Caruso is one of the best defensive guards in the NBA. No one can question his influence on that end of the floor. When he talks about defense, everyone should listen.

However, he seems to have a lot of interest when it comes to the Rockets. Caruso maintains that the Rockets’ tough demeanor is largely based on bluster.

Alex Caruso asked how the Thunder are trying to impose a certain toughness without being loud.

“For whatever reason, this is Houston’s shit. They’re trying to be a super aggressive, physical team, but we’re a pretty physical and aggressive team ourselves. … For… pic.twitter.com/vMY3yOuMkc

— Joel Lorenzi (@jxlorenzi) December 16, 2024

Fair enough. Fighting words from a fellow fighter should be welcomed by the Rockets. Classifying her identity as “shtick” seems far-fetched. However, if anyone can question the Rockets’ toughness, it’s the best defensive guard on the best defensive team in the NBA.

However, other teams in the NBA are also feeling the effects of the game in Houston. However, if they add a guardian they recently linked to, they get equality

Rockets linked to former Udoka protégé

If you guessed Marcus Smart, don’t tire of patting yourself on the back. It was telegraphed.

The Rockets have been linked to Smart before. It seems that Udoka was a fan of his when he coached him in Boston. Of course, that means the Rockets would take a look at him.

Smart would fit the culture perfectly. He is one of the most competitive defensive guards in the NBA. The Rockets could double down on their strengths by adding Smart:

But it wouldn’t be advisable.

Rockets should take a different path in the trading market

Smart is shooting 32.5% from distance this year.

This is bad and also typical. Smart has struggled with his three-pointers throughout his career. Stop us if you’ve heard this before:

Shooting is a weakness for the Rockets.

Every player added to this roster should be a reliable shooter, a big backup, or a star guard. None of the three are smart. Targets like Jose Alvarado or even Lonzo Ball would make more sense for the Rockets.

Without Smart they are already robust enough.