The Athletic NBA Daily Do the Rockets pass the eye test?
Jan 16, 2026
In this episode, Joe Vardon, an on-site NBA reporter for The Athletic, shares his insights after covering the excitement in Berlin during the Magic-Grizzlies game. He discusses Franz Wagner’s impactful return and Anthony Black's jaw-dropping dunk. The conversation also dives into the Rockets' struggles against the Thunder, question marks about their offense, and the Bucks' woes following another tough loss. Vardon also highlights how the Wagner brothers are boosting the NBA's profile in Germany.
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Rebounding-First Offense Has Math Limits
- The Rockets' offense relies heavily on offensive rebounding and volume rather than structured play.
- That math fails when opponents win the three-point battle and limit their high-value looks.
Lack Of A True Playmaker Exposed
- Houston's defense and offensive rebounding keep them competitive despite poor half-court creation.
- They lack a true primary playmaker to generate consistent high-quality shots beyond Durant and Sengun.
Add A Creator Or System Actions
- Avoid building an offense that depends on elite shot-making from only one or two stars.
- Add a reliable creator or system actions to produce easier, sustainable looks for role players.
