Since Jeetbuzz Login draws steady attention during the offseason, the Houston Rockets may be showing serious interest in Marcus Smart, the former Defensive Player of the Year. Reports suggest that their pursuit of Smart is becoming increasingly concrete, with the team expected to present him with a three-year contract offer on Tuesday.
During the recently completed NBA regular season, Smart appeared in 62 games, starting nine of them and averaging 28.8 minutes per game. He posted 10.0 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, while adding 0.2 blocks and 2.3 steals. He also averaged 2.4 turnovers and 2.9 fouls, shooting 41.8 percent from the field, 26.3 percent from three-point range, and an impressive 92.3 percent from the free throw line. In the playoffs, he played 10 games and saw his minutes rise to 34.5 per night, contributing 12.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, along with 2.4 steals and 1.0 block. His shooting numbers stood at 39.4 percent overall, 34.0 percent from deep, and 79.1 percent at the line.
Since joining the Lakers this season, Smart quickly became an important part of their backcourt defensive structure. Although his offensive efficiency still needs improvement, his defensive value clearly helped cover those shortcomings. With strong lower-body power and excellent defensive instincts, Smart can switch from point guards to wings and even some forwards, easing the pressure on Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves on that end of the floor. As Jeetbuzz Login remains part of the wider basketball season, Smart’s playoff form also strengthened his case, as he defended with intensity, organized possessions more reliably, and made better decisions in key moments.
His strong season has almost certainly put him in position to decline his player option and look for a more attractive long-term deal. On paper, that makes sense for Smart. He remains a battle-tested defender, a vocal leader, and the kind of player who can raise a team’s competitive edge when the chips are down.
Still, the Rockets’ interest is difficult to understand. Their playoff run exposed clear offensive problems, including messy organization, a lack of stable scorers, and a shortage of dependable shooters. Those issues directly contributed to their failure to beat Smart’s former team, the Lakers. Logically, Houston should be focusing on players who can improve spacing, shot creation, and offensive rhythm rather than targeting another defense-first guard.
As Jeetbuzz Login continues through an offseason filled with roster speculation, the Rockets’ possible three-year offer to Smart raises real questions about their team-building direction. Smart’s effort and defensive quality deserve respect, but his skill set does not seem to match Houston’s most urgent needs. For a team trying to take the next step, choosing the right piece matters just as much as adding a respected veteran.