Zach Lowe analyzes Finals viability of rosters with two non-shooters

Review covers 15 years of playoff precedent for Houston.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated yesterday1 min read

Big Questions: Can you make the Finals with 2 non-shooters in your core -- re: Duren/DET and the Rockets? What do the la Via @ZachLowe_NBA on X

What happened: Zach Lowe analyzed the Finals path with two non-shooters during a discussion on NBA roster construction. The examination reviewed 15 years of historical precedent, specifically citing Jalen Duren in Detroit and the Houston Rockets.

Why it matters: Modern playoff environments typically demand elite floor spacing to counteract advanced defenses. Fielding multiple non-shooters complicates half-court execution and creates a significant hurdle for teams attempting a deep postseason run.

By the numbers: Houston holds an 8-5 record this preseason while averaging 116.3 points per game.

What to watch: Houston will continue evaluating its frontcourt pairings and rotation spacing as the preseason progresses.

Sources

@ZachLowe_NBA 2026-10-09T15:23:23.192876+00:00

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