28-year old shooting guard Kevin Martin never seems to get mentioned when people talk about great shooting guards. The fans of the Rockets and Kings know better as Martin is a smooth opertator despite not getting much pub. Martin played in 80 games (all starts) for the Rockets last year and he averaged 32.5 minutes, 23.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.0 steal per game. He has now played in 435 games (347 starts) in his NBA career and he is averaging 31.2 minutes, 18.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.0 steal per game. Martin is the best offensive player the Rockets have to offer.

22-year old small forward Chase Budinger is playing well as of late. In his last five games, Budinger is averaging 35.0 minutes, 12.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. He is also shooting 47.4% from three point range in those five contests which is pretty darn good. Budinger has now played in 73 games (17 starts) overall for the Rockets this year and he is averaging 21.6 minutes, 9.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. Budinger has done a solid job for the Rockets this year, especially after the deal that sent Shane Battier to Memphis which put him into the starting lineup.

24-year old point guard Goran Dragic has been a perfect fit behind Kyle Lowry so far. Dragic has played in 8 games (0 starts) for the Rockets so far this year and he is averaging 13.5 minutes, 6.9 points, 2.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.0 steal. The Rockets are better off with Dragic than Brooks because Brooks was not happy as a backup.

The Houston Rockets felt better about dealing Shane Battier due to the improved play of 22-year old Chase Budinger who has replaced him in the starting lineup. In his last two games, Budinger is averaging 31.5 minutes, 28.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. He is shooting 17 of 29 (58.6%) from the floor and 7 of 12 (58.3%) from three point range in those two games. Budinger has now played in 57 games (1 start) for the Rockets so far this year and he is averaging 18.6 minutes, 8.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game.

27-year old center Chuck Hayes is only 6′6″, 238 pounds but he plays much bigger than he stands. In his last five games, Hayes is averaging 38.2 minutes, 11.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.0 blocked shot per game on a stunning 64.1% shooting from the floor. He has now played in 45 games (34 starts) so far this year for the Rockets and he is averaging 25.4 minutes, 7.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. The Rockets need Hayes to keep up the good work as his effort is simply amazing to behold.