The Houston Rockets were eager to upgrade their roster in free agency, but an unsuccessful free agency period makes the prospect of running it back next season increasingly likely.

The Lakers, Clippers, Blazers and Jazz all have enough talent now to compete for Western Conference supremacy, the Nuggets’ subtle addition of Jerami Grant will only make them stronger and the five-time reigning conference champions will still be mighty with a new-look squad. The Houston Rockets may not have added another marquee name like they had hoped, but the low key re-signing of Danuel House might be their ace in the hole.

House has had quite the journey since going undrafted in 2016. The 26-year-old played one lone minute for the Washington Wizards in his rookie year, 23 games for the Phoenix Suns in year two, has dominated in the G-League and pre-season, had a brief stint on the Golden State Warriors’ roster before being cut prior to the season starting, and then a confusing season with Houston last year marred by complex contract negotiations.

There are more details of House’s treacherous journey around the NBA – especially the contract drama in Houston last year – but none of them are important. All that matters now is House has finally settled in Houston with a three-year deal worth $11 million, and he can focus on playing basketball instead of job security.

The contenders built by both tenants of The Staples Center this off-season highlight Houston’s need for a three-and-D wing more than their rivalry with the Golden State Warriors did. Houston failed recruiting Jimmy Butler, and any other free agents to fill their need at the wing positions, but House fits the system perfectly on both ends of the floor and re-signing him may have been their best roster move to combat this issue. House won’t be Jimmy Butler, but the Rockets don’t need him to be.