Outside of backup Center, this is our biggest position of concern for reasons we all know. So was curious to see where everyone stands on how to best address this position.
The core is 20/21 years old. You don't win NBA titles with 22 year old stars so we shouldn't make reactionary moves aimed at a moonshot of winning the 2025 title when we can keep it organic and be a good team for the next 10 years. It looks more and more like Green isn't the answer, but I'm quite content to keep it rolling, get to the end of the season, and assess the future then rather than jumping into a short-term fix for a long-term problem.
Trade for a SG, a player similar to Bogdan Bogdanovic, who embodies the role of a combo guard and can shoot the ball. However, this trade may require the team to part ways with Jalen. I wish that Jalen could turn things around. I still hope like a fool.
Brooks. Move Eason to SF, Cam is 6th man Trade Jalen for a future 1st, trade for a backup C using Landale / Dipo + 2nds. I’d go for Olynyk FVV / Holiday Brooks / Thompson / Bullock Eason / Whitmore Smith / Green / Tate Sengun / Olynyk / Boban Both starters and bench get bigger, Olynyk is the facilitator off the bench allowing us to reduce FVVs minutes, Olynyk brings shooting to the backup unit to add space for Thompson, Bullock can sub for Thompson if we need additional shooting, Tate as a situational backup and for injuries/foul trouble, Whitmore full blown offensive 6th man role, Boban still in full blown towel waver role for team moral.
Mine is not a prediction but if FO trade a startling SF, that’s saying a lot about their confidence in JG develop in the same timeline with Alpi, Bari and others. At that point, JG and FO gotta make a decision if his future is with Rockets or not
Yeah if Jalen is moved I'd prefer moving Tari to the starting lineup with Brooks moving to the 2. Start games with a heavy defensive/FredShenhub balance, and have Cam/Amen come off the bench with a decent backup 5 added at the deadline. If Jalen is staying (which seems highly likely) I think you aren't likely to see much change at all. If Jalen is getting moved to the bench I think it's most likely to happen in the Summer during the next training camp.
I don’t think Cam is ready to start. I like him playing big minutes off the bench at the 2/3. But Jalen shouldn’t be starting at this point either. I’d try to make a modest deal for Brogdon at the deadline. If Dejuante Murray is available we have to kick the tires on him too. If we can’t get something done at the deadline you retry in the offseason. Gary Trent Jr, is worth signing this offseason if we move on from Jalen. But the best thing for this team would be a combo guard who can shoot and take pressure off Fred at the point…which is why Brogdon and Murray are good targets.
I voted 3 but should have voted 4. Bottom line is I'm not super worried about it this year. We'll see what happens going forward.
That looks good defensively but having 3 guys who can’t shoot is rough, our offense struggles as it is
Trading for a guy age 27 and up would be a waste of assets. Not a fit for our timeline. So no Dejounte Murray, no Mikal Bridges, and dear god, no 31-year-old Malcolm Brogdon. We're play-in contenders this season, our odds of even getting into the playoffs proper are probably less than 50 percent. No reason to blow assets on veterans when we have no chance of making a deep run in the playoffs and our core are all 22 and under. As far as Cam, I would like to see him working in a 6th man role this season. As for him starting: I don't think he's good enough at passing and playing team offense, or just being in the right spots on defense right now, and he has a long way to go on the former in particular. Maybe he can compete for the starting job next season if we don't make some other move. If we can make a trade for a young guard with some remaining upside who is already playing better than Jalen--guys like Collin Sexton, Coby White, Tyler Herro, etc--I might consider that. Or if some unexpected young star becomes available. That sort of thing is about the only roster move I'd feel okay about us making as relates to adding a guard to the roster right now. Otherwise, just kind of stay the course and let the season play out, address it in the offseason if at all.
They should do nothing. Hold the course. Hold Jalen accountable. And let him learn. You have to give the dude a year under a new coach before you start giving up. Thats so short-sighted. Cam has just as many if not more flaws than Jalen. patience, chile’. Patience.