...this is like talking about what ingredients you are going to substitute into a dish before you have even tried the dish for the first time. None of our "core" has ever even played a playoff game - why would you waste your available trade assets trying to address perceived playoff weaknesses when you are a 2 seed? You don't know yet know how your core's individual weaknesses will play out in a 7 game series - save EVERY ASSET until you have meaningful data to back up what you need and then go hunt down those players. I think Houston WILL be somewhat exposed in the playoffs - maybe it's Jalen's decision making, maybe it's Fred's inconsistent shooting, maybe it's Alpi's lack of gravity across the court, maybe it's the lack of a defensive shot blocking center, maybe it's more shooting woes....the point is - we need to get into a series with good teams and good coaching and see how they are able to dismantle these young Rockets so we know the areas for PLAYOFF improvement. I think our depth has helped us win more regular season games than virtually anyone was expecting - but in the playoffs, the rotations tend to tighten for most teams and offensive and defensive execution is generally higher and our team hasn't necessarily been tested in a way where their weaknesses are there for teams to study carefully and try to exploit by the other team's best starting 5 players over more minutes than a regular season game. ...side note - I do to some extent wonder what this looks like if Udoka keeps a 9-10 man rotation in the playoffs and tries to overcome top end talent(we don't have a Jokic or SGA today) with up tempo play from a bunch of solid but not necessarily great players - at least today. I know there are bright futures for guys like Amen, Alpi, and Jalen but they aren't in the same class today as the top end talent in Boston, OKC, and Cleveland.
Untouchables (in my opinion): Amen Jalen Green Cam Whitmore Tari Eason Sengun My trade targets Jerami Grant (43%from 3 in last 9 games) Cam Johnson (41% from 3 in last 9 games) [ day to day ankle ] Bringing in a PF that can shoot 3's and drive to the rim. Udoka team wants everyone to contribute by shooting some 3's, getting some rebounds and a handful of assists. No one player does all of one thing; like assists. Everyone able to put the ball on the floor prevents that 27 straight misses from 3 taste that wakes us up at night. When Jalen is trapped at half court.....others go 4 on 3.
I don't think Stone collected all this expiring contract filler for nothing. I have my doubts any significant rotation players get traded, but guys at the fringe of the rotation like Landale, Tate, Uncle Jeff--I can see them heading out for a versatile frontcourt player who can take their minutes (567 over the course of the season for roughly 14mpg) and combine them into one, more-productive bench player who addresses one of our weaknesses. The only member of the young core I could maybe see getting traded is Cam due to his attitude issues, but he's looked happier and more plugged-in the last few games, so I'm not necessarily expecting anything to happen there. Still, if you could package him and Aaron Holiday for a young combo guard who can do some playmaking and shooting, I think you'd have to consider it, just because we're so reliant on FVV right now to run the offense, and a significant injury to him could bring on a lot of trouble.
I like your targets at the right price. I think there are 2 no trade lists. Untouchable Amen, Jalen, Sengun. Only traded for a star Jabari, Tari, Cam.
Jabari is the only one I question: I like the option of moving him to Small Ball Center. I love my future lineup of: Amen Jalen Green Cam Whitmore Tari Eason Sengun A Grant or Cameron Johnson buys Cam and Tari time to further develop. I'm thinking Jabari will ask for Max money that prevents us from paying Tari-Cam. So Jabari might not be in our long term future.
I don’t think they will make a move at the deadline on the slim chance they pull the trigger on landing a star. Brooks would be the one traded to match salaries, and Jabari is the most likely young player to be included. Cam is way too valuable right now to be traded. He is the true scorer off the bench and one of the few guys that can regularly create their own shot and one of the best shooters, two things you can’t afford to lose right now. Holliday cannot simply be thrown into a deal either. He is the backup PG right now and Reed isn’t ready to replace him. He’s a valuable piece to have on the end of the bench. Same goes for Jock. 3rd string center is important if there is any injury to Sengun/Adams. He’s a great insurance policy.
I think the money is a concern, but injuries are a concern with Tari. I think Jabari is a much more valuable defensive player than he is getting credit for. He was also finding his footing when he got a fluke injury and is 21 years old. Not ready to give up on him and we don't have to extend him and can re-sign after next year or let him go to RFA. Anyway, I certainly wouldn't give him up for Grant or Cam, but I don't think you are suggesting that.
Jock, Tate, Adams, Holiday could be traded. Not counting those guys, I think it is JSJ and Reed. I think JSJ for a player that is already great of the same type. If the Rockets are trading for a star or great off ball player, I could see Reed being in the deal as he's got value as a young player, not in the rotation, and makes a decent chunk of money for salary matching. I don't see other teams really wanting FVV and Brooks that would also be willing to trade something the Rockets want. Only way I see them in a deal is to a third team for salary matching purposes in a star trade that for whatever reason doesn't work with non-FVV expirings.
I think out of the core, the most likely one to be traded is Sengun. While he is a very solid offensive player, he is slow footed, not that athletic and isn't much of a rim protector, and the rest of the team are all super fast, super athletic, and may be a better overall team with a rim protecting, rim running, alley oop threat at the center spot ( a prime Capela for example)..... I ultimately think Alpi doesn't fit with all the rest and will be traded to a team that he fits and Ime gets a big that can protect the rim etc. DD
I believe I've suggested what may be the Rockets end result, over a period of time. Earlier you asked me why I had SF/PF options instead of PG/SG's options in trade? I believe the pieces are there with exception of reinforcing the wing or Small-Ball Center pieces. ___ Last year I commented on a, Jalen Green to the bench thread, that Green would do fine with another team..... especially a Pacers or Boston that use a 3-point shooting Center like Myles Turner or Porzingis. I mentioned Green would be able to utilize his speed and leaping ability to the max and own this league. NBA doesn't want to let Green be the face of the league while in Houston. Anthony Edwards is failing to move the needle. All Green would need to do is come back this season with his hair in a new style. Like braided. Hair is more in control and NBA viewership being so down.....NBA probably can't wait for Jalen to be moved. They are so desperate for the baton to be handed to that new face of the league. Green might be benefiting from the good ref calls now.....where he didn't before. ____ When we drafted Green I posted it's not about what the 19 y/o kid is today. It's more about what will Jalen Green be in 5 years. That time is here. ____ Playoffs will be about: * Teams will try to take away our transition points by having players get back and defend their rim after shots. Force the game to be a half court contest. Last week the Rockets were ranked 24th in the half court. * Teams will try to take away the 1st and 2nd option on offense. Trap Jalen Green at half court.....doubling Sengun. This is why I want to trade for a better 3rd option than VanVleet, Dillon or Amen. I mentioned that Jabari is too tight in the hips and will never be able to dribble drive well enough. Sure enough I heard this week that Jabari has been stretching with a specialist all year. Rockets recognize that same weakness that I've noted. Keep in mind Green and Sengun could have waited a year and been RFA's. Not sure that would have worked in the Rockets interest. This is why they did a half-*** job of giving but not giving Green and Sengun max money. Jabari and Tari will be in line for the same situation.
very good summary overall. As for the last part, rockets have to keep the extended rotation because you don’t know who will show up any day and we have good chance of getting an advantage with second units.
Why anyone would want jeremi grant who's TS is EIGHT % below average now, doesn't play defense, and has 3 years for like 100 mil left is beyond me. He's washed.
Reminder: Jabari is younger than even Amen and is already one of the most important pieces of your 2nd seeded Rockets. Give him time and playing time to develop.
The time now ? I thought the Rockets were going to underwhelm this season wins wise?? I was surprised 2 seasons ago that you were predicting so many wins when they were tanking. Then this season they were all about winning (not play Reed at all now) the future of this team is crazy.
Tari: besides the fact that when healthy he is uber efficient & effective. His recent injury issues likely preclude a deal especially if he cannot pass a physical Jalen: I think he has played his way into untouchable status or at the least he is way down the list
