Every team the Rockets might face in the first round has gotten better

Yeah again it depends how you evaluate it. There's an intangible value to Durant mentoring these players and them having deeper playoff experiences that the stats can't explain. The stats also can't explain why he hasn't broken down so I'm willing to bet on the greatest jumpshooter ever being able to last a little longer than Lebron.

IMO it would help push all of the young guys towards realizing their potential - thus raising their trade value tremendously. It has to do with a lot more than his age and the production he can bring for 2 years. It's also unique in that you'd have a LOT of championship and Finals experience on the team and in the staff. Just having that solid scoring foundation so that the young scorers' inconsistency is reduced through fewer shot attempts and more open shot attempts.

Standing pat is also a good move but in that case please be patient about the speed of our players' development because that's the speed. They won't be in their primes for another 3 years and should gradually improve on the way there along with hiccups (that's bad stretches of play for no logical reason). So no more "why aren't his numbers like other stars" when the answer is obviously "because he's not in his prime and we have less opportunities to drive to the rim".

 

I’m not worried about this year or next year at all. Our window won’t open for at least 2 more years, j don’t think the possibility of advancing one extra round is worth losing the suns picks (in fact I’m vehemently against that idea). If you can get durant for cheap, sure.

 

That's the thing a lot of people b*tching about the speed of our development want a 27 year old who was developed by another team who watched them going through development struggles. It's silly sometimes.

 

FYI - I would not identify either Luka or Jokic as elite run-jump switchable players.

But that might just be me. You and others of your ilk may some higher ability of discernment.

 

I like jokic a lot, i know many don’t

 

Rockets are top 3 in West this season, their window is open now. Every season is different so counting on some future immutable window is foolish.

 

I like Jokic too, he is an MVP candidate for a reason but he's certainly not an elite run-jump switchable athlete.

 

Alright

 

No need to panic, we aren't trying to win it this year....just stay the course.

DD

 

If he really wants job security he wouldn't be in the sports business but make partner somewhere at a law firm.

It's the thrill and the familiar surrounding.

 

You think if you start 27ppg 50/40/90 1.3blks Durant at PF on a team that was on pace to win 50+, you won't contend for a title? that's right now regardless of what our hearts are telling us about his age.

I think in general people are overconfident about a pick turning out to be great. In general, they could do something stupid like treadmill by trading their stars late for lesser stars. There's a 50-50 chance that pick will end up as good as you think and it will take years to find out.

If it were two years ago, I'm holding onto it for dear life. After we are a 50-win team, my plan was always that we'd change course slightly. It's just happening sooner than expected. I think you were also probably hoping we win 50-60 next season by adding a big name in the summer. Well what happens if we win that before we get that guy? Do we robotically follow through with the plan and ignore the spirit of it? To acquire a guy based on when there's not much to work on but playoff experience?

Don't know. Personally, I think it would be a shame to miss out on this season's outside shot we could have at the title too. It's not a small chance imo, it's a valuable shot. Then obviously by next season we don't have the chemistry excuse. We go into training camp with title in mind and notes from a failed first try. By the time KD is 38, the trio of Sengun/Amen/Green should collectively be better at shooting. If not, we will have picks remaining and 2 picks accumulated since KD joined. We can acquire another star if needed or upgrade 1/2 people. If they REALLY want that pick, let it only be that pick and Brooks (and fillers). We have the Mavs pick too which is incredible.

I'm not down for limiting our flexibility. I just think there's a window here, but again I believe there's many ways we can win a title. If they have another plan to fix the shot making, I'm in for that too.

 

His shooting numbers and stuff are good but overall he’s a shell of what he used to be. He doesn’t have near the impact he once did, because he’s old as hell. Lebron is the same, curry is the same. Maybe he increases our title odds from 0 to 1% or something (maybe that’s a stretch?). I would be incredibly bummed if we burn a ton of assets on kd but ultimately it’s whatever, i’ll live either way.

 

I think you're letting your feelings about age get in the way. You are undervaluing 27 efficient ppg with net positive defense more than you otherwise ever would. Championship teams win between 50 and 60 usually. We only lack playoff experience and 3PT shooting to get there.

What would happen if Jabari starting scoring just 20 ppg on Durant's splits? We would be OKC. That's what would happen.

 

All of his impact metrics and everything have plummeted because he’s super old. He’s still good obviously, but he’s not leading a team anywhere at this point. He would be an amazing fit in denver, or okc, places like that.

 

LoL I'm just talking about his current level of defense and offense regardless whether it's plummeted. Is it even statistically possible for that not to improve us dramatically (Jabari to 36 year old Durant)?

I don't think so. It's not a reasonable assumption.

 

Would help our offense, hurt our defense and rebounding. Obviously an upgrade, and at a minimal cost i’d do it but not at any realistic cost.

 

I like staying the course as well but to what point? Does that mean to not "go for it" while you're young and risk talented egos asking for trades, sometime in the near future? I recall a few teams being on the rise over the years and them forced to pivot because of injuries or playing time issues. Just saying, it's a gamble

 

To be fair I don't "wish" the Rockets just stay put and develop people. Like most fans I prefer to see winning and seeing it sooner than later. I just feel like there should be consistency between front office and coaching staff. If everyone agrees this team is not ready, so be it. They know more than I do. In that case they should be prepping the young guys for next year through development. If they do think the team is ready, then they should be much more aggressive in finding that go-to scorer. At least someone good enough to cover Jalen's bad nights and can get buckets down the stretch when defenses are more locked in. Otherwise they're looking at probably a 4/5 first round matchup against Denver or Lakers. And this current group is probably not gonna win that matchup. So may as well try to see if Cam/Reed can make a huge leap by end of year and contribute in the series.

 

I was talking to another poster and you replied to me.

Just cuz Luka got traded for peanuts doesnt mean the Rockets can get Ant for Jalen green and a pick.

 

If we are not trying to win, what are we doing now? Play for fun? Or developing role players?

We waste 30 years.