Some thoughts on the Rocket's rebuild, their timeline, and the draft

I think that trying to pinpoint an exact year for opening a contention window, and assuming that the window neatly stays open for a players entire prime is overly optimistic.

Just look at the current trade targets available around the league; Trae Young, Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell. These are guys who have just finished the second or third year of big money rookie extension deals, and yet their games are being picked apart, or we're hearing non-stop media about where they could sign once they hit free agency. The threat of the star threatening to leave is definitely real, and the thought of losing one of them for nothing in FA, or a minimal return because they are a lame duck looking to end their contract immediately kills their trade value.

You just don't have time to wait around and keep on drafting 19-year olds who in your own words, will take 3-4 years to fully blossom; by the time they're ready to contribute, your star player will have one foot out the door in FA. The Mavs got incredibly lucky with Lively, who was a 19-year old who could actually contribute. If they draft someone like Jarace Walker, have a massive hole at center, and get bounced in the second round by the ascending OKC Thunder, how loud do you think the rumor mill gets around Luka possibly requesting a trade?

I think that it's eminently reasonable to hold onto future assets and hope to draft an All-NBA franchise talent because you don't believe fully in Sengun being that guy. However, if he's a true build-around piece, you owe it to him and the team to put fully-formed, near prime performers around him as he grows into the alpha leader. You say you want to be competing for a championship in 2027 with Sengun, but team chemistry, familiarity, and most importantly, experience and adversity in the playoffs are real things that can't be skipped over in favor of basic player development for rookies and young players.

 

Sengun can be a ALL NBA player if can develop a outside shot, I like his “DIRK or Flamingo shot” and his shot putt shot as well. However, he needs to be consistent shooting a outside shot and he will be a ALL NBA. He has elite skills such as passing, dribbling for a big man and low post moves…he just need to develop a outside shot this summer…..

 

The flashy oddball shot.....it is useful but not someone's move every game.

 

Lol this is ridiculous. Jalen played well cuz we played teams trying to tank for first round picks. Literally benching their entire roster when they played us.


Your argument makes no sense cuz we replaced Sengun with Jock Landale. Who also isn't a lob threat or a 3 point shooter so how would that make Jalen magically play better without Sengun.

Also don't get what you are trying to say about Jamal Murray. Even playing with best player in the world and having none of the defense focused on him, he's never made an all star team and no one considers him one of the best players in the league.
I already think he's a bust but if Jalen only becomes Jamal Murray it's not good enough and right he's not even close to a Jamal Murray.

 

I agree! Getting someone even younger wouldn't be a bad thing either. Again if Zion at 23 is available, then get Zion.

 

Zion has already proven humself a loser

Extend the window by trading jalen and leaving fee agency option for Lauri and others

Extend adams on the cheap

Trade jalen for draft assets

Get reed and zach out of this draft using part of jalen trade assets

See what trades are possible for long term value contract role players

Let everything simmer

 

I am more interested in seeing how this draft core can develop than I am to see them parted off for the likes of Donovan Mitchell or Mikal Bridges.

If a true blue star were really on the table and it took us cracking some eggs to get the omelet? I guess I'd be ready to talk about the bridge when we come to it.

 

In the final 17 games when Sengun went out (3/10/24), Jock Landale started 3 games.

3/25/24 vs Portland (Jabari inactive for game)

and final two games of season.
Portland
Clippers

So of those 17 games, Udoka wanted the bulk of Jock Landale vs Ayton (?)

For the most part the lineup was: FVv / Jalen / Amen / Dillon Brooks / Jabari
3 outside shooters and a swift Roll Man in Amen.