It would be a shame if we couldn’t get something of real value for this guy. He’s increased his value and he’s on a great contract. The Pels don’t have a legit center on their roster. I’m okay going into the season with Sengun Adams and Jock, but if Adams stays healthy and Bari continues to grow into his body and play some 5, I don’t see minutes available for Jock. Regardless…I need to see good asset management with Jock. He’s not just salary fodder for trade.
I don't think Bari will ever be decent at 5. He isn't strong or athletic and he plays smaller than he is.
Perhaps the real value is keeping him, for now. Besides, we don't have room on our roster (minutes to give anyone) to add anyone until we decide who we want to part with. Until one the core or Dillon or FVV is on the move, there are no minutes available.
This Olympic competition shows that Jake Landale is more than a serviceable option at the 5. There's no rush to get Steven Adams healthy. We're fine at the 5-spot. Give Landale minutes. He's a winner, and it's up to the coaches to utilize his talents.
What proved he is a serviceable backup 5 was the final 2 months of last season, which carried over to the pre-Olympic competition (and most certainly against Spain in their Olympic opener today). It seems there are some folks here in denial about how much Landale improved. Steven Adams has long been one of my favorite players in the NBA and he clearly brings a very unique element to the Rockets. But he can take his time recovering and still teach Alpi and other guys some tricks of the trade he's famous for. He's also a great influence and an example of maturity in the locker room. Rockets are locked at C. They can postpone a decision on Landale's future to if/when Adams is completely healthy.
Landale, Mills, Giddey and Dillon are all different beasts in FIBA... but are not stars in the NBA where they don't have to do the heavy lifting for 82 games and Playoffs.
