I think you're misunderstanding those points: 1) Jokic's age 22 season stats are great. We have that in Sengun. That's why we don't need to act as though we don't have anyone like that (i.e. no star yet). 2) I just mentioned those two to re-affirm the fact that we have two players who we value higher than Fox right now so the idea that we are desperate for Fox is not accurate. Fox is a good player and in the right system can be deadly. I think that he would struggle if you put him back in a traditional system. Building a system around Fox is good for Amen, Jalen and Cam too. However, he is a terrible defender. Defense and offense are each half the game. The defensive gap between FVV and Fox is really wide. One is top 100 the other is like 400th out of 550. I think although his offense being so much better than Van Vleet, the upgrade is not that big. It's definitely an upgrade but not worth several young assets. I'd rather wait for someone bigger and better even if takes 2 windows honestly. Just a slightly awkward fit with Fox and we're not desperate.
Jokic is an extreme example, most players do not improve as much as he has. I expect Sengun to continue to improve, but getting Fox IMO is outside of Sengun, as the Rockets need a perimeter scorer even if Sengun becomes a top 20 player. The Rockets are desperate for a perimeter player that can score though - they will make the playoffs as built, but to get deep into the playoffs they will need someone that can drop 25+ a night, get in the lane, to the line and in efficient. Fox isn't a good defender - but he isn't Dame Lillard bad. He is a good ball hawk and can stay in front of his man. I believe that he would be close to an average defender with the Rockets after an adjustment period. He is 6'3" and has a 6'7" wingspan. I don't think there would be much of a problem with him fitting in on the offensive side at all actually, he would do most of what Jalen Green was supposed to do. The only real wart is that he is an inconsistent shooter from the perimeter. There are players I would rather have over Fox as well, but I do not think they will be available in the next year or two. Then again - there is a lot of noise that Fox will end up in San Antonio anyways.
My worry is that we stack up Robins with no Batman. That will basically turn us into the mid 2010s raptors with Derozan and Lowry, that was maybe a fun team for the fans but they never had a serious shot. But on the other hand, I know that there are no good alternatives. If there was an easy road to a championship then we would take it. But unfortunately, all the paths we take have a very low percentage of working out. I would just hate if we spent assets+salary on Fox, and then down the road some player (Jokic/SGA/Ant/whoever) becomes available and we aren't in the running because of this move.
Also something to think about, what does our guard rotation look like if we trade for Fox but don't send out Fred? Who starts, who gets benched, what do the minutes look like, what does that do for our team morale? I just saw this proposal and I'm really curious what this does to our rotations - bleacherreport
I think you have to do Fred and picks unless we wait until the offseason, when it can be built around Jalen. I'm torn on it. I've always loved Fox, but I am not sure he makes us a contender and his defense and shooting are concerns for me. I am tempted to hold out to see if a guy like Booker becomes available. I think he or Herro would probably be the best fit here because they can shoot and handle the ball. I don't expect Herro will be available anytime soon (and after the last game I doubt he would want to come here. lol) but Booker should be available soon and I think it's even possible that Ant Edwards demands a trade in the next year or two. Ant can't shoot like Booker or Herro but man, we'd definitely be contenders if you added Ant to this team. He's more or less the perfect shooting guard for Udoka. He's a dog.
Bottom line is, you're trying to get better n Fox will make us better. Take what you can, players like ANT might never be available
Fox is capable of being a better defender than he's shown on the Kings of late, he came into the league as a high-level ball-hawk. He's also a better shooter than people are giving him credit for. I'm pretty confident he'd fit in well and make us a significantly better team in the 4Q. It all comes down to who we give up. The Kings want size -- and would want Bari or Tari to help their thin frontcourt, which makes it harder. Tari is better right now, but we don't really have anyone to replicate what Bari gives us either (and we'd be very small since Sacramento doesn't have any good bigs to send back).
That is possible - I compare it to the Grind and Grit Grizzlies.... no one wants to be stuck at solid but not a real contender. The only thing I will say about Fox is that he is pretty good, and should not take all of the Rockets assets. I have mostly heard Jabari or Reed plus filler and a draft pick or two (Rockets picks). That would leave the Suns picks and plenty of assets. This is the risk - but I would ask how often a player becomes available that actually leads you to a title? Harden was great, same with Chris Paul.... Charles Barkley.... Scottie Pippen.... all great players but they did not lead their new teams to a title. There is Shaq and LeBron that I can think of, and LeBron was as a free agent and is the second best player in NBA history. Also - keep in mind that IF a franchise player becomes available, the Rockets will face STIFF competition for them. The Thunder and Spurs are stacked with assets and the Thunder have a better roster and front office and the Spurs have Wemby. There is a good chance the Rockets would finish 2nd or 3rd in a bidding war. The question is how likely are the Rockets to get a franchise player if they become available - and then the second question is would the Rockets be more enticing for them if they have someone like Fox on the roster? To me - I don't empty the asset basket for Fox - but if I can get him for one or Reed or Smith - and the Rockets own picks in 2025 and/or 2027, then I do it. The bigger issue that no one is talking about is that we had a LOT of top draft picks and did not get a franchise player out of it.
I would personally start out with FV and Fox as starters........ if adding Fox sparks Green, then I would consider running Green and Fox because of the transition game. FV can help with defense and limiting turnovers, but the defense can be replaced by Amen as well. I wouldn't be worried about the rotations - I think Fox would fit well and could play two positions..... as for morale, I am sure at first Green would be upset, but if he gets more space and transition opportunities, he will be fine..... I expect the rest of the players will be happy to be adding a 25+ point a game scorer.
