Ben DuBose AKA @TheCat: Opportunity isn’t a lengthy visitor

No.

 

I think there’s a lot of value in going into the playoffs this year as a outside contender of sorts. And not just first round or second round chum.

I’m not saying we need to go all in at this trade deadline, but I do think it’s time to consolidate.

 

Rockets shouldn't make any trade this season that they don't "win", meaning if we do nothing for the rest of the season we are still ahead of schedule with multiple paths forward to improve. I agree that if there is a great deal on the table (initiated by either team) where we are not giving up the farm for Fox or Booker we should take it, but I do not believe we need to desperately go after them because of a timeline.

 

I think now is a great time to make it happen. If there isn't an opportunity worth it, try again next season.

I'd love Booker or Fox this season. I'd love it if that doesn't happen, and the Rockets have a young player make another big leap. I'd rather make a move this season as I expect the Rockets young guys will improve by more than FVV and Brooks play worse. I'm enjoying this season with less than cautious excitement for what the Rockets could be next season.

 

I think we can contend this year, if we do all the right things - and have a bit of luck on our side.

 

DuBose is a jerkwad.....that said, at some point all of this young talent will have to be consolidated. I think we know what we have in Green, Alpi, and Amen. I would like to see more of Jabari and especially Whitmore before making decisions on who would/should be included in a trade package.

At the moment a package that included Eason, Reed and draft capital would be fine by me. I wouldn't mind if Fred got traded (maybe an enticing expiring contract?)

 

Looking at the standings...the Rockets are already 'making it happen' relative to the age of their core.

Other than converting the 2025 Suns' pick swap for value I'm not really sure what the urgency is. Our main guys are really young and there's no reason we shouldn't be, at worst, just as good next year.

 

This season is similar to OKC's last year.

Last season was similar to OKC's 2 years ago.

Hopefully next year is akin to OKC's current season.

We are a VERY young team and we have been improving very well year over year in the 1st 2 season under udoka already. I would be hesitant to really make a huge altering trade.

 

I feel like the teams that traded for up and coming prospects who blew up are the one’s that are now in the best situations. Instead of a Fox or Booker who are in their prime and max-paid, can we find a future Halliburton or SGA? Booker is an elite #2, and Fox isn’t a god enough shooter to be a true #1 on a championship team. I say be patient. That 2025 Suns pick could end up being a high lotto pick. I can think of worse fates than drafting another really talented young player. Let’s get something for Jalen and keep churning through prospects. We know Sengun and Amen are keepers. I say keep those lotto picks rolling; we might end up with another stud.

 

What’s the rush? We have a young team with no playoff experience and he already wants to win a championship.

There will be better options than fox or Booker this offseason. Those are second tier stars, you don’t go all in for a second tier stars.

Why settle for Booker, when you can trade for Anthony Edwards. He’s probably going to be the next star that’s going to demand a trade.

 

Sure Edwards might become available…. And maybe he forces his way to OKC.

We need to take an upgrade when it’s available to us if it’s a player that wants to be here. I love Alpi And he is currently our best player, but there is a pretty big gap between him and someone like Booker or Fox currently. A top 15 player would do wonders for us.

 

Don’t force anything, the young talent has to be viewed with a trajectory that they are upward returns.

Green, Sengun, Whitmore, have all added serviceable defense to their repertoire.

Amen has catapulted his 3 point shot to 26% and it’s getting better.

Jabari Smith has had some really nice Otis Thorpe style flair to his game.

Tari Eason just needs to get healthy, and with minutes his Game seems very elite.

Reed is young and like a deer in headlights, but some here have stated that he is a wonder boy at practices; so it might just be mental at the actual NBA games.

 

I may be wrong, but I’d rather have Sengun at his age and 5 yrs on his extension than Fox on the veteran max or super-max. I’d also rather have Amen on his rookie scale deal than Fox. I feel like by 27, both players will be better than Fox.

 

I’m all for trying to trade for an up-and-coming player, but those guys are expensive, too, and there is no guarantee they will turn into what you hope.

How many times does a top-20 (or even top-25) player change hands each year? Where the Rockets are right now, if they can get a player like Booker, you have jump at the chance. Fox is on the fringe, but ultimately, I think you do that, too.

The number of picks you give up is irrelevant because you are essentially turning them into mid-20s picks. You just have to be sure you don’t give up anyone who turns out to be better than the player you are acquiring.

 

Hey, maybe Cooper Flagg will request a trade in 3-4 years. Let's just sit tight until then.

 

maybe we can draft Cooper Flagg with the 2025 Suns pick?

 

I think we as Rockets fans are way too prone to wanting to postpone things with the grass may be greener fallacy.

Each of your points are valid, yet at the same time, questionable.

Tari's "injury" to the same leg as last year should absolutely be a big concern going forward. That he is experiencing this after last year is a huge red flag for continuous reactivated stints.

Amen has improved as a shooter but will most likely never be at a dependable level there to be considered a true star player.

Too many variables out there and you do need to consolidate your team/assets.

You have zero guarantee that PHX goes into tank mode if they continue down this road. If they can move Nurkic or Beal it opens up a ton for them going forward.

Also, you will need to pay your youth as well just like you did with Jalen and Alpi.

End of the day, you are under the gun to make your move sometime between now and the end of the upcoming offseason. Maybe stretch it out to next trade deadline at the latest.

 

That isn't gonna happen lol. I love the Rockets but I also know their play style will start to take effect on the team soon just like last year. Injuries and stamina were a big issue in the 2nd half of the season, I expect much the same this year.

I wouldn't be shocked if PHX ends up a better seed than we are at the end of the year.

 

we were complete ass for 3 years and now the first season we are finally good we want to go all in? give me a break.