Could the Rockets look for a buyout player for the playoffs? There are rumors, that are putting the Rockets to sign with Ben Simmons or Marcus Smart? Who do you think to help in the playoffs?
Bruce Brown is on Rockets radar. Prior relationship with Udoka and should be seamless fit in Ime system that emphasizes switch defense. Younger than Tate.
Bruce Brown is much better version of Tate so I'd be down with that. Reports are that Pelicans want to keep him and possibly extend him though.
Bruce Brown would be an excellent pickup. He’s a better version of Tate. Great player for the playoffs.
Desperation made me do it but what about Mo Bamba? Better fit in Ime defense than Jock? Career 37% 3P Stepping away now. https://nesn.com/2025/02/four-buyout-candidates-celtics-can-target-after-nba-trade-deadline/
Bruce Brown would be an amazing pickup but I can't imagine NO is in a rush to cut him after trading one of their franchise cornerstones for him and Olynyk....also Bruce Brown is looking to get paid and NO has suggested they would be open to signing him next year. It's probably in his best to go wherever he can get the most minutes to re-establish himself after injury so he can field multiple offers this offseason - I would guess thats NO at this point. I think Ben Simmons could be a real score for Houston and think people are largely underrated him at this point. Simmons at the max isn't worth it - but he's not a bad player necessarily, still plays solid defense, still is a playmaker and for a vet min price he would be great value. Similar to Bruce above though - he is probably going to look for wherever he can showcase his skills the best since he will also be chasing a new deal this offseason. Worth noting Udoka was an assistant coach on the Sixers during Ben Simmons best pro year. Also worth noting Udoka has publicly compared Amen Thompson and Simmons. If anyone has solved the defensive ace/playmaker/non shooter archetype - it's Udoka with Amen's play from the dunker spot/crashing boards. If Simmons just plays a similar role when Amen goes the bench, it's a nightmare matchups for other teams. He's not the answer to any of our problems necessarily, but he also isn't a bad player to have around on the cheap and get a look at how he meshes with a different type of team than what Philly and Brooklyn were. I would imagine if Udoka had concerns about the fit/personality, Houston wouldn't be pursuing him right now.
Bruce is 6'4 to Ben 6'10 but Bruce plays like the bigger more decisive player, especially on offense. And Bruce is worlds better shooter at all 3 levels. Bruce is not afraid of going to line either. Pels are smart to keep him. Ben Simmons is decent fallback plan but would have loved Bruce much more on this team.
