The starting lineup is winning its minutes, and Reed isn't a starter. I highly doubt the Rockets can trade Reed and picks for a PG better than Amen. I get that Reed has been absolutely horrible. Maybe he will be horrible going forward, and the Rockets go to Plan C. I don't see how Reed connects to a starting PG at this point, from either being placed into or acquiring one at the moment. Who are the competent PGs in the Tari and Capela range that are reasonably attainable? Alvarado is the only one that comes to my mind, and Capela would work with draft capital.
I never missed Fred, all I really wanted from the off-season was for the Rockets to dump Jalen, Brooks, and FVV....and now we're seeing how awesome that could have been if they only hadn't wasted a contract on FVV
Oddly enough, I think Fred would actually be perfect for this squad. He's not the 2nd best starter anymore, he might not even be the 5th. The only thing I'd worry about is whether or not he starts iron fisting the offense again. Maybe it was warranted with renowned home builder Jalen Green and irrationally confident Dillon Brooks, but the ball is popping around right now and the offense is suddenly looking like a juggernaut. If he were just there to setup bench minutes, play floor spacer I think this team would be right there in the championship conversation. In the mean... Amen is doing just fine as a guard.
He would be fine as a backup guard, but the fear is that Ime would go back to his comfort level and hand the keys back to Fred. Fred was bad last year on the offensive side of the ball. Our backcourt was the worst offensively of any playoff team. It was apparent to some of us that the switch to Amen was past due. FVV's injury was a blessing in disguise. If Reed can't overcome his defensive deficiencies the answer isn't bringing back Fred it is trading for a 3 and D player quick enough to play against guards.
I disagree...Fred would do wonders with KD. Our offense was inefficient last year because Jalen Green was inconsistent...KD is an efficient scorer. I argue that we would be 5-0 if Fred have not got injured
FVV is not missed at all, this team will be much better without his slower pace, below average shooting, and lack of playmaking. He did his job, give him a watch, let him get healthy than move on - we are better without him....he doesn't fit anymore. DD
Sengun is filling the FVV role now... slowing down the offense, dribbling out the shot clock. And he's doing a fantastic job, averaging 7.5 assists, even hitting 53% from 3.
Which is probably why the Okogie experience is lifting off right now. He's exemplifying a 3&D guard at the moment, exactly what's neede. Hit the outlet threes and sell-out on defense in a sturdy guard's frame.
