OP makes some good points in here, but I don't think the Rockets have a problem at all with depth on the wings necessarily, especially when you factor in Ariza and Dekker. I think they have a problem when it comes to guys who can make plays outside of Harden. Gordon and Beverley are competent ball handlers and passers, but they're not true point guards, and if one of them were to miss time again, the Rockets would definitely have a problem as Ennis is abysmal. By the trade deadline, I think it would be a smart move for Morey to get a true backup PG to Harden, and there's enough of a log jam at other positions and available assets for Morey to do that without hurting the rest of the rotation. Honestly, though, I don't think any of the players that OP suggested would really fix that problem. There are other guys out there who would be much better trade targets to address that need.
Gary Harris is someone I've been advocating for. He's a perfect 3-D fit that can also be a secondary playmaker. He specializes in locking up point guards. I recall he did an amazing job on Harden last season. GARY HARIS ESPN INIDER ADVANCED SCOUTING REPORT Scouting report + Emerged as quality 3-and-D starter during second campaign + Capable outside shooter who is also effective inside arc + Good defender who thrives when matched up on point guards Analysis One of the league's worst players in limited action as a rookie, Harris took an enormous leap forward in Year 2, establishing himself as a starting shooting guard. Even with Denver drafting two shooting guards in the first round this June, Harris remains the first option alongside Mudiay. After shooting just 20.4 percent from 3-point range in 2014-15, Harris showed the shooting skill that made him a first-round pick, shooting 35.4 percent last season. He has the potential to do even better than that in time. But Harris is more than just a spot-up shooter on offense. He's a capable secondary ball handler who can run pick-and-rolls and create off the dribble. He proved exceptionally accurate last season from midrange, making 45.9 percent of his 2-point attempts from beyond 10 feet according to Basketball-Reference.com. Harris was also effective moving without the ball, scoring more points off cuts than any of the team's other perimeter players, per Synergy Sports tracking on NBA.com/Stats. Harris showed potential defensively, where he has quick enough feet to keep up with most point guards. On the small side for a shooting guard at 6-foot-4, Harris might be better off defending the point while playing off the ball on offense. One area Harris didn't improve from his first season was rebounding; he ranked in the league's bottom 15 in rebound percentage among players who saw at least 1,000 minutes of action.
No way we trade Montrezl. Trez is our smallball 5 while D-Mo plays the 4. A better version of Dorsey/D-Mo when Dwight was out.
With D-Mo in the fold, Dekker's going to be getting more minutes at the 3 and hopefully Brew will be squeezed out of the rotation. This wing depth issue is pretty much nonexistent in my eyes.
Pretty much except Dekker can't defend smaller/ quicker guys on the perimeter. Trade Brewer or KJ and a 2nd round pick for Gary Harris and we're set.
I don't disagree with that. For me, we have a problem when Gordon or Beverly have an off night (or if one of them gets injured), we then struggle offensively in the second unit. There are different ways to address that. We could find someone that is a gunner like Lou Williams, or a spot-up shooter like Belinelli, or a hybrid PG/SG that can create like Monta Ellis. Alternatively we could fill Brewer/KJ minutes organically through Dekker at the 3, but that leaves us very thin in the PG/SG spots in case of injury.
This is going to be a hard team for Morey to make a trade to upgrade, unless it is for a bonafide superstar. No fans want to trade anything other than Brewer, Ennis, picks and overseas stashes mostly. If we could get a rotation player for any combination of those (maybe including KJ if it's the right player), primarily a true backup PG, or legit scoring SG off the bench, then I'm all for that trade. Anything to get rid of Brewer might be okay to, just in case MDA has amnesia one day and decides to play him over Dekker. We are really loaded with the way everyone is playing right now, until they start to play worse....although hoping that won't happen. Harden/Bev/Ennis Bev/Gordon/KJ Ariza/Dekker/Brewer Anderson/DMo/Dekker/Wiltjer Capela/Nene/Harrell/DMo/Onauku
that remains to be seen. Dekker looks pretty healthy this year and has quick feet. It's not like he's not athletic
Someone also mentioned the Tyreke Evans may be coming back from injury and then be available. Large PG/SG that can handle, drive, pass and shoot decently for a 3rd or 4th player off the bench. Brewer and Ennis is enough salary to get him from NO if they want to move him; plus I would throw in a 2nd round pick or overseas prospect if necessary, although it shouldn't be.
Don't get me wrong, I love Dekker's game. However, If Ariza gets hurt we will learn quickly Dek is not able to defend the top wing and perimeter players 30+ every night. Gary Harris, Rodney Hood, Wilson Chandler type guys would provide nice insurance.
I mean if were talking about injuries, that's a completely different story. every single team has that problem if any of their main guys go down. I'm not saying Dekker is ready to be that guy for a full work load but that likely won't be known until he's given the opportunity for whatever reason that may be *knocks on wood* Right now he's playing extremely well in his limited role. His confidence is improving as we go a long and that's going to be huge for his future. Sure it's nice to set up insurance guys but that's really easier said than done in reality.
Perhaps Brewer and our Denver and Portland 2nds for Sergio Rodriguez at the deadline? That gives us a quality 4th guard, opens up some time for KJ, let's us keep our 1st round pick and unloads Brewer's 2017-2018 salary. Brewer is going to look better with DMo. All those backdoor cuts will be available. I wouldn't be terribly surprised if he rehabbed his value.
Tyreke Evans is a great suggestion. As an expiring on a team that will start tanking soon, he will be a top target for any playoff-aspiring team. He could be for us what Evan Turner was at Boston last year.
I'd rather have Jruh Holiday if we're collecting ex injured pelicans. Holiday can shoot and backup Harden, Beverly and Gordon. Tyreke Evans can't shoot any better than Brewer and is worse in terms of team chemistry. Holiday will be a free agent this summer so thats added value for us and the Pelicans should be trying to get something for him.
Didn't realize that Holiday is an expiring. Not sure, though, if he would be happy playing off Harden. Wouldn't his trade value be higher than Evans'? I would assume the Pelicans would need at least one 1st rounder plus young talent. Pelicans may also try to keep him long-term. Lol on the ex injured pelicans. It just goes to show how good of a player Harden is. Basically: Harden + injured Pelicans + vets/rookies/role players >>>>> Davis + injured Pelicans + vets/rookies/role players
Either would do as their numbers last year were very similar and also decent from 3 point land. But Tyreke is bigger and brings a little more I think: Evans 15-16: 15.2 ppg 6.6 ast 5.2 reb 17.96 per .388% 3pt 30.6 mpg 6'6" 220 lbs Holiday 15-16: 15.4 ppg 6.0 ast 3.1 reb 17.46 per .378% 3pt 8.4 mpg 6'4" 205 lbs
I do like him a lot as well. He is much better than DMo or Nene at rolling to the rim and finishing. He is fast on the break. And his market value hasn't peaked yet. I am just not sure if he will get enough minutes after DMo joins. Only if they use DMo exclusively at the 4 and Dekker exclusively at the 3.
Tyreke Evans is a lifetime 29% 3pt shooter. Corey Brewer is a lifetime 29% shooter. Jruh Holiday is a lifetime 37% 3pt shooter.
