https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/rockets/article/Rockets-center-Daniel-Theis-agree-to-4-year-deal-16358935.php Theis, a 6-foot-8, four-year veteran, is considered a strong, versatile defensive center, able to switch on the perimeter but a bit undersized for some matchups. With Wood’s flexibility and effectiveness while playing with Kelly Olynyk last season, the Rockets believe they can play Wood and Theis together while developing the young big men they drafted the past two seasons, Alperen Sengun, Usman Garuba and K.J. Martin, along with the versatile Jae’Sean Tate. Theis was attractive to the Rockets to add a defensive center to play with Wood or the young players. He was second among centers in real defensive plus/minus in 2019-20, his last full season with the Celtics, behind only defensive player of the year Rudy Gobert. Theis has been an effective screener and ball mover and a reliable finisher to demand attention on rolls to the basket. A career 55 percent shooter, he averaged a career-best 9.7 points in 24.6 minutes per game last season with the Bulls and Celtics. Theis has never shot many 3s, particularly by the Rockets’ floor-spacing standards, but could have potential to be an effective perimeter shooter to allow Christian Wood or eventually rookie Sengun to operate in the paint. Theis is a career 33.5 percent 3-point shooter but struggled from distance last season.
JR is no Winslow Only Fan. THT is interesting, but we don't really have minutes for more young perimeter players. Nwaba filled our quota of 6-5 wings with 7 foot wingspans and inconsistent jumpshots. Otto Porter Jr. as a Stretch 4 vet would actually make some sense from a roster construction standpoint. And unifying 2/3 of the NBA Porter Jrs...
You can all calm your t***. The Athletic has learned that the deal isn’t fully guaranteed. The Rockets have reportedly agreed to terms with center Daniel Theis on a four-year contract worth $36 million. Here’s our instant reaction of the deal. How he fits: The Rockets were looking to bolster their frontcourt defensively and Theis’ addition does just that. Head coach Stephen Silas now has options for his pairings. Although Theis is a natural small-ball center, he could also slot into Houston’s starting lineup alongside big man Christian Wood. Theis would give Wood some much-needed insurance and is skilled enough defensively to handle different matchups. Alternatively, he can come off the bench and play his role as the center with the second unit. This would be the case when Houston goes small during games. Theis is a capable passer and a smart player in the halfcourt offense. The primary concern is his shooting. Theis has never been considered a true floor spacer, hovering around the low 30s from behind the arc. He’ll need to improve on that to be a real factor next season. 2021-22 impact: This is a good pickup for Houston. Next season, while still in full rebuilding mode, should be the beginning of the future. In other words, the team should be taking shape, adding pieces that can fit on a young, inexperienced squad. Theis knows his role and strengths. He’ll bring experience, humility and toughness to Houston. The Rockets have been pondering the idea of more small ball during games and if that’s the case, Theis is a hand-in-glove fit. My initial reaction: Smart business. Per ESPN, Theis will be part of a sign-and-trade with the Chicago Bulls via the Victor Oladipo trade exception. This means Houston still has the full midlevel exception at their disposal. Despite Houston coming off a 17-win season, their front office has made some smart moves to position themselves to pounce on opportunities like this. At $9 million per year, Theis is on a team-friendly contract. The Athletic has learned that the deal isn’t fully guaranteed, either, which gives Houston flexibility should they want to trade Theis down the line. All in all, this is good value for a player who can impact the team positively right now. What’s next for Houston: Finding the best way to use the MLE. The Rockets still want to add a shooter if the price is right, sources tell The Athletic. Houston finished last season towards the bottom of the barrel in three-point proficiency, a stat that has been stressed internally for this season’s growth. Besides adding a shooter, they’ll need to begin to organize the depth chart. At first glance, it looks a bit crowded and not set in stone. Could they be in the market for some restricted free agents? There has been an early wave of big spending on Day 1 of free agency, something that might play into Houston’s hands as the days go on. There are still some quality rotational pieces available.
Meanwhile, Zach Collins signed a 3 years deal worth of 22 mils with the Spurs. yeah, don’t think they are going to make the playoff either, but at least they are not the same kind of dump ass we got here.
At $9-million per year, Theis is on a team-friendly contract. The Athletic has learned that the deal isn’t fully guaranteed, either, which gives Houston flexibility should they want to trade Theis down the line. All in all, this is good value for a player who can impact the team positively right now. Now this makes sense. Can guarantee later if he’s playing well and we want to keep for depth, or trade whenever.
Can’t imagine paying 22 mil for a player that will never suit up. He’s super talented but can’t stay healthy
I've been wanting Theis for several years, because I thought he'd fit well with Harden as a PnR guy and to cover the rim. He'll definitely bring a defensive attitude and mindset to this team, add Nwaba, Tate, and Garuba--now we have the makings of some defensive intensity and effort with our starters and bench. I like these 2 signings!
I’m honestly just surprised any free agent would want to come here when the franchise is in rebuild mode at the moment.
