15 roster spots available: Guaranteed contracts- -Howard, Harden, Asik, Lin, Jones, D-Mo, Garcia (player option, he's staying), Canaan That's 8 Non-guaranteed contract, but no-brainers to bring back- -Parsons, Beverley, Daniels That's 3 Rookie draftees (will have guaranteed contracts- 2 That's 13 player spots locked up as it stands So.... Non-guaranteed contracts fighting for remaining two slots with other training camp invites- -Casspi, Covington, + training camp invites .......................................................................... Casspi will only be brought back if he beats out whoever the Rockets bring into training camp. Also this doesn't factor in the Rockets using their mid-level exception to bring in an additional player as well that could make securing that roster spot that much more difficult. I also fully expect the Rockets to go after a few veterans this year on veteran min. contracts to help as well. Long story short: Casspi will probably have a shot, but he's far from having a spot on the roster locked up for next season, and I would say is likely to get waiving in training camp along with Covington potentially.
Why are you so obsessed with bashing a guy on a minimum contract? Sure, his play is pretty shaky, his drives are ugly, his shooting is so-so. But there's nothing wrong with Casspi, he's pretty good for a minimum guy. He's shown that he can contribute offensively by hitting some shots and is not a liability on defense. Obviously, he shouldn't play big minutes, but as an injury security at the end of the bench, I'm totally fine with him. In case Morey needs an additional bit of caproom in free agency, he can cut Casspi's unguaranteed contract anyway.
Covington's future with the Rockets is in just as much danger as Casspi's if not more. They are both on non-guaranteed deals for next year, and never made the case for a rotation spot. The Rockets are going to have the option at replacing both guys with veterans, rookies they draft, or other acquisitions. I think both guys are a long shot to make the team next year regardless.
I'd rather kick the tires on Covington than keep Casspi. We know what Casspi brings, so I'm all for Covington to see what he has to bring...
I've seen enough of Trasphi. Can't finish the easy baskets at times due to his athleticism and sometimes he just jacks up questionable shots or wild layups. He's nice when he's on, but he is not that consistent. If he can hit the 3 regularly that would be great. Nice guy, good teammate but I feel like I've seen enough. having said that - since he is paid the min, I would give him another chance to see if he improves...
I think the hope was that Covington could develop more of his perimeter game to be more of a 3/4 instead of a stretch 4. As undersized as he is, he's going to have a tough time defending 4's and beating out Jones/D-Mo for minutes at the 4 spot. With the emergence of Daniels I think that might close the books on Covington if they feel like he's not going to earn minutes next year. So I think it all depends on what kind of minutes he's really going to get at the 3 spot... which doesn't look too promising right now and that's before they make any off-season acquisitions. I dont see him winning too many minutes at the 4 spot.
Ham is an UFA. If he's brought back its on a "Morey Special" contract which will be non-guaranteed at min. I foresee another team offering him a slightly better contract and a better opportunity to win PT. Very unlikely he comes back to try and earn a spot on the team during training camp.
