Gambling
The sizzling Rockets gambling on themselves makes them the ultimate wildcard
The upstart Houston Rockets have surprised most thus far this season, ranking second in the Western Conference and fourth in the NBA. Perhaps more impressive is the fact that they are still among the youngest teams in the NBA.
With several recent first-round picks contributing to their success. Of course, as good as they have been, they appear past due for a trade that would convert their young talent into a star.
Many expected that they would pursue Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo if he became available. That may not happen this season, and the Rockets’ reported unwillingness to part with their prospects, according to NBA insider Marc Stein, may end any chance of him one day playing for Houston.
They have also been linked to Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns, but that also seems like a long shot. With few realistic trade targets, the Rockets may be onto something by opting to play wait-and-see.
With few stars available and the Rockets off to a great start, it makes sense that they would want to see what they have. After the season, they will be able to reassess their roster and see who makes sense on their team long-term. One of their two big decisions will likely involve starting point guard Fred VanVleet, who has a team option for $44.8 million.
He hasn’t been nearly as effective this season as he was last year, but picking up his option would make him an expiring contract that would make it much easier to trade for a star. Then there is Jalen Green, who was signed to a 3-year, $106 million extension a month ago. That extension is looking questionable with his shooting numbers averaging 18.7 points on an awful 50.2% true shooting.
He can’t be traded until the offseason, taking away the possibility of moving him now, and his play may not get much better, hurting his trade value. He might still garner some trade interest from a team that may be forced to move their star and rebuild.
In the meantime, players such as Tari Eason and Amen Thompson have stepped up, and there is Reed Sheppard. Sheppard could replace VanVleet at point guard next season after getting more seasoning this year.
Getting those players and players such as Alperin Sengun and Jabari Smith playoff experience would be a major benefit of keeping their core together. Overall, the Rockets have been the surprise team of the NBA, and they may not be crazy to want to keep their core together to see what they have.