Rockets Confront Critical Decision on JD Davison’s Future as Deadline Approaches
The Houston Rockets find themselves at a pivotal juncture regarding their point guard depth, a position that has long been a source of concern for the franchise. Fred VanVleet has stepped into the spotlight, absorbing the majority of minutes since his transition from the Toronto Raptors. However, the Rockets’ decision to add JD Davison on a two-way contract this summer has raised questions about the future of their roster, particularly as the clock ticks down on Davison’s eligibility.
Understanding Two-Way Contracts
Two-way contracts often fly under the radar, garnering little attention from fans and analysts alike. These deals typically allow players to split time between the NBA and the G-League, with the expectation that their impact will be minimal during regular-season play. Davison’s situation is no exception; his time on the Rockets’ active roster is rapidly approaching its limit.
As it stands, two-way players are permitted 50 games on an NBA roster before their eligibility expires. Once that threshold is reached, teams must either convert the player’s contract to a standard deal or assign them to the G-League for the remainder of the season. With Davison already having used half of his games, the Rockets are left with just 25 contests to assess his potential before making a decision.
Financial Considerations Play a Role
The financial implications of Davison’s contract cannot be overlooked. Houston has approximately $1.2 million available under the first apron, allowing them to potentially offer him a prorated veterans minimum deal if they wish to keep him beyond his two-way eligibility. The full minimum salary for Davison, based on his years of service, stands at $2.46 million. Should the Rockets decide to sign him by February, when his eligibility expires, it would cost them around $900,000 for the remaining 30 games of the season.
Yet, with Davison’s contributions limited—averaging just 6.6 minutes per game primarily in garbage time—his future with the team appears uncertain. Although he had a more substantial presence during the preseason, where he showcased flashes of promise, the regular-season opportunities have been scarce. In those preseason outings, Davison averaged 10.5 points on an impressive 48.4 percent shooting from the field, coupled with 47.1 percent from beyond the arc on 4.3 attempts per game. These performances sparked hope among fans that he could emerge as an overlooked asset for the Rockets.
Evaluating Davison’s Impact
The current season has seen the Rockets evolve into one of the league’s most formidable long-range shooting teams, boasting a 40 percent success rate from deep—ranking them second overall in the NBA. This marks a significant improvement, as the franchise has historically struggled with shooting, with their best long-range percentage being 37.5 during the 2008-09 season. Given this context, one might wonder why Davison has not earned more minutes on the court.
If the Rockets determine that Davison will not receive significant playing time moving forward, they may consider reallocating their financial resources in the buyout market. This strategy could enable them to acquire a higher-profile player, one who is more likely to contribute to the team’s immediate success.
As the Rockets navigate this critical decision concerning JD Davison, they must weigh potential future benefits against current team dynamics and financial constraints. The next few weeks will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of both Davison’s career and the Rockets’ aspirations this season.
