Rockets Struggle: Calls for Bold Moves to Revitalize Season
The Houston Rockets find themselves in a precarious position as the season unfolds. Recent losses to teams like the New Orleans Pelicans and Sacramento Kings have raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about the team’s direction. Despite building significant leads—25 points against the Pelicans and 14 against the Kings—Houston faltered, ultimately losing both contests in overtime. These defeats against two of the league’s weaker teams have left fans and analysts questioning the team’s potential as a playoff contender.
Late-Game Execution Woes
The Rockets’ struggles can be attributed to a glaring lack of offensive execution during critical moments. The team’s inability to maintain leads has been compounded by defensive lapses, although the latter issues are somewhat less pronounced. Despite the early stage of the season, the need for a reliable point guard has never been more apparent. While a top-tier facilitator could enhance the Rockets’ offensive flow, it’s disheartening that they appear unable to secure victories against the league’s bottom dwellers without one.
A playmaker would not only streamline Houston’s offensive sets but also allow Amen Thompson to return to his natural position on the wing. This shift could significantly elevate Thompson’s contributions, as he has been relegated to a more passive role, focusing primarily on feeding the ball to established stars rather than asserting himself offensively. While he does still attack the rim, his hesitation to take scoring opportunities hinders his potential impact.
Offensive Strengths and Areas for Improvement
Interestingly, the Rockets currently boast the league’s third-best offensive rating. This statistic is largely inflated by their exceptional performance on the offensive glass, leading the league with 18.6 second-chance points per game. Yet, the question remains: how sustainable is this success without a cohesive offensive strategy?
Former NBA All-Star Jeff Teague recently weighed in on the Rockets’ predicament, advocating for a blockbuster trade to acquire James Harden from the LA Clippers. On his Club 520 podcast, Teague expressed that Houston should pursue Harden with a clear directive: “They need to trade for James and tell him you want him to play like he was in Brooklyn. Be the point guard.” He believes that while Harden’s defensive effort may have waned, he possesses the talent to elevate the Rockets and make them contenders in the open Western Conference.
Harden’s Current Situation
Harden, regarded as one of the all-time greats in Houston Rockets history, is having a productive season, averaging 25.8 points, 8.2 assists, and 5.2 rebounds while shooting 44% from the field and 37.6% from beyond the arc. However, the Clippers have struggled significantly, holding a dismal 7-21 record and looking unlikely to reach the playoffs. With an aging roster in need of rejuvenation, parting ways with Harden could be a strategic move for Los Angeles.
From a financial perspective, a potential trade could be structured around players like Fred VanVleet and Dorian Finney-Smith, who combined could match Harden’s hefty $39.1 million salary. However, complications arise; VanVleet has an implied no-trade clause, necessitating his approval for any deal. Additionally, his leadership presence on the team raises questions about the potential morale impact of such a transaction. The Rockets might also want to assess Finney-Smith’s contributions before considering his departure, especially given his recent four-year contract.
Future Considerations
Regardless of the challenges in executing a trade, it’s evident that the Rockets would benefit immensely from the addition of a point guard. The path to acquiring Harden may be fraught with hurdles, but the potential reward could be a revitalized offense capable of competing in a competitive Western Conference. As the season progresses, the Rockets must grapple with their identity and the necessary moves to solidify their standing in the league.
