Rockets face point guard dilemma after VanVleet’s injury
The Houston Rockets are grappling with a significant challenge as they embark on this season, particularly following the unfortunate ACL tear suffered by starting point guard Fred VanVleet. With VanVleet sidelined, head coach Ime Udoka has made the decision to shift Amen Thompson into the point guard role. While Thompson possesses impressive court vision, he is somewhat miscast in this position, having thrived as a wing player in previous outings. The young guard would greatly benefit from an increased focus on off-ball responsibilities rather than navigating the complexities of the point guard role.
Despite the situation, the Rockets currently sit second in the league in both offensive efficiency and net rating. This suggests that while Thompson may be out of position, he is not holding back the team’s offensive flow. On the other hand, rookie Reed Sheppard has excelled in his role, showcasing his ability to contribute on the ball despite being better suited as an off-ball player.
Potential for a major upgrade at point guard
As the Rockets evaluate their options, the question arises: Could they pursue a significant upgrade at the point guard position? While it seems unlikely at this juncture, the potential exists, particularly in light of the Los Angeles Clippers’ disarray. The Clippers, once a team brimming with promise, now find themselves languishing at 5-16, far from the expectations set at the beginning of the season.
The offseason acquisitions of Chris Paul and Bradley Beal were heralded as transformative moves, yet both players have encountered setbacks. Beal is out for the remainder of the season due to injury, and Paul has been unexpectedly removed from the roster, leaving the Clippers in a precarious position. Given the age of their roster, a rebuild seems imminent, raising questions about which players could be made available.
Harden’s potential return to Houston
In this context, names like James Harden and Kawhi Leonard emerge as viable trade chips. Speculation is rife that Harden could be an ideal solution for the Rockets’ point guard woes. As noted by analysts, “Harden would surely have potential suitors on the trade market before the Feb. 6 deadline if he were to be made available or asked for a trade.”
Harden’s connection to Houston is profound, as he remains one of the franchise’s all-time greats. His relationship with Kevin Durant adds another layer to the narrative, particularly considering their shared past with the Brooklyn Nets, where their collaboration with Kyrie Irving did not yield the expected results.
The Rockets opted for VanVleet over a reunion with Harden in 2023, a decision that continues to be scrutinized. Yet, with statistics reflecting Harden’s prowess—averaging 26.5 points, 8.4 assists, 5.5 rebounds, and shooting 43.8 percent from the field—his potential return to Houston could provide the spark the team needs for a serious playoff run.
As the Rockets navigate this season under challenging circumstances, the landscape may shift dramatically, particularly if the Clippers decide to embrace a rebuild. The allure of reuniting with a player of Harden’s caliber could be too compelling to ignore, making for an intriguing subplot as the trade deadline approaches.
