Is Gordon's time up?
Exploring trade possibilities for the Rockets and Eric Gordon
Oct 13, 2020, 2:19 pm
Is Gordon's time up?
The Rockets could possibly make a splash in the upcoming offseason, which is needed because the Western Conference will get tougher. Since the end of the Rockets' season, GM Daryl Morey has been consistently looking for the next head coach. In this week coming up, Morey has interviews with Ty Lue, Jeff Van Gundy, and John Lucas. After the coaching search is over, Morey will possibly look for trade companions before next season starts.
So, will Morey decide to deal Eric Gordon and/or Danuel House to bring in more acquisitions for the Rockets?
Possibly trading House and Gordon for Myles Turner or Bradly Beal is a great idea if Morey decides to go after them. The 24-year-old Turner provides length inside the paint, can stretch the floor with his shooting, and is a great finisher inside the paint. Turner finished top five in blocks, shot 34 percent from three, and was 75 percent at the free-throw line last season. In his career with the Pacers, Turner averaged 13 points per game, including 7 rebounds as well.
Tuner would use his abilities to shoot and slash towards the basket for the Rockets, including being a great lob partner for James Harden. Bringing Turner to the Rockets will bring a slight reminder of Clint Capela because of his ability to run the floor.
The 27-year-old Beal could be a longshot for the Rockets but it's worth a try. Offering Gordon and House could be an eye-opener for the Wizards' front office. The Wizards have still not broken the barrier with John Wall and Beal. In the last eight seasons with Beal, the Wizards made the playoffs four times, and only making it to Eastern Semifinals twice, including Wall missing the last two seasons because of injuries. Beal also decided not to join the Wizards in the bubble after the NBA's four-month hiatus.
It's no surprise if the two-time All-Star decides to push for a trade in the offseason. Beal averaged 31 points per game last season for the Wizards, which was second behind Harden. In the Rockets' offense, Beal has enough ability to create his own shot and make open looks. If the Rockets' offensive system is built for creativity and iso ball, Beal would be a perfect fit. This trade also depends on the Rockets' next head coach and flexibility in finances. Harden and Westbrook are desperately looking for another consistent scorer, so why not Beal?
The fact that Gordon had a career low in shooting and struggled with injuries this season, should not be ignored by Morey. During the playoffs inside the bubble, House reportedly violated the NBA's visitor rule, meaning no unknown guest in the hotel room. As the situation occurred, House was eventually removed from the bubble, which hurt the Rockets against the Lakers.
In the end, dealing both players would make sense for the Rockets if they want to remain relevant in the Western Conference.
The Rockets got back in the playoffs after a four-season absence with a revitalizing season under coach Ime Udoka. Houston won 52 games despite lacking a top-25 scorer and relying largely on defensive intensity — but that formula hasn't looked like enough to take four games from Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler.
When/where to watch: Game 5, 7:30 p.m. EDT (TNT)
BetMGM says: Rockets by 4.5
The Warriors seized control of this feisty series Monday night by taking over in the fourth quarter. Butler did much of the work while playing through injury, scoring 23 points in the second half and 14 in the final period.
For all their toughness, the Rockets' lack of a top offensive player was glaring in Game 4. Leading scorer Jalen Green didn't get a bucket in the fourth quarter — not even taking a shot during the 7:02 he spent on the court — and finished with just eight points.
Yet the Rockets will draw hope from the fact they kept it close, with Fred VanVleet missing a 3-pointer at the buzzer.
Houston is hoping a return home will spark Green, who hit eight 3-pointers and scored 38 points in the Rockets' Game 2 victory.