EVERY-THING SPORTS
How the Houston Rockets achieved the perfect balance for a rebuild
Apr 7, 2022, 6:21 pm
EVERY-THING SPORTS
A few weeks ago, I wrote about the Rockets' need to feed their future. They're obviously fans of my work because not only have they listened, but it's been working out nicely. And by nicely, I mean they're developing their future stars, but still losing games in order to improve their chances for a top pick in the upcoming draft. In March, rookie guard Jalen Green averaged 20.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game in 17 games played on 48% shooting from the field, which includes 39.6% from three. Diving a little further into his surge, he's at 21.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists, on 47.6% shooting with 39.5% from three in 22 games since the All-Star break.
Green himself said the All-Star break gave him the confidence he needed to go into the second half with a renewed focus. Couple that with the extra film sessions with head coach Stephen Silas and shootarounds with John Lucas, and we're seeing this kid blossom right before our eyes. His continued growth, along with Alperen Sengun and Kevin Porter Jr, has the future looking brighter than what most of us initially thought.
Yesterday The Bench's John Granato and Lance Zierlein from ESPN Houston, talked about how Green has been the best rookie in the second half of the NBA season. They highlighted how his shooting has improved (along with his shot selection), his killer first step, finishing strong at the rim despite his slight frame, and how those flashes of brilliance have now become sustainable excellence. The Killer B's, Joel Blank and Jeremy Branham, also talked about the future of the Rockets a few weeks ago amid this surge. They too like how the team has handled their young stars while maintaining their positioning in the upcoming draft.
When James Harden was traded, most people thought this rebuild would take years. The team was devoid of talent, no room under the cap, and had very little draft desirable capital. They were going to be banking on being a flaming disaster in order to keep their lottery protected picks. Turns out, they've made some shrewd moves that seem to be paying off big time. The trade for KPJ, drafting Green (as well as Sengun and Josh Christopher), and signing Christian Wood to a very affordable deal given his production. However, with Sengun emerging as a better fit next to Green and the others, Wood is now a valuable trade piece the team should use to attract some assets back to help this young team truly realize its potential.
I'll be the first to eat my words when it comes to Wood. I wanted him to be a part of the long-term plans here. I even wrote about how I felt he would be worth keeping. Joel has been adamant about the team needing to trade him. He was so right, and now I'm on the bus. I can see why he's not good for this young nucleus (attitude and inflated sense of self-worth), plus he's taking valuable minutes Sengun needs to develop. What if they could flip Wood into another pick or maybe even a veteran who can come in and truly mentor these young guys? Think about the Suns. They were one of the worst teams in the league not too long ago. Now they're the best team in the league this season and appeared in the Finals last season. All because they added Chris Paul to a young nucleus that included superstar guard Devin Booker and promising big Deandre Ayton.
I'm not saying the Rockets will be the Suns in a couple of years, but it's not out of the realm of possibility anymore. They must continue to grow and develop their young core, identify free agents to bring into the fold that'll help the long-term goal (even if they're here short term), and continue to draft well. If things keep falling in place at the rate they have the second half of this season, we may be looking at a potential play-in spot within a couple of years. Beyond that, it's anybody's guess where this team could end up.
Sunday night matchups don't get much exciting than this, as the Houston Texans host the Detroit Lions in prime-time at NRG.
The Lions come into this game on a six-game winning streak looking every bit of the best team in football. Houston on the other hand has lost two of their last three games with a struggling offense unable to protect their quarterback.
CJ Stroud has only one passing touchdown over this span, and is clearly having trouble adjusting to life without Stefon Diggs and Nico Collins.
If Houston is going to come away with an upset victory, they will need big performances from Tank Dell and Joe Mixon. After catching 4 passes against the Colts two weeks ago, Mixon not only failed to catch a single pass against the Jets, but he wasn't even targeted.
Considering the Texans' offensive line issues, choosing not to use Mixon as a pass catcher is hard to fathom. Especially since he and Dell are the team's top 2 playmakers.
What's working in the Texans' favor?
They play this game at home, where they are undefeated this season. A lot of the team's protection issues have popped up on the road, so communication should be easier for the offense on their home turf.
Bulls on Parade
We have good news and bad news about the defense this week. On the positive side, Azeez Al-Shaair and Jimmy Ward have returned to practice. If they're able to contribute on Sunday night, that would give the defense a lift.
And now for the bad news. Will Anderson has yet to practice this week after rolling his ankle in the Jets game. If he is unable to practice on Friday, it's hard to imagine he'll be active against Detroit.
X-factors
The Texans have to show some improvement on the offensive line this week.
Houston must lean on Joe Mixon again, as Nico Collins isn't expected to play.
Lions' Amon-Ra St. Brown is one of the best receivers in the league, and he does most of his damage from the slot. If the Texans continue to deploy Jalen Pitre against premier receivers in man coverage, St. Brown is going to light up the scoreboard.
What would a win over the Lions mean to Houston?
The Texans are no longer considered a true championship contender because of their losses to the Packers, Vikings, and Jets. In fact, the Bills are the only team with a winning record that the Texans have beaten.
An upset win over the streaking Lions would change that narrative.
What does Vegas think?
The Lions are currently favored by 3.5 and the total is set at 49 points.
Don't miss the full preview of Texans-Lions in the video above!
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