EVERYTHING-SPORTS
How Houston Rockets can benefit from implementing blueprint from NBA's elite
Jun 15, 2022, 3:35 pm
Youth will be the key to the Rockets' success moving forward. Composite image by Brandon Strange.
rockets rebuild
As we watch the NBA Finals, we’re seeing two teams that were built primarily through the draft. Especially when it comes to their stars that have carried their respective teams thus far this season. Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Jordan Poole were all drafted by the Warriors. Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart were all drafted by the Celtics. Sure, both teams have added several key players via trade and free agency, but they’re both clearly led by guys the team drafted and grew into stars. The Warriors did win two of their three titles with this team after they brought on hired gun Kevin Durant, but to say they’ve gotten back here with their homegrown core again speaks to the importance of that core group.
When I look at the Rockets, I see some of the same potential. It may be hard to see through all the fog and weeds, but I can see it. Jalen Green looks like he could be the real deal. You need an alpha dog in your pack in order to make the playoffs. To compete in the playoffs, that alpha will need running mates. If the team expects to compete for titles, those running mates have to have some alpha dog in them. Kevin Porter Jr and Alperen Sengun appear to be those guys currently on the roster. At 22, KPJ is the senior of this group, since Green is 20 and Sengun is still 19. Both of those guys have shown the ability to ball out and also have great potential to continue growing. Don’t forget about Josh Christopher (20). That kid could actually be Green’s running mate if KPJ can’t get his head on straight. If KPJ gets himself together and stays, look for Christopher to be instant offense off the bench.
Christian Wood (26) was left off my list simply because he’s made his demand to be a max player on his next contract. He’s also made his feeling known that he wants the ball and to be the man. Rumors of him being traded have continued to heat up. While that doesn’t mean a hill of beans until something is done, moving on from Wood could help bring in a vet that could help the young pups grow into full-blown dogs. Owning the third overall pick with three really good bigs available is another reason to move on from Wood. Not to mention Sengun is a better passer, getting better at rebounding, and has a game that blends better with Green and KPJ.
I’m not saying this team will be in the NBA Finals in four years from now, but they could be competing at a high level within the next few years…IF these young guys continue to develop, the front office drafts well, and they find the right trade pieces/free agents. We may not get to see any of this come to fruition, but the possibility is there. I believe this team will be in the playoffs in the next two years, Jalen Green will be an All-Star, and Christopher will be in the running for Sixth Man of the Year. The Rockets are putting together a nice gumbo. The ingredients are there. The roux is done. Everything has been added. Now we wait.
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Yordan shines, Astros' comeback falls short in loss to Blue Jays
Jul 2, 2024, 9:17 pm
The Houston Astros are officially back on track, climbing two games over .500 after beating the Blue Jays in the series opener on Monday. It's been impressive to see the team go on a run with several key players out of the mix due to injury.
And by the looks of how things currently stand, it doesn't appear any reinforcements will be arriving before the All-Star break. Astros manager Joe Espada told the flagship station on Tuesday that the club is going to be cautious with Kyle Tucker and Justin Verlander.
Tucker is expected to start running soon, and Verlander is already soft tossing from sixty feet. But based on Espada's comments, we shouldn't expect Tucker and JV back before the break. They're hoping that when they do return, they'll be fully ready to play the rest of the season without any “hiccups.”
With Tucker out for likely another two weeks, we should get to see more from Jake Meyers, Chas McCormick, Trey Cabbage, and Joey Loperfido. All of which have had some big moments in recent days.
Espada also said Luis Garcia is scheduled to make a two inning start on Thursday with the Double A club. Lance McCullers could also be ready to return in early August (fingers crossed).
Fortunately for the Astros, Shawn Dubin pitched well in his spot start in New York. Espada told the flagship that Dubin has a good shot at making another start, depending on the state of the bullpen heading into the Twins game on Friday.
It was once believed Houston would have to look outside the organization for pitching help, and they still might. But don't expect a move to happen anytime soon. The Astros depth is holding up, so other teams don't hold all the leverage on GM Dana Brown if he's interested in making a deal.
Speaking of which, the Astros have been rumored to have interest in Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
And while we know Jim Crane loves to make a splash, it's hard to believe he would agree to exceeding the second tax threshold to secure the Blue Jays slugger.
Between Mauricio Dubon, Jon Singleton, and Joey Loperfido, first base doesn't feel like a priority. In the end, the Astros may view a trade as unnecessary with the returns of Verlander, Tucker, Garcia, Jake Bloss, and McCullers. Which could mean a very quiet trade deadline for Houston.
Considering the lack of depth in the farm system, this could be very beneficial in the big picture.
Finally, when looking at the schedule leading up to the All Star break, there are some great opportunities for the 'Stros. They can gain ground on the Twins in the Wild Card race, and push the Rangers further down the standings in the final series before the break.
And let's not forget the series with the division-leading Mariners coming out of the break.
Don't miss the video above as we break it all down!
*Catch our weekly Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast. Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo discuss varied Astros topics. The first post for the week generally goes up Monday afternoon (second part released Tuesday) via The SportsMap HOU YouTube channel or listen to episodes in their entirety at Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. And be on the lookout for bonus episodes on Thursdays!