It is time for a change!
If the season is over, what can the Rockets do differently for next year?
Apr 10, 2020, 6:40 am
As we know, the NBA season is on a pause since March 13th because of the coronavirus. The Rockets were 40-24 on inconsistent season with a newly acquired Russell Westbrook. The Rockets were not able to find a consistent winning streak this season. Who should the Rockets bring back or look for in free agency?
The Rocket's season started shaky because of the relationship between James Harden and Westbrook on the court. Westbrook was still trying find his true role in Coach Mike D' Antoni system, Harden had a cold streak throughout the month of January, and the Rockets tried a new system towards mid-season. Another thing the Rockets lack is consistency! They have not been consistent since the 2017-2018 season. Does D'Antoni lack that strong presence of a strict coach? Nice guy, but the Rockets need an alpha male coach to get the team's attention.
How the Rockets can overcome those things is establishing a true identity. Knowing the teams' greatest strengths and weaknesses. Also recognizing the bright spots from last season as well. The fact that Westbrook and Harden's chemistry improved towards the end of the season, was a great thing for this team. Plus, the Rockets get more time to perfect the small ball equation with Robert Covington. As we saw the Rockets go on certain win streaks throughout the season with the small ball equation. For the most part, it works, just needs more perfection!
Ever since Daryl Morey traded Clint Capela for Covington, it clears up more cap space. Meaning more space for another wing player in the future. Since 2020 free agency offers Gordon Hayward, DeMar DeRozan, and Danilo Gallinari, players that can fit in the Rockets offense, it would not hurt to see the Rockets throw cash at those guys. Honestly, Hayward and Gallinari would fit better than DeRozan. Probably much cheaper than DeRozan because he will be looking for a max contract. Plus, DeRozan would slow the offense down because of his inability to shoot threes. Gallinari and Hayward can stretch the floor with their shooting. Hayward is unselfish to let Harden and Westbrook run point because of his great cutting skills towards the basket. Gallinari is a great spot up shooter and can score all over the court. Now the Rockets cannot afford both but can make one a contingency plan. Also keeping Jeff Green is not a bad idea as well. The Rockets could keep him for cheap so they can have more of a veteran presence on the team.
The Rockets must do something different if they want to compete for a championship. The west will continue to get harder with Klay Thompson coming back to Golden State.
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With the Astros now officially ten games under .500 for the season, manager Joe Espada is taking a lot of heat from the fanbase for the team's struggles.
While we don't agree with the sentiment, we even hear fans clamoring for the return of Dusty Baker and Martin Maldonado, thinking the Astros wouldn't be in this mess if they were still here.
Which is ridiculous. First of all, Maldonado has been awful for the White Sox, hitting .048 (even worse than Jose Abreu's .065). And for those of you that think his work with the pitching staff justifies his pathetic offense. Let me say this: Where was Maldy's game calling genius for Hunter Brown, Cristian Javier, and Framber Valdez last year? All of them regressed significantly.
And as far as Baker is concerned, we have no idea how much a difference he would make, we can only speculate. Baker would also be dealing with a pitching staff ravaged with injuries. And let's not forget, Baker was the guy that refused to move Jose Abreu down in the batting order, even though he would finish the regular season with the ninth-worst OPS in baseball.
The reality of the situation is managers can only do so much in baseball. Which leads us to something else that needs to be considered. Is Espada being handcuffed by the front office? Espada and GM Dana Brown both said recently that Jon Singleton was going to get more at-bats while they give Abreu time off to try to figure things out. Yet, there Abreu was in the lineup again in the opening game of the Cubs series.
It makes us wonder how much power does Espada truly have? The Astros have some other options at first base. Yainer Diaz may only have eight games played at the position, but how much worse could he be than Abreu defensively? Abreu already has four errors, and Diaz is obviously a way better hitter. Victor Caratini isn't considered a plus offensive player, but his .276 batting average makes him look like Babe Ruth compared to Abreu. Let him catch more often and play Diaz at first. Starting Diaz at first more often could also lengthen his career long-term.
Maybe that's too wild of a move. Okay, fine. How about playing Mauricio Dubon at first base? I understand he doesn't have much experience at that position, but what's the downside of trying him there? If he can play shortstop, he can play first base. He's driving in runs at a higher rate (11 RBIs) than everyone on the team outside of Kyle Tucker and Yordan Alvarez. And he's producing like that as part-time player right now.
The other criticism we see of Espada is his use of Jon Singleton to pinch hit late in games. Let's be real, though, who else does Espada have on the roster to go to? Batting Abreu late in games in which you're trailing should be considered malpractice. Espada can only use who he has to work with. This all really stems from the Astros poor farm system.
They don't have anyone else to turn to. The draft picks the club lost from the sign-stealing scandal are really hurting them right now. First and second rounders from 2020 and 2021 should be helping you in 2024 at the big league level.
Maybe they go to Astros prospect Joey Loperfido soon, but after a hot start he has only two hits in his last six games.
Finally, we have to talk about what seems like a committee making baseball decisions. Lost in a committee is accountability. Who gets the blame for making poor decisions?
As time continues to pass it looks like moving on from former GM James Click was a massive mistake. He's the guy that didn't sign Abreu, but did trade Myles Straw (recently DFA'd) for Yainer Diaz and Phil Maton. He also built an elite bullpen without breaking the bank, and helped the club win a World Series in 2022.
The reality of the situation is Dusty Baker and James Click are not walking back through that door. And all good runs come to an end at some point. Is this what we're witnessing?
Don't miss the video above as we hit on all the points discussed and much more!
Catch Stone Cold 'Stros (an Astros podcast) with Charlie Pallilo, Brandon Strange, and Josh Jordan. We drop two episodes every week on SportsMapHouston's YouTube channel. You can also listen on Apple Podcast, Spotifyor wherever you get your podcasts.