EVERY-THING SPORTS
Here's what to make of all the latest trades that impact Houston sports
Jul 28, 2021, 2:29 pm
EVERY-THING SPORTS
Last week, I took a look at the different trade scenarios all three Houston teams should look into. Turns out, some of them actually listened! While there weren't any blockbuster deals worked out, there were a couple deals either completed or rumored to be in the works:
Astros
The Astros made a move on Tuesday to acquire relievers Kendall Graveman (0.82 ERA this season in 30 games over 33 innings) and Rafael Montero from the Mariners for third baseman Abraham Toro and reliever Joe Smith. The idea of divisional incest trades is peculiar enough. When you add to the fact that you got one of the better relievers away from a division rival who's also making a push for a playoff spot and did very little to nothing to weaken your position, this should be applauded. However, James Click has more to do. This was a mere Band-Aid to cover a gapping wound. There's more work to be done, and Click's legacy as a general manager is in the balance because this team is built to contend.
Editor's note: Chandler Rome is reporting the Astros are trading for Marlins reliever Yimi Garcia. Garcia is a 30-year-old right-handed pitcher with a 3.47 ERA who has appeared in 39 games this season.
The deal is not official yet, but the Astros have an agreement in place to send minor league outfielder Bryan De La Cruz to Miami in exchange for reliever Yimi García, a source confirms.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) July 28, 2021
Texans
Last week, I thought the Texans should offload a running back to the Rams considering they lost their starter. This week, news came down that disgruntled Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers wants Randall Cobb back in Green Bay as a part of his conditional return. Who would've thought that the Texans would find an out for one of the worst contracts on their roster through another team's struggle?
A welcome-back gift for Aaron Rodgers: the Texans are trading former Packers' WR Randall Cobb back to Green Bay, per Randall Cobb. Cobb has been a longtime favorite of Rodgers.
But this trade's for Aaron.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 28, 2021
This deal seems to be done according to all reports. If there are other guys on this roster that teams may be interested in, whether because of injury or necessity, Nick Caserio should be open to making trades. The one big trade they're able to make is on hold until either: A) a team is desperate enough, B) they get offered something they can't refuse, or C) the coast is clear and a deal is on the table. The Watson Watch is officially on.
Editor's note: The Texans will receive a 6th round pick in exchange for Randall Cobb.
The #Packers are trading a 2022 sixth-round pick to the #Texans for WR Randall Cobb, source said. Houston is also expected to pay $3 million of Cobb's salary to facilitate the deal. Aaron Rodgers gets his man.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 28, 2021
Rockets
With the Pistons trying to send a smokescreen about the number one pick, the Rockets are in a great position. No matter who the Pistons select, the Rockets will have a player available that can be a game changer. IF they decide to trade the pick, they're in position to get a good haul. More than likely if a trade comes, it won't be with their number two overall pick. Rumors continue to swirl about Eric Gordon and one of their later picks (23 or 24) going to the Pacers for the number thirteen pick. Whatever they decide to do, they need to make the correct pick at number two, and make the subsequent proper picks. If they decide to trade, they need to get rid of some long term contracts for shorter contracts and/or picks. I'm not as confident in Rafael Stone to do the right thing, but I'm glad Matt Bullard is there to help out.
It's an exciting time for Houston sports fans. That is if you're into roster building. Each team has the ability to help build their roster over the next few days/weeks/months that could help propel each into further success in the future. For now, we wait and see what Click, Caserio, and Stone will do. Here's to hoping moves are made that will have long term positive effects on each roster.
Wichita, Kansas – Saturday, 8:40 p.m. EDT
The No. 1 seed Houston Cougars (31-4) take on the No. 8 Gonzaga Bulldogs (26-8) in a highly anticipated second-round showdown of the NCAA Tournament. The Cougars, dominant in the Big 12 with a 22-1 record, bring the nation’s top-ranked defense to the court, while the Bulldogs, the West Coast Conference powerhouse, counter with one of the most efficient offenses in the country.
Houston boasts the best defense in the Big 12, holding opponents to just 57.9 points per game on 38.1% shooting. The Cougars will be tasked with slowing down a Gonzaga squad that averages 84.6 points per game over its last 10 outings and shoots an impressive 50.1% from the field.
On the other side, Houston’s offense is averaging 72.1 points per game in its last 10 contests, a figure that will be tested against a Gonzaga defense allowing 67.6 points per game. The Cougars have a slight edge from beyond the arc, making 8.1 three-pointers per game compared to Gonzaga’s 7.3 allowed.
For Houston, LJ Cryer has been the go-to scorer, averaging 15.2 points per game, while Milos Uzan has stepped up recently, contributing 14.7 points over the last 10 games. The Cougars will also lean on their defensive intensity and ability to force turnovers to disrupt Gonzaga’s rhythm.
Gonzaga is led by Graham Ike, who is averaging 17 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. Khalif Battle has also been a key contributor, posting 15.3 points and 1.6 steals per game in the past 10 contests. The Bulldogs’ ball movement will be crucial, as they average 20.4 assists per game in their last 10 contests, a stark contrast to Houston’s 9.0.
Houston enters as a 5.5-point favorite, according to BetMGM Sportsbook, with the over/under set at 140.5 points. If the Cougars can impose their defensive will and limit Gonzaga’s transition game, they stand a strong chance of advancing. However, if the Bulldogs find their offensive groove early, Houston may be in for its toughest test of the tournament so far.
Expect an intense, physical battle where the team that dictates the tempo will likely punch its ticket to the Sweet 16.