Houston Rockets
The 2020-21 Houston Rockets season can be defined by the fact that it imploded before it even got off the ground, but at least they ended up with the #2 pick.
What did we learn?
Just as we suspected, the Harden situation was unsalvageable.
His favorite coach was the first to leave. Then it was The Man Who Brought The Beard to Houston who abandoned ship as well. Next, it was his good pal Westbrook (except it would seem they had a falling out) whose wish was granted first, shipped to D.C. for John Wall and a 1st.
Picture that Fresh Prince meme of Will Smith standing alone in the empty house, all by himself. That was Harden, except he had John Wall and Boogie Cousins telling him how it was supposed to be. It wasn’t pretty, the way that Harden gave up and forced his way out of Houston, but honestly, we don’t blame him.
This organization has been spiraling downward since the minute that Tilman Fertitta showed up.
And what did the Rockets get in return for their former MVP, their superstar and all-timer still capable of playing at the top of his game, a supreme offensive talent of which the league has rarely if ever seen — what did they get?? Not Ben Simmons. Nope, not even close. (Playoff failures aside.) Not even Caris LeVert and/or Jarrett Allen. It was Victor Oladipo who landed in H-Town, promptly turned down an extension and was later sent to South Beach at the deadline for… Kelly Olynyk and Avery Bradley.
It’s worth repeating: THE ROCKETS TURNED HARDEN INTO KELLY OLYNYK AND AVERY BRADLEY.
We have not forgotten about the four 1st round draft picks and pick swaps which were necessary given Daryl’s consistent mortgaging of the Rockets future during his tenure, forever stuck in win-now mode with Harden for so many years. So in all actuality, it will take many moons to truly know how this trade ends up.
The good news for Rockets fans is that new GM Rafael Stone has already found some gold mines.
Christian Wood
Jae’Sean Tate
Kevin Porter Jr.
There was actually a brief stint after the Harden trade where the Rockets won 6 games in a row and sat a game above .500. It was mostly thanks to Christian Wood who was playing like a bonafide All-Star and looked like the frontrunner for Most Improved Player, making his 3-year, $41 million contract appear to be a substantial bargain. Alas, C-Wood then suffered a nasty ankle sprain that kept him out for 6 weeks. The Rockets instantly crumbled without him, reeling off a 20-game repugnant losing streak that included seven losses by 20 or more points.
But we learned who Jae’Sean Tate is, a 6-foot-4 25-year-old rookie who spent time playing overseas in Belgium and Australia (vs. LaMelo!) before making it to The Association. Tate brings serious energy, especially on defense, and we love his mindset, telling The Ringer’s Mirin Fader: “I took the steps, I didn’t take the elevator. It’s not about when you get there, it’s about getting here. It’s ‘how long can I stay here?’ That just adds to my hunger.”
It’s been on record that Kevin Porter Jr. is somebody who caught our eye right away, noticing his fire and innate and tenacious propensity to just go for it. Others have noticed it now, too, after KPJ’s 50-point and 11-assist game against the Bucks in which he was sliding Jrue Holiday’s ass all around the fucking court.
Kevin Porter Jr. just turned 21 years old. Christian Wood and Jae’Sean Tate are both just 25. The Rockets lucked into the #2 pick in a loaded draft.
Houston could very well have a young nucleus on their hands.
Now if only they can get rid of John Wall and Eric Gordon.
And Tilman Fertitta!
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Did our preseason Over/Under prediction hit?
Under 34.5 wins. A Harden trade seems imminent. (But if we knew Harden was staying, we would pick the Over!)
Rockets 2020-21 Record: (17-55)
YES, our preseason Over/Under prediction hit! And the Harden trade was imminent.
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What’s Next?
The #2 overall pick in the draft! Houston had to get a top-4 pick, and that’s precisely what they landed. Many are questioning the front court fit between Christian Wood and Evan Mobley, slotting in the electric Jalen Green here instead. We have no qualms against that. The Rockets also have the #23 and #24 picks in the 1st round. A tactful opportunity to strengthen the Rockets young nucleus awaits.
Develop this young core with positive tendencies and influences.
Stephen Silas will have a real training camp and preseason without the disgruntled superstar distractions of last season.
Kenyon Martin Jr. brought high energy and hops off the bench in his rookie season. Taken in the second round, add him to the list of probable keepers to Rafael Stone’s resume. Let’s make sure K-Mart Jr. continues to see consistent minutes.
Seriously — try to find somebody to take the contracts of John Wall and Eric Gordon off ye hands. Gordon is on the books for $18M, $19M and $21M over the next three seasons. Wall is owed $44 million next season and has a $47 million player option for the 2022-2023 season.
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Favorite Rockets Highlight from the 2020-21 Season:
“Once you see two go in, it’s like the rim isn’t there.”
- KPJ
