The Rockets lost again, losing again. The victory over the Nets allowed them to win 7 consecutive games, and both the media and fans, as well as all the personnel of the Rockets, were full of self-confidence. Even shouted out: the slogan of impacting the playoffs, of course, this is just a good expectation, and it does not become a reality.
Nine points lost to the defending champion Bucks and seven points to the Grizzlies, and while the point difference wasn't large, there was a problem: at critical moments, the Rockets had nothing to do on either end of the offensive and defensive ends. We can't blame these young people for not working hard enough, but for having limited talent. So, will the situation improve when Jaylen Green and Kevin Potter Jr. return? The answer is: worse! These two shots, low hit rate, high turnover, but also the team's drag bottle.
Is winning the game unusual?
So far, we can boldly sum up: the Rockets have suffered a 15-game losing streak, and Kevin Porter Jr. and Jaylen Green are the culprits. However, the team must also let the two play as a starter, preferring to refuse Wall's request to play and keep Kevin Porter Jr. starting. It can be seen that the team's goal for the season: to cultivate new talents, focusing on the cultivation of this pair of backcourt double guns, even if it pays a painful price.
Then again, even if the Rockets win the Bucks and Grizzlies and the backcourt double-shots return to health, Silas will definitely arrange for them to start immediately, and matthews, Brooks, and Christopher's playing time will be greatly reduced.
How do we evaluate the Rockets' 7-game winning streak? It is not so much a return to the light as a successful inspection. Gordon, Wood, House and other players have played at a super level, and the value of the transaction has greatly increased.
Losing streaks or becoming the new normal
For a rebuilding team, losing is actually the norm. From 7 consecutive wins to 2 consecutive defeats, the players' hearts have changed a lot, and the fire in their hearts has gradually been extinguished. Next, the Rockets' schedule is not easy: away to the Hawks and Cavaliers, home to the Knicks, and then to the East five consecutive aways: Pistons, Bulls, Bucks, Pacers, Hornets. It can be said that another 5 consecutive defeats, or even 7 consecutive defeats, is possible.
Rockets owner Fertitta said in a recent interview: Although rebuilding is a difficult process, we need to do this, for the future to be better, in order to win the championship. That is to say, the team owner has revealed the direction, and this season is to rebuild and cultivate new people. At the same time, trade inappropriate players in exchange for draft picks and potential newcomers.
Rocket put 6 people on the shelves
According to the U.S. media, the Houston local newspaper, and according to a comprehensive report of some famous names, the Rockets have been put on the shelves by 6 players: Wood, Gordon, House, Wall, Tys, Wall. The commonality of these players is that they are very strong, the contract amount is not high, and they are a reasonable puzzle for the champion.
Wood's season average: 16.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 36.1 percent three-point shooting. Gordon averaged 14.4 points, 1.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists from three-point range, shooting 43.6 percent from three-point range. These two players will definitely be robbed by many teams. Among them, the Brooklyn Nets and los Angeles Lakers are very interested in Gordon and have been trying to trade. House and Theiss are suitable substitutes, some players have suffered from injury crises, and these 3 players have been able to fill the gap perfectly, such as the Nuggets, Lone Rangers, Heat and other teams.
Another problem that has become the Rockets' biggest headache is John Wall, who earns $44 million a year. But as long as the Rockets aren't so greedy inside, Wall's deal isn't difficult. At present, the teams interested in Wall are: Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors and so on. Among them, the Clippers are the most motivated and can provide more suitable chips, but the only regret is that the Clippers do not have enough first-round draft picks, which is exactly what the Rockets need most.
All in all, the Rockets' 7-game winning streak was a successful inspection, creating favorable conditions for the transaction. Next, it is to focus on cultivating new talents, and get more first-round picks and potential newcomers through trading.