The 2022 Rockets have two first-round picks, one is their own, one is the Heat and the Nets in the higher pick, as far as the current draft forecast is concerned, the Rockets themselves can get the 3rd pick in the first round, and the other is the 23rd pick of the Nets.
But these two first-round Rockets have the most initiative or their own, as of now the Rockets' record is 14 wins and 34 losses ranked third in the league, so in the draft picks are also predicted to be in the third pick, but in fact, as long as it is the worst record of the 3 teams they get the same probability of getting the lottery is the same 14%, so as long as the Rockets can maintain the position of the bottom three in the league, they still have a great chance to draw the lottery, but the recent Rockets win is a little too much, The Pacers in the East and the Thunder in the West are two teams that are swooping all the way, especially the Thunder, their current record is 14 wins and 33 losses, and another loss is the same as the Rockets, and the Rockets have a record advantage against the Thunder this season, so when the two records are the same, the Thunder's ranking is to be lower.
It's clear that's not what rocket management wants to see, with former team owner Fertitta making it clear in an interview that the team's goal this season is not to win, and the Rockets' 14-game wins are mainly because the team's veteran Gordon has performed too well, playing well in the three games he has won before. Statistics, this season Gordon is the Rockets barometer, when Gordon truce, the Rockets lost all 7 games; when Gordon cut at least 18 points, the Rockets achieved an impressive record of 9 wins and 1 loss; Gordon's performance is obviously not conducive to the Rockets to compete for the title, and recently the Rockets' management has also spoken of a trade. According to Fagan, the team currently wants to make what they think is the most reasonable deal, not the best offer they get, the Rockets won't trade all their chips for draft picks, and for draft picks or potential players, the Rockets are more focused on quality than quantity. And the Rockets side also clearly shows that the first round of picks involving transactions is best after 2023.
Now Gordon is the NBA trading market of the fragrant food, many competitive teams are currently very interested in him, now the Rockets are to ask for chips to put on the surface, as long as it is suitable not necessarily a lot, this is a potential price reduction behavior, I have to say that the Rockets are really fighting for the first sign. In theory, Gordon's stay on the team will be of great help to the growth of the team's young players, and in addition to passing on their experience on the field, he is also an important role in stabilizing the dressing room. But This season Gordon's state is too good, he has made himself worth it, trading him out can not only be exchanged for future assets, but also help the Rockets get the top pick, and most importantly, can also free up more playing time for young players, which can be described as a lot of money.
Of course, in addition to Gordon, the other veterans of the team are also the objects of the Rockets management to clean up, such as Theis, Augustine, Nouaba, and it is definitely a no-stay to be able to trade out.