Against the Lakers, the Rockets' 3 rookies broke out in the same game to crush the Lakers' imagination, Green showed his confident and strong scoring ability, Shen Jing not only showed his difference from other interiors, but also proved to Silas that he deserved a starting position, Christopher came out of the slump and returned to himself, telling everyone that he was no worse than anyone.
It can be said that they are the biggest contributors to this game to win the game in overtime, but in addition to these 3 rookies, the team has another young player who is also worth paying attention to, he is the son of the former Champion Martin Jr., in this game he also performed well, in the absence of Tate he replaced him into the starting lineup, played 40 minutes to hand over 17 points and 11 rebounds double-double data, including 7 of 12 shots, 3 of 6 three-pointers, and also gave 3 assists.
Although Martin Jr. is a second-year player, it should be known that he is only a player selected with the 52nd pick, compared to the 4 first-round shows selected by the Rockets in 2021, Martin Jr. can be regarded as a relatively "humble" player, but for this rebuilt Rockets, Martin Jr. may play a pivotal role in the future. Because the 4 first-round players selected by the Rockets last year have distinct characteristics, Green and Christopher are guards, Shin kyo is the inside line, and Garupa is the wing, but from the performance of this season, garuba's performance on the rocket wing is quite disappointing. The biggest weakness of the Rockets' lineup is in the flanks, and the players that the team can use on the flanks this season are Tate, Martin Jr. and even many times let Gordon gordon go to the Top 4 position.
Although Tate is easy to use, he performs well on the court, but his shortcomings are too obvious, first of all, he is only 1.93 meters high in the height of the defender, in the face of tall frontcourt players, being held high is the norm, it can be said that this is one of the factors in the Rockets' defensive countdown this season; followed by Tate's lack of outside shooting ability, last season's outside shooting rate of 31%, this season so far only 30%, many times because of his insufficient projection ability to cause the field space to open, These two shortcomings can be said to be hard injuries, which makes him not the best candidate for the rocket flank. Gordon is even less hopeful, and it is difficult to say whether he can stay in the team next season.
And Martin Jr. is first of all in terms of body height from the current data he has grown to 2.01 meters, plus he has explosive physical athletic ability, so even in the face of the No. 5 player, Martin Jr. is not too disadvantaged, which has been seen in the last season, the hat is all over the league's top five big men. Then there is Martin Jr.'s three-point shooting ability so that opponents dare not easily ignore, last season he shot 37% of the three-point shooting rate, this season is not bad 36%, against the Lakers This game is a good punishment for the opponent's contempt. In addition, Martin Jr.'s defense has also improved significantly, last season was a foul at every turn, but now he has a good control in this area, even compared to Tate is not bad, the first half of the game against the Jazz Tate started the team big score behind, the second half of Tate due to injury absent son Martin Jr. starter is also not worthy of the expectations of personal handing over 20 points and 7 rebounds data, and hit 4 three-pointers, but also almost helped the team reverse the game, the performance is quite eye-catching.
It can be said that Martin Jr.'s performance is already a 3D wing gate of the team, and when you think that he is just a 21-year-old player who can expect more from him, he will be the answer to hugh city's future flanks.