On March 12, Beijing time, the NBA regular season continued to unfold, the Rockets will play against the Lone Rangers at home today, and before the game, the Rockets also announced an important decision, that is, to convert Matthews and Martin Jr.'s contract next season into full protection in advance, and the two will continue to stay in the team.
For the Rockets' decision, it is still very understandable, and their performance this season is also worth a fully guaranteed contract. Tim Mac Mahon also said: Matthews, 25, and Martin Jr., 22, have proven themselves role players fit for the Rockets' rebuilding program through their performances this season.
Matthews was definitely a windfall for the Rockets this season, and quickly adapted to the team system after joining the Rockets, and his salary next season is $1.8 million. This season, he played 49 games for the Rockets, averaging 27.2 minutes per game, 11 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1 assist, and shooting 36.7% from three-point range.
Martin Jr., who will be on a salary of $1.78 million next season, is still on a rookie contract and has a good performance. He didn't get too many opportunities this season, but when the opportunity came, he could still grasp it, and in the last start against the Lakers (the first start of the season), he got a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds, and also sent dunks many times. Martin Jr. has played 63 games this season, averaging 20.6 minutes per game and having 8.9 points and 3.9 rebounds.
Staying with Matthews and Martin Jr. is also a step in the Rockets' rebuilding, and they not only want to develop the core, but also want to prepare the role players in advance, which is necessary.
In the 2 seasons after entering the rebuild, the Rockets also gained a lot of gains, with 6 new stars, including Martin Jr., and the other five being Jaylen Green, Shinkin, Christopher, Porter Jr. and Garupa. Except for Porter Jr., who was traded, the others were chosen by the Rockets themselves, and these are all wealth on the road to reconstruction. Once Green and Porter Jr. play, the players around them can become helpers or more valuable chips, which will lay the foundation for future rise.