On Thursday, the Rockets formalized all their signings for the week with the arrivals of Sterling Brown, Jae’Sean Tate and the contract extension of Bruno Caboclo. As for Mason Jones, he joins Kenny Wooten as « two-way contract », while Trevelin Queen (New Mexico State), Brodric Thomas (Truman State) and of course DeMarcus Cousins are invited to camp with unsecured contracts.
Excluding “two-way contract”, the Rockets now have 13 players under contract and on paper, there are two guaranteed contracts to integrate. We imagine that the new GM wants to keep a place for DeMarcus Cousins whose one-year contract is not guaranteed. Which would mean that there is only one recruit to look forward to in the next few days.
In terms of quality, Robert Covington has not been replaced, nor Austin Rivers, and as it stands, the workforce seems smaller compared to last season. Diminished but also unbalanced with a host of exteriors, and finally, as it is, the only Christian Wood as a professional interior.
James Harden and Russell Westbrook on Tuesday for the pickup?
Houston can find another interior in the free agency, but it is especially the exchanges that must be watched. First of all, the New York Daily News reports that Austin Rivers’ departure for the Knicks could be done as a sign-and-trade, and maybe New York will offload itself. ‘a player to encourage his arrival. Houston could then recover a 14th contract.
Next, we must not forget that James Harden and Russell Westbrook are on the start. For the first, a main track: Brooklyn. Except the Rockets don’t want to sell him off, and they want at least one young star in exchange. Which is understandable since James Harden remains one of the top five players in the NBA. The Nets are reportedly proposing Caris LeVert, Spencer Dinwiddie, Nico Claxton and Jarrett Allen as their “package,” and for now, Houston is not interested as there is no potential All-Star in this quartet.
As for Russell Westbrook, there is no rush to recruit him. His contract is scary and the Knicks, who seem the most serious lead, are not so interested. It is therefore difficult to see where the former leader of the Thunder could go, he who has a contract at the maximum salary at least until 2022.
As for the leaders, we say we are ready to start the season with the two All-Stars and that there is no rush. While at the same time, other players in the workforce would have complained about their role, Stephen Silas would have gone well with such a start as a “head coach”. But by December 22, there is still a lot going to happen in Houston.
WORKFORCE 2020
Leaders : Russell Westbrook, Chris Clemons
Rear : James Harden, Eric Gordon, David Nwaba, Ben McLemore
Wingers : Sterling Brown, Danuel House, Jae’sean Tate, Kenyon Martin Jr.
Strong wingers : P.J. Tucker, Bruno Caboclo
Pivots : Christian Wood
Two-way contract : Designed to create a new bridge between the NBA and the G-League, this type of contract allows each team to enlist the services of one or two additional players, to make them evolve mainly in their development league franchise affiliate but also up to 45 days in the NBA. This year that limit is turned into 50 appearances on the scoresheet.
