Although the Rockets were quiet at the trade deadline, they could be looking for depth in the buyout market.
Headed into the All-Star break, the Houston Rockets are on a bit of a slide. Just 3-7 in their last 10 games, the Rockets have had a “back to earth” stretch that has seen them go from the number two team in the West to just a half game ahead of the Lakers for the fourth spot in the conference.
The Rockets made the decision to not make a splash at the trade deadline, and while most fans agree that was the right move, there is still a case to be made that some reinforcement by way of the buyout market would be helpful in the Rockets working their way back up in the standings and perhaps improving the overall trajectory of the season. Here are my top targets that the Rockets could potentially pursue if they become available.
Malcolm Brogdan
With Fred VanVleet being out with injury, it’s become painfully obvious how much the Rockets are lacking in point-guard depth. While Amen at the point is exciting to watch as he races down the court and finishes at the rim taking on multiple defenders, in the half court, the offense has looked discombobulated, frequently ending with poor shots if not turnovers. Whether or not Brogdan will be bought out by the Wizards is still unclear, but they are rebuilding and would be better served playing younger players. However, if Brogdan is available, he would bring more veteran presence to the point-guard position, and he can still play. He is a career 38 percent shooter form the three-point line, and while he has not shot well from the arc this season, it’s important to remember that he plays for the Washington Wizards. Shooting and playmaking for others off the bench would be a welcome sight for Rockets fans in the second half of the season.
Bruce Brown
Bruce Brown was dealt to the 12-30 New Orleans Pelicans in the deal that saw Brandon Ingram traded to the Toronto Raptors. Just like Brogdan, whether or not Brown will be bought out is yet to be determined. Buying out Brown makes sense if the Pels are set on rebuilding. Although he is an unrestricted free agent after this year, paying the league tax on his salary makes no sense for a team going nowhere.
The upside of Brown is obvious, from his playoff experience, defensive toughness, decent enough shooting, the ability to handle the ball and create shots for himself, and most intriguing to me is his cutting and slashing with a big like Sengun. The downside is the knee injuries he’s been dealing with the last two seasons. In my opinion, it would be a low risk and potentially high reward.
Mo Bamba
The Rockets recently added Cody Zeller to give them some depth at center. However, that was before the much younger Bamba was waived by the Utah Jazz. While Bamba has not lived up to his 2018 lottery pick expectations, as a low-risk buyout, he would be perfect. He brings size, shot blocking, and he is s decent shooter on the perimeter. For someone his size and with his athleticism, he is a poor rebounder, but perhaps a little tough love from the Rockets coaching staff would be just what he needs to become a productive NBA big man.
In Bamba’s career, he shoots 35 percent from three and averages over a block a game. The Rockets could use some minutes with that kind of production. I don’t think he will be a free agent long given his relative youth and remaining upside. The Rockets should at minimum make the phone call.
Conclusion
Will the Rockets be looking for help in the buyout market? Do veteran players view this team as a destination to come and compete for a championship this season? That remains to be seen, but the Rockets have exceeded most expectations to this point, even with the latest slide in the standings. Which has contributed the most to the Rockets success this season? Well, in my next piece, I’d like to offer you all at TDS my position grades for the first half of the season. In the meantime, keep hitting that refresh button to see if the Rockets find their missing piece in the buyout market.