GM Daryl Morey promised fans that the Houston Rockets would be better going into the 2015 playoffs then they were at the conclusion of the first round exit in six games to the Portland Trail Blazers last May.
Things are so far looking good for this group making a deep playoff run. The emergence ofDonatas Motiejunas, the signing ofJosh Smith, and the three-headed monster ofTrevor Ariza,Kostas PapanikolaouandCorey Breweroutperforming whatChandler ParsonsandFrancisco Garciagave the Rockets last year has certainly been a pleasant surprise for Rockets fans.
The reality is the Rockets need an upgrade at point guard for them to go from a nice team to an elite title contender. With assets in hand such as a lottery pick that is owed to them from theOmer Asiktrade to the New Orleans Pelicans, to a young talentedTerrence Jones, Morey has options at his disposal for this month’s trade deadline.Patrick Beverleyis a nice player and a rotation guy but his shortcomings force Harden to the point way to often which creates a massive need for a second playmaker.
Goran Dragic, for reasons ranging from he used to play here, will be a free agent this summer on a Phoenix Suns team that is not a title contender and that already has two point guards locked into long term deals. That coupled with the well-documented year-long pursuit Morey has made to get him back in the fold by contacting the Suns over and over about his availability, tells us the Rockets are clearly interested in him. WithRajon Rondotraded to the Dallas Mavericks earlier in the season, Dragic is the prized point guard that may be available over the next two weeks before the February 19th trade deadline.
To get Dragic we are looking at a potential package of Terrence Jones, the very valuable New Orleans Pelicans first round pick, as well as a salary likeJason Terryfor matching purposes. Is Jones and the pick too much for a potential rental of Dragic? No. Is it attractive enough for the Suns? Absolutely, there is no contender needing a point guard as much as the Rockets and the Suns stand to lose Dragic for nothing if they do not make a move.
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The reality of the NBA trade deadline is many variables can and probably will throw a wrench into these grand plans but other options are not good ones.Ricky Rubiomight be available assuming Daryl Morey is willing to take onKevin Martin‘s contract. There are other marginal upgrades potentially that could be had but if I am the Rockets brass I go all in on Dragic. If I strike out, instead of making a move for the sake of making a move I stand pat and try and get what I am missing with talented second year man Isaiah Canaan.
Whatever happens, these next two weeks will be very interesting as the arms race in the Western Conference heats up and the second half of the season will separate the title contenders from the teams that will be one and done.
Stay with House of Houston for all things Rockets.
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