Houston Rockets: How the team should deal with Chris Paul’s absence

Houston Rockets point guard Chris Paul may be out for a month due to an injured knee, is former all-star Jameer Nelson on his way to Houston?

After winning their first two games in California, the Houston Rockets have gotten off to a hot start to open their season. Eric Gordon has established himself as one of the league’s best shooting guards. Clint Capela looked as if he is ready to take his game to the next level. While James Harden is looking as the early favorite to win the league Most Valuable Player honors this season.

Coming into tonight’s game, everyone on the Houston Rockets roster looks ready. All except for their newly acquired point guard Chris Paul. According to Marc Stein of the New York Times, the nine-time all-star could miss up to a month due to a bone bruise in his left knee.

Here’s what Stein had to say:

"“Chris Paul could be sidelined for a month by a bone bruise in his left knee suffered during the exhibition season, according to two people with direct knowledge of the situation. Paul has been officially ruled out of the Rockets’ home opener Saturday night against the DallasMavericks but is likely to be held out for a much longer period, said the people, who requested anonymity because they are not publicly authorized to discuss the player’s health status.”More from House of HoustonAre you the 2021 FanSided Sports Fan of the Year?Houston Texans: 4 reasons Romeo Crennel is right coach right nowAstros-Twins Wild Card Series: 5 things to know as MLB postseason beginsHouston Texans: The Most Underrated Sports Drought EverHouston Texans: J.J. Watt’s early case for NFL Hall of Fame"

Paul initially suffered the injury after bumping knees with Grizzlies guard Mario Chalmers in

Houston’s 101-89 preseason victory over Memphis.

Despite coming into the season with a bruised knee, Paul played 33 minutes during Tuesday’s 122-121 win over the Golden State Warriors to open the season. Paul had a solid start to his Rocket career, but not the ideal one as the injured star posted four points, eight rebounds, and 11 assists in the win.

Here’s Mike D’Antoni’s thoughts on the whole situation:

With Paul out, the Rockets must find a backup point guard who can take the load off of Harden for the next few weeks. One name that has been linked to the Rockets is former Orlando Magic star, Jameer Nelson.

Last season, the 35-year-old point guard had one of his most efficient seasons of his career as he averaged 8.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in 25.6 minutes for the Denver Nuggets. The one-time all-star was recently waived by the Nuggets after signing forward Richard Jefferson earlier this week.

While Nelson would be a good signing, the Rockets should look to sign free agent Trey Burke in Paul’s absence.

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Burke is younger and is a player who is tailor-made to play in Houston’s fast pace three-point shooting style of play. In addition to his offense, Burke is one of the most solid perimeter defenders in the league.

Regardless of who the Rockets sign, here’s hope that Paul will get healthy and return to the court sooner rather than later.

Get well soon CP3.