The Houston Rockets’ offensive philosophy is to bully opponents on the glass. Buy and large, it works.
The more scoring opportunities one gets, the higher likelihood that they’ll score. Especially put-back
opportunities around the rim or open kick-out threes.
Steven Adams has been a big part of that, as he leads the league in offensive rebounds, with 4.5 per contest.
Adams is out indefinitely with a Grade 3 ankle sprain. He’s going to miss a considerable amount of time.
Clint Capela provides insurance for Adams, but he now becomes the only back-up big behind Alperen Sengun, who has also missed time here and there with injury (seven games through the first half of the season).
What was once viewed as a deep rotation isn’t quite the same without Adams.
According to Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports, the Rockets are looking into adding more depth in the big man room.
Iko reports that Houston’s brass hasn’t made definite plans, but that they are merely mulling and assessing whether it’s necessary, whether via trade or buyout.
Complicating matters is Houston’s financial hamstring, as they’re just $1.2 million under the hard cap. They can reasonably afford to part with Aaron Holiday, Jae’Sean Tate or Jeff Green, without any regret.
Doing so would pretty much indicate that the team won’t be adding an on-ball facilitating guard.
The buyout market would help the Rockets financially.
But that will be scarce, although more realistic, featuring the names of Precious Achiuwa, Marvin Bagley III, Daniel Theis.
Not to say the trade market will be plentiful either. The Rockets won’t be going after the likes of Daniel Gafford or Onyeka Okongwu.
Jay Huff might be the best possible option on the trade market, considering the Rockets’ financial situation. Especially when considering his seemingly reduction in playing time, as he’s played just six minutes in the Pacers’ last two games.
