Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Rockets fans and fans across the country.
Russell Westbrook recently retired. He spent a season as a Houston Rocket, where he averaged 27.2 points, 7 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game on 47.2 percent from the field and 25.8 percent from deep. The Rockets finished 44-28 and lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the West Semis of the bubble playoffs. The Rockets then collapsed into
a rebuild the following season. The Rockets have dealt with the fallout from that lopsided trade since then.
The Rockets initially sent Chris Paul, two first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps to the Thunder, then dealt him away the following season for John Wall.
What we want to know is, do you consider the Westbrook deal the worst in Rockets history? The numbers look good, but Russ was a terrible fit for Houston’s system because he couldn’t shoot.
Some other bad deals were Charles Barkley being sent to Houston from Phoenix for fan favorites Sam Cassell, Robery Horry, and Chucky Brown. The Rockets then lost all their depth and never made it back to the Finals.
Reigning MVP Moses Malone was sent from Houston to Philly for a first-round pick and center Caldwell Jones in 1982. Jones averaged 9 points per night the following season, while Malone won another MVP and led Philly to a title.
There was also the Ty Lawson deal in 2015 where the Rockets sent four bench players and first round pick to Denver, only to have Lawson wash out immediately.
There are others, but we want you to decide. Was Russ the worst or someone else?
Cast your vote, tell us in the comments, and we’ll be back soon with the results!
