The Houston Rockets missed out on two All-Stars rumored to be heading their way. It turned out great for them.
First, there were rumors about James Harden opting out of his Sixers deal to sign with the Rockets as far back as last Christmas, ones Harden did not deny. Or possibly even planted himself.
Harden on the Rockets reunion rumors. pic.twitter.com/bJdRZ3kSqX
— RC (@RocketsCulture) December 25, 2022
But once the Rockets hired Ime Udoka as their head coach, the chances of Harden returning to Houston went to zero.
Ime Udoka reportedly had zero interest in coaching James Harden, per @SteveBHoop
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 7, 2023
“Ime said, ‘It’s not going to work here.’” pic.twitter.com/Nx9YvTLwhr
The result? Harden opted into his contract, and had a four-month stalemate with the 76ers before getting traded to the Clippers — who have gone 0-4 since he arrived.
Friday was the low point, with the Dallas Mavericks delivering a 69-25 run on their way to a 144-126 victory, taking advantage of Harden all the way.
During Dallas' 69-25 run against Clippers from late 1st quarter through early 3rd quarter
— Law Murray (@LawMurrayTheNU) November 11, 2023
Luka Doncic made 9 of 10 shots
Here are those buckets. As you can see, he mostly takes advantage of Tucker, Zubac, Diabaté, Harden.
Rarely were Kawhi/PG/Russ in actions. https://t.co/TICIpRRcOF pic.twitter.com/69ZT5zuiU1
They also dodged a bullet with another free-agent target.
If you love the NBA salary cap, read this breakdown about how Brook Lopez backing out of his deal with the Rockets changed everything for them.
— Sean (@Sladek7) July 7, 2023
Essentially: Brook backed out, but Rockets are keeping their word to other deals, which costs them.
Great breakdown https://t.co/bakDkbWaQC
In early July, the Rockets thought they had an agreement to sign free-agent center Brook Lopez, who decided at the last minute to return to the Milwaukee Bucks instead.
This, after the Rockets traded two second-round picks and $1.1M to dump the contracts of TyTy Washington, Jr. and Usman Garuba to clear cap space for Lopez.
Instead, the Rockets stuck with 21-year-old center Alperen Sengun, who has been a revelation in his third season. He's averaging 19.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and six assists while shooting 60%.
He's also getting it done on defense, even against the reigning Finals MVP Nikola Jokic, when Houston beat Denver on Sunday night.
Nikole Jokic last night when Alperen Sengun was his primary defender:
— Itamar (@Itamar_17_10) November 13, 2023
6-17 FG (35.3%)
2 TOV
That was the best I've seen anyone guard Jokic in a *while*. Şengün was disciplined, and his improved core strength made it challenging for Jok to bully him.
Full Defensive Highlights: pic.twitter.com/sRVMJVQrYk
The Rockets are giving up the third-fewest points in the league. Lopez's Bucks are giving up the sixth-most.
Free agency may not have gone the way Houston planned, but they ended up with a much better, younger team as a result.
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