Fertitta hated the former general manager of Rockets . He decided to promote Stone, who was experienced, mature and stable, with high IQ and EQ.
Fertitta believes that the Rockets should rebuild thoroughly and stop trying to win the lottery. At the same time, they should increase talent and establish a strong team culture.
Stone worked hard to correct Silas 's wrong thinking of wanting to win regardless of the overall situation, allowing the Rockets to reach the bottom of the league for two consecutive seasons.
Although the Rockets did not get the No. 1 pick twice, they selected two potential new stars Jaylen Green and Jabari Smith Jr., which is considered a success.
Fertitta is very satisfied with the potential rookies selected by Stone, and he also likes tough guys like Tate.
Tate originally signed a three-year contract with the Rockets, with the first year partially guaranteed, the second year unguaranteed, and a team option in the third year.
has no NBA experience. He is only a little over 1.9 meters tall and his shooting is unstable. At first, not many Rockets fans were optimistic that Tate could gain a foothold in this team.
Unexpectedly, Tate quickly adapted to the intensity of NBA games and became a starter. In his rookie season, he averaged 11.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 steals per game, and entered the rookie first team.
After Harden era, the Rockets need tough guys, not softies! Fertitta told Stone.
Tate, who has a tough style of play and can't get out of the firing line even with minor injuries, has characteristics similar to that of Dream Chaser Green, and conquered Fertitta.
Fertitta asked Stone last summer to convert Tate's $1.52 million contract into a guarantee in advance as a reward.
Tate wanted to renew his contract early this summer, and Fertitta asked Stone to keep him.
Stone did not exercise Tate's team option for the final year and opened contract extension negotiations.
Tate was grateful to the Rockets for giving him the opportunity. He did not open his mouth as much as the Lions. In the end, the two parties successfully reached a three-year contract worth US$22.1 million.
Tate made some Rockets fans dissatisfied last season because he ignored Jaylen Green many times and chose to force himself.
is deeply trusted by the boss. He has played for the Rockets for a year and wants to improve his data to win a satisfactory contract. From Tate's point of view, there is really no need for him to coax the rookie Jaylen Green.
Jaylen Green proved his strength in the second half of last season, and the Rockets also established his core position. I believe that after renewing his contract, Tate will find his role and will not do anything to offend the fans again. move.
Tate wants to become stronger and help the Rockets return to the playoffs as soon as possible. He will study under Green this summer and study hard.
After being rejected by Bamba and others, the Rockets will still be looking for a backup center.
According to NBA reporter Evan Massey, the Rockets are interested in "young version Ibaka " Jaylen Smith.
is Jaylen and Smith again. This name is very rocket.
Like Bruno Fernando who played for the Rockets last season, Jaylen Smith also came from University of Maryland. He became the No. 10 pick in 2020.
Jaylen Smith, who is 2.08 meters tall, has good physical fitness and a variety of offensive methods. He can eat cakes and shoot. He has good rebounding and blocking abilities. He is active in defense and is a model for Ibaka.
Jaylen Smith didn't have many opportunities in Suns , and then played an efficient performance in Pacers . He played 22 games, averaged 13.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1 block in 25 minutes per game. He shot 53.1% from the field and three-pointers. The shooting rate is 37.3%, and the contract has expired.
Jaylen Smith still has potential to be tapped. He wants sufficient playing time and ball rights as well as a satisfactory annual salary. I wonder if the Rockets can meet his two requirements.
Currently the Spurs are very interested in Jaylen Smith, and the Pacers want to keep him.
