The Rockets beat the Pistons 103-102, and the Rockets stopped their three-game losing streak. Before this campaign, the Rockets were second to last in the West with 4 wins and 9 losses, and the Pistons were at the bottom of the East with 3 wins and 11 losses. The rookies peck at each other. Such games often become an opportunity to show their "acting skills."
The Rockets allowed Wall and Wood, but the Pistons made 9 turnovers in the first quarter (the Rockets only made one turnover in the first quarter, which shows how low the intensity given by the Pistons). The first two quarters did not finish the game. 20+ points difference, but the ball did not stop there. The Pistons suddenly caught up in the second half and once surpassed the score. After being exceeded again by the Rockets, there was still a lore chance, but unfortunately they could not grasp it.
The Rockets and the Pistons, two teams with poor records, both showed resilience in this game. This may not be really good "acting skills". The victories of professional players should not be questioned, but the team's development Strategies sometimes contradict the players' desire to win. This may be the status quo of the Rockets.
What are the Rockets' expectations for this season? Do they want to pursue the record as much as possible, or do they perfunctorily drop their goal to the 2021 draft?
Let’s start with an objective fact. The Rockets are not a very traditional team. Even after being destroyed by injuries in the Yao Mai era, in the three years before Harden arrived, the Rockets had limited combat power. , But did not give up on himself. Although they did not make the playoffs in those three seasons, their winning percentages were all above 50% (you can also see how fierce the Western Conference is).
The Rockets’ three years of perseverance waited until Harden joined, but to be honest, in 2012, I am afraid that no one predicted that Harden would become the MVP of the Rockets and be the third consecutive scoring champion. After all, Deng was just the best The sixth man. Harden's growth is a surprise to the Rockets, and this situation is not easy to replicate in today's NBA.
After a wave of contract extensions during the offseason, the depth of the free agent market in 2021 has been reduced a lot. The biggest card is Leonard, but it is difficult to imagine that the "small card" will choose the Rockets. Judging from the flow of first-line star players in the last two years, the winning team, the economic city will become their first choice, and the Rockets do not have these two conditions.
If a team wants to complete the reconstruction, it needs a cornerstone level to build the core. To get this level of players, there are nothing more than three paths, free agent signing, drafting, and trading, of which the lowest cost is drafting.
A high-level rookie, representing ability and potential, will also bring high market enthusiasm. At the same time, because the NBA has clear restrictions on rookie salaries, even for the No. 1 pick, the salary is relatively cheap, such as the 2020 No. 1 pick. Edwards' salary this season is $9.76 million, ranking 125th in the league's salary list.
2021 is expected to be the year of the draft. Some insiders say that among the new candidates for this session, five or six are placed in 2020 to be the champion. There are many examples of the team's revival through the draft, such as Duncan for the Spurs, Kobe for the Lakers, and James for the Cavaliers. Of course, superstars like Duncan, Kobe, and Old Zhan are not available every year, but just look at the broadcast treatment the Pelicans received after Zion Williamson to understand a high-profile rookie. What kind of market effect can it bring to the team?
Rocket boss Fertita’s main business is the real economy such as catering, and its operating model is more dependent on the passenger flow of the store. The new crown epidemic has hit Boss Fei's business particularly hard, and you can hardly expect him to spend a lot of money to do big things. The Rockets' extreme small ball was pierced by the Lakers in the playoffs last season, marking the complete collapse of the system they had built for many years. The Rockets made a series of changes during the offseason, including a change of coaches, which has indicated that they have changed course.
If Harden doesn’t leave, the Rockets may be able to maintain their playoff prospects, but Deng has already seen through the Rockets’ development trend. It is difficult for this team to have the absolute strength for the championship in the short term. Harden is unwilling to continue in the Rockets. That's why he almost broke his face with the team because of the transfer.
When all the Rockets wounded return to the team, their best five should be Wood, Tucker, Eric Gordon, Oladipo and Wall. If Gordon plays the sixth man, House Can replace him in the starting lineup, but the reality is that the Rockets' theoretical best team has not yet played together. The battle against the Pistons is the Rockets’ 14th game this season. They have used 10 starting lineups. Wall (knee injury) and Wood (ankle) are still on the injury list, and House is still in isolation.The injuries and losses have seriously affected the rocket's chemical reaction. The Rockets rank 24th in the league in offensive efficiency this season, and they are fading away from the strong firepower in the fans' impression.
Even if all players play, whether Wall and Oladipo, who have experienced serious injuries, can lead the Rockets to the playoffs in the West is a big question mark. Wood has performed well this season, but his thin body is more suitable as an auxiliary to the superstar in the competitive environment of the Western Conference, rather than as a core leader. As for Cousins, he really can't return to his state of examination of the past. Injuries can indeed deprive a player of the amazing physical fitness that was once.
Although there are many cases in NBA history where stars have left the team to counterattack, such as the 2018-19 Clippers, they still made the playoffs after sending off Paul and Griffin, and then in 2019 I won Leonard and Paul George in the offseason, and achieved a model that can be rebuilt without having to put up a mess, but the Clippers’ urban background and the economic strength of their boss are incomparable by the Rockets. In this case, do the Rockets bet on the draft to be more realistic?
The Rockets have accumulated multiple first-round picks through Harden’s deal, but they have a very real problem. In 2021, the first-round picks are swapped due to Wei Shao’s deal. They can only stay if they get the top four. Will become the lowest first-round pick among the Thunder and Heat. 2021 is the year of the draft. The Rockets signed the top four protections in the first round. If their record is not bad enough to keep this high draft pick, there will be no good gains in the talent-packed draft event. Is it very important for the long-term development of the team? Regret?
For the sake of the draft, do you want the dignity of the team? Let's tell a true story. The Cavaliers conducted a secret trial on James when he was 17 years old. At that time, Zhan, who had just graduated from high school for a year, actually beat NBA players and completely conquered the Cavaliers management and coaching staff. Other teams got the news of the Cavaliers' trial of James from insiders and collectively protested to the league. As a result, the Cavaliers were fined $150,000, but the then Cavaliers coach John Lucas (now Rockets assistant coach) admitted that the money was worth the money. The Cavaliers made a lot of money because they were able to observe James' game strength from close range and communicate with him.
The Cavaliers are determined to bet on James and send away all the top three scorers in the team before the beginning of the 2002-03 season.Rushed to lose the game wholeheartedly. In the first 81 games of that season, the Cavaliers lost 65 games. At that time, the Nuggets were doing their best. The Cavaliers lost the last game of the regular season to "exclusively" the bottom of the league. However, the Cavaliers won. Kim Tong is 17 wins and 65 losses. After that game, the Cavaliers shareholder Watson was furious. He rushed into the coach’s office and yelled at the Cavaliers coach: "How did you win? You screwed it up. We spent a few months on this. Now it's going to be ruined by you."
Of course, the Cavaliers were lucky. They still got the No. 1 pick and got James, ushering in the most glorious years in team history.
"Which is more important, the pressure of life or the dignity of life?" This is not just lyrics, it is being performed in any corner of the world, including the NBA.
Should the rocket rebuild follow the Clippers' counterattack route, or should it adopt the Cavaliers' stumbling model? We invited 15 authors of Tencent Sports premium sports account to discuss in a roundtable manner. Among them, 9 premium sports account authors chose to "put bad", accounting for 60%.
To go left or right, let us see the specific explanations of the authors of high-quality sports.
is bad (9 votes)
Sports number: Yan Wuqiang
View: bad
Reason: It may be the Thunder team mode, this season, let some people perform, and then exchange for changes What a valuable asset. Personally, I think that it is more suitable for the Rockets, and the "crash" model like the Clippers and Nets is not realistic. First, the Rockets are not so attractive, it is difficult to attract big players to join; second, are the Rockets willing to spend a lot of money?
point of view: bad
reason: the Rockets’ current lineup really looks very strong, the main players Oladipo, Wall, Cousins, all have suffered serious injuries, none of them are at their peak. It's not the right cornerstone for this rocket. In addition, the Rockets' current young players are also role players at the basic salary level, with no potential stocks.In addition, the Rockets got a lot of picks from the deal between Harden and Wei Shao, which makes the Rockets have a lot of maneuverability in the future.
Sports No.: Next door Lao Wang Kanqiu
View: Supposed
Reason: When the Harden deal is concluded, although from paper strength analysis, Oladipo, Wood and Wall can be called "three Giants", Tucker and Gordon can bring help, but this situation can only be tepid, it is better to use the existing value to make a fight. The biggest bargaining chip of the Rockets is the draft pick, in Fertitta The business has suffered a severe setback, and it is unlikely to pay the luxury tax for the team. In the upcoming draft year, the Rockets have the top four protective picks in 2021. Of course, this is a prerequisite for bad performance. Audi's expiring contract can also be carried out. Operation, it's better not to break or stand, break first and then stand!
Sports number: Ball chaser
Viewpoint: Swing
Reason: It is better to rebuild after a long period of time. Even if it is difficult to reach the playoffs, it is destined to be a round of travel. Let’s talk about Olympics. Radipo doesn’t want to stay with the Rockets for long. PJ-Tucker’s future is doubtful. The Rockets are really not as good as putting a bad impact on a better draft pick. Following the example of the Thunder, rebuilding through the draft should be more reliable than the Clippers’ rebuilding method. The Rockets boss is not willing to spend more money like Ballmer.
Sports number: Sports rookie Xiao Liu
Viewpoint: stubborn
Reason: There is nothing worth looking forward to. Even if the counterattack is successful, who can be signed in the summer? The big-name players all have contracts, and Oladipo may not be able to stay. It is better to settle down and get potential new stars, train them, and wait patiently for the next rise.
Sports No.: Coins talk about basketball
Opinion: Put bad
Reason: After the injured return to the team, the strongest lineup the Rockets can use should be Wood, Tucker, Gordon (House ), Oladipo and Wall,If Wall and Oladipo are both at their peak, this staffing can still be a battle in the West, but this is not the case now. The Rockets' competitiveness is very limited. The assets they exchanged for the Harden deal are mainly draft picks, which has shown that the Rockets are targeting the future, not the present. 2021 is the draft year, and the Rockets' first-round pick in 2021 is the top four protection. If the Rockets' picks fall below the top four, it will become the lowest first-round pick among the Rockets, Thunder and Heat. Signed, high-ranking rookies have strength, potential, and can also bring box office, and the salary is much lower than that of famous stars. Considering the huge economic losses of the Rockets owner during the epidemic and the Rockets’ money-saving tradition, they are bad. Suitable for them.
Sports No.: Donghu Sports
Viewpoint: stubborn
Reasons: 1. The 21st rookie is too strong; 2. The boss is unwilling to spend a lot of money; 3. Holding multiple picks and keeping the draft The pressure of power; 4. The talent of the existing lineup is not enough to achieve the point that the team wants; 5. The city of Houston does not have much appeal. Based on the above, it is a better choice to compete for good talented rookies.
Sports number: Luneng Taishan Information
Viewpoint: stale
Reason: Now the Rockets are really full of wounded soldiers, in a dire situation, it is really difficult to counterattack. Rebuilding the draft has become an inevitable, and the next rookie is still worth looking forward to. Harden is gone, the soul of the Rockets is gone.
Sports No.: Luo Shuo NBA
Viewpoint: Too bad
Reason: The Rockets send Harden away and accumulate draft picks. The goal is to rebuild, so they have to look farther. Wood can be one of the puzzles of the rocket's future, and Oladipo may be just a passer-by. General Manager Stone made it clear that the draft pick is the most valuable asset in trading Harden. Swinging bad is to better counterattack in the future. After all, the overall strength of the Rockets at this stage is not enough. Instead of fighting for the qualifications of the playoffs, which will be eliminated in the first round, it is better to put the bad at ease and strive to select quality players to make a comeback.
Counterattack (6 votes)
Sports number: Weiheng
View: Counterattack
Reason: I always think that the Rockets’ current cards are not bad, Oladi Bo, Wood, and Wall all have very strong combat effectiveness, and they are all eager to prove themselves, plus Tucker, Gordon and other good players, should let go. One more thing, if you choose to be bad, what kind of treasure the Rockets can find in the draft is a big unknown. It is better to play your own style through competition. If the results are satisfactory, it may attract more outstanding players to vote.
Sports number: Cuobianman
View: Counterattack
Reason: League rebuilding is not a bad way. Look at the Heat. After James left, Riley never pressed the bad button. However, they have returned to the Finals last season. Set up a good lineup and attract superstars to join. In fact, it is faster to return to the championship ranks than a bad one. Now that Harden has left, the Rockets can build a good lineup and attract the next superstar to join.
Sports number: Fanfan basketball
View: Counterattack
Reason: The Rockets have a good lineup foundation at this stage. Regardless of their average record, this is directly related to the number of injuries on the team. The Rockets only need to ensure the core lineups of Audi, Wall and Wood, and other players continue to seek deals. Wait until the offseason, the draft or continue to trade through draft picks, can directly strengthen the team. Optimistic about the combination of Audi + Wall + Wood.
Sports number: LogoShot lore
Viewpoint: Counterattack
Reason: I have not seen the Rockets play in the true sense of the Rockets since Yao Ming.And it is not easy for the current Rockets to want to be bad. The Rockets currently have a vote of players who have recovered from a serious injury and who have lost the draft. They all want to prove themselves. And after Harden left, although the Rockets suffered a three-game losing streak, the new Rockets played very hard. This is the Rockets we are familiar with.
Sports No.: Yuwen Basketball
View: Counterattack
Reason: The Rockets’ player team is not bad, Wall and Oladipo are both former All-Star guards, so long as they stay healthy they can Play your own worth. And there is Wood in the team who is on the rise, and the main players are very strong. The Rockets can consider following the Thunder, even with so many draft picks in their hands, they have never given up the season and are still strong contenders in the playoffs. If it is too bad, the team will lose its appeal in the future and it will be difficult to recruit good players. In the long run, the Rockets should refuse to play well.
Sports number: Xiaoyi talks about the ball
View: Counterattack
Reason: First, if it is bad, what is the significance of this season? Fans will not agree to the Rockets' bad post. What everyone wants to see is passion, courage, and fighting spirit, not cowardice. Second, the strength of the Rockets can be rushed. There is no Harden in the team, but there are also Titans such as Wall, Cousins, Oladipo and Wood. The lineup is not bad.
