Ime Udoka may target former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart, eyeing a veteran reunion to inject playoff-tested grit and leadership into Houston’s rising roster.
As we’re getting right into the thick of the offseason, there’s bound to be rumors of players moving teams. We’ve already seen arguably the biggest possible trade happen with the Milwaukee Bucks trading Giannis Antetokounmpo.
We saw the Timberwolves shock the world by moving Julius Randle and subsequently trading for LaMelo Ball.
Everyone has seemingly shifted their focus to Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics now though. After being a frontrunner in the race the Houston Rockets have reportedly shifted their focus too.
While I agree with the decision to drop that pursuit, head coach Ime Udoka now has his eyes set on another former player of his. Someone who Rockets fans might be pretty familiar with.
Marcus Smart, the LA Lakers' hero of Game 2 vs the Rockets, is seemingly on Houston’s radar. Given his 13/29 three point shooting performance in the first round, I’m not surprised. That’s nearly 45-percent.
Obviously he’s not that elite of a career shooter, but it’s easy to see why Smart’s gritty mentality and leadership potential would be enticing to any team. Especially one coached by Ime Udoka.
He needs to make a decision here soon, a there’s a player option of just over $5 million on the table for this upcoming season. If he declines, definitely expect to see some negotiations with Houston.
