While other NBA teams actively bolster their rosters, Houston inexplicably stands pat. Discover why their stagnation is a concerning outlier.
Looking around the league, plenty of teams have continued to make moves past the trade deadline. While numerous restrictions and a small selection of players will limit front offices, there’s still some wiggle room for rosters.
Tyus Jones signed to the Nuggets, Kobe Bufkin to the Lakers, Cam Payne in Philly, and Jevon Carter made his way to Magic after getting waived by the Bulls.
Adding a backup or third string guard wouldn’t be monumental, but it’s just insurance. Anything can happen. Cameron Payne just had his career high 32 points and 11 assists a couple weeks ago.
Even former lottery draft picks Markelle Fultz and Killian Hayes recently got 10-day contracts. It just makes sense to sign someone when there’s an open roster spot. Why go into the playoffs with 14 players when you’re allowed 15?
Two-Way guards like Jamaree Bouyea (Phoenix Suns) and Ryan Nembhard (Dallas Mavericks) have earned full contracts too. JD Davison, on the other hand, hasn’t played for the Rockets in a month now. No new contract in sight.
OKC’s roster is stacked, and they still went out to get Jared McCain at the deadline —— although that might’ve just been an offer they couldn’t pass up. The league can thank our old friend, Daryl Morey for that gift.
Maybe Rafael Stone and the Rockets’ current front office have enough confidence in Reed Sheppard’s play? Perhaps, considering this was the expectation from opening night of the season.
With Fred VanVleet expected to miss the entire season, this team knew they’d be a little thin at point guard. They knew there’d be some struggles there.
What they didn’t expect was Steven Adams’ season ending injury in January. This makes it a little more surprising that they haven’t made any moves. Especially compared to other teams.
Mason Plumlee signed a 10-day contract in San Antonio that quickly turned into a full contract. The Knicks signed Jeremy Sochan, as previously covered on Roundtable.
The Warriors signed Omer Yurtseven, Boston signed Charles Bassey, and Utah signed Mo Bamba. While these were all 10-day contracts, it still shows teams going out and trying stuff. Not just remaining completely stagnant.
The clock has been ticking since the deadline in early February, and we’ll soon be two months past that date. Still nothing. Less than a month until the playoffs start, yet no attempt to bolster the roster in any way.
At this point, I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if the Rockets go into the playoffs with 14 players on the roster. Other teams are still making moves, giving guys test runs, and making the most out of their 15 spots. It feels as if Houston has been expecting and accepting a first round playoff exit.