The constant changes in the NBA are pushing quality veteran players out of the league. Explore how this impacted former Rockets players, as well as how it's sure to do the same to current players in the near future.
Every summer we see roughly 60 new players join the NBA through the draft process, and even more are signed to two-way contracts. That also means we see the unfortunate effects that has on only players in the league, and young guys still trying to make a name. It’s a constant revolving door at the end of each team’s roster.
This time around, there’s unsurprisingly a long list of NBA vets who are currently without a job. It is shocking how much experience some of these individuals have, though, as well as them coincidentally playing for the Houston Rockets in the past.
Arguably the most surprising retirement was that of Russell Westbrook, coming out of nowhere just over a month ago. The former MVP and nine time All-Star decided to hang it up after not getting much interest on the free agent market.
He had opportunities to re-sign with the Sacramento Kings, or even play overseas, but neither of those came to fruition. It’s honestly a sad end for a future Hall of Fame player, but I’m glad he had a short pit-stop in Houston.
Chris Paul was in a slightly different situation after barely playing at all last season, honestly going out in even sadder fashion. The Los Angeles Clippers decided to part ways with him very early on last season and he didn’t see any playing time after that. An unimaginable end for the point guard who helped Houston to a franchise record 65 wins in 2018.
Both of those guys were obviously levels above this next example, but Aaron Holiday can still relate to them in one major way. He isn’t a star player, but with him turning 30 later this month, he still has a lot to give in the NBA.
Chris Paul was thought to be washed — but he helped the OKC Thunder to the playoffs the year after getting traded for Westbrook. He went all the way to the NBA Finals with the Phoenix Suns as part of his six full seasons after leaving the Rockets.
Westbrook was traded to the Washington Wizards and went on to average a triple double with 22.2 points, 11.7 assists, and 11.5 rebounds. Maybe his most impressive stat-line yet, as seen on Basketball-Reference. Just like CP3, Russ played in six full seasons after leaving Houston.
That being said, I think Aaron Holiday still has plenty in the tank to contribute in the NBA. Obviously not at a Hall of Fame level, but he was knocking down deep threes and dunking with Houston last season. Hopefully he’ll have a short stint overseas and make his way back to the big league.
The same can’t be said for 40-year old Jeff Green. I previously discussed the milestones he’s missing out on this season here on Roundtable, and he can’t get those achievements overseas. It’s unfortunately looking like his career might be over if he doesn’t get picked up during the season.
All of these retirements are making me wonder who’s next. Can we be sure someone would’ve signed Steven Adams or Clint Capela if they were free agents this offseason? What about Fred VanVleet returning from his knee surgeries? It’s sad to think about, but there’s sure to be more unwilling retirees in the near future.
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