With trade targets vanishing and the roster stabilizing, Rafael Stone may bypass a blockbuster summer to refine a 52-win core through calculated, under-the-radar adjustments.
Following the Houston Rockets’ embarrassing exit in the playoffs, there’s been plenty of speculation about what moves they’ll make next season. With names like Giannis Antetokounmpo and LaMelo Ball off the table, that chatter has quieted down a bit.
Now even Jaylen Brown isn’t looking like a realistic trade target for Houston, as covered on Roundtable. It’s starting to seem more and more likely that they bring back what will essentially be the same roster as last season.
Would anyone be surprised? After all, Rafael Stone didn’t make any moves whatsoever at the trade deadline. He’s shown the propensity to stand pat.
He’s also shown the ability to pull the trigger on a Kevin Durant sized trade, or the more recent acquisition of Bruce Thornton. Let’s just say the Rockets’ GM is hard to predict.
Despite that somewhat unpredictable nature with his team building, I still do think we can make some educated guesses. As covered on Roundtable, I thought Stone made some very decisive moves on draft night.
Obviously it’ll take time to see whether Bruce Thornton proves his worth in the NBA, but that trade and selection essentially guarantees he’ll be given a role on the team.
I think that also all but guarantees Aaron Holiday’s departure, which is more than okay with the return of Fred VanVleet. Two guards in, one guard out. One of last season's biggest problems is already theoretically solved.
At this point, I won’t be surprised or upset if Rafael Stone only looks to add shooting around the edges and run back the same roster. Let’s not forget, they did win 52 games.
