The soap opera meta drama that is the NBA offseason has already begun in one sense with the draft, and the trades of big name players like Giannis and Lamelo. (You are a big name if people just know you by one name.)
Tonight at 7pm CST, though, we’ll see the start of the real drama. Who will sign where? Who will get traded as part of this? What sort of redundant player will the Rockets sign (currently suggestions are Marcus Smart, as clearly the Rockets main issue is what they’re best at, defense, and not what they’re worst at, offense). Smart looked good in the series against the Rockets, and had a better season that you might think. I’d really rather not watch him for a full season (or whatever he manages to play) as a Rocket, though. Doubling down on grit, rather than “can get his own shot” will surely be the best path forward, though.
There’s some talk the Rockets might exchange Smart for DFS to the Lakers, which, if it happens, is fine I guess. Fine in a “free continental buffet” of gummy bagels sort of way.
There are a few interesting unrestricted free agents out there, though the Rockets ability to sign one is very limited in high dollar ranges barring a trade. I don’t really bother listing unrestricted free agents, as there’s really no reason to do so until the situation heads towards “qualifying offer” territory, or they get an offer from another team for their current team to match.
The two biggest names who are unrestricted free agents will be familiar – LeBron James, and James Harden. Most people think that the Cavs will bring Harden back on some sort of deal. Where LeBron takes his talents could be interesting. Though he was still a very good player at 41, just not the best player in the NBA, as he spent much of his career being. This will mark the first time I’m aware of in James’ 20+ year career that he has hit free agency without a new deal obviously in place.
There are still some players who seem likely to be traded around too. Jalen Brown is the most notable, rumors with the Rockets and Brown have been hot and cold, but are currently cold.
The NBA, in its wisdom, decided to start the action not at the stroke of midnight on the East Coast, but at 7pm. This is much more reasonable, and respectful of Brian Windhorst’s bedtime.
Anyhow, I’ll probably add things to this story as significant NBA, or relatively insignificant Rockets events break.
Discussion Question: Socrates once asked “Can virtue be taught?”* Tonight, for our symposium, I’ll ask, “Can shooting be taught?”
Let me leave you with a trade to ponder. (Ducks.)
Memphis wouldn’t do this? Are you sure? There’s no more toxic asset in the NBA right now than Ja Morant. But what if…
BREAKING! UPDATE! BREAKING! BROKE! BROKEN!
Portland has, of their own free will, apparently, traded for Ja Morant. He went for the low, low, price of Jerami Grant and Kris Murray. No other terms are known just now. So we’re safe from that trade.
Of the Grizzlies “Team of The Future, Look Out Western Conference” no one remains. Kind of an Ozymandias type thing for the Rockets, maybe.
*Not according to the dialog.