The Houston Rockets have the worst record in the Western Conference in the midst of their rebuild. They are 14-36 on the season, which will likely lead to another top draft pick. Their season is not predicated on their record but rather on the development of their young talent.
The Rockets are filled with young players, most notably Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green. The high-flying Green was selected as the second overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. He has great scoring potential but will need to improve his efficiency. In his rookie campaign, Green is averaging 14.1 points per game but is shooting 37% from the field and 28.7% from behind the arc. Going through shooting woes as a rookie could be a good thing for Green as he can maximize his efficiency in the seasons to come.
The Rockets will be treating the trade deadline differently than contenders as they look to sell their veteran players. Eric Gordon and John Wall could be traded to contending teams to help them get over the hump in the NBA Playoffs. Gordon is the most likely to be dealt as he is on a decent contract and could provide scoring punch to any team.
Gordon is averaging 14.3 points per game while shooting a career-high 49.2% from the field and 42.9% from three-point range. He is an elite shooter and would fit well on many championship-aspiring teams.
Wall is less likely to be traded as he is on a big contract. A Russell Westbrook for Wall swap seems unlikely, which was the best option for the Rockets.
Christian Wood is another player who could be dealt, but only if it's a great offer. Wood can grow with the young core, which is why he will probably remain with the Rockets. This season, he is averaging 17.7 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. He is shooting 48.4% from the field and shooting 36.8% from deep. His ability to stretch the floor makes him a perfect center in the modern NBA.
With that said, here is the biggest need the Rockets must address at the 2022 NBA Trade Deadline.
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Rockets trade deadline need
Future draft picks
The Rockets are set up for success in the future but could improve with more draft picks. Porter and Green bring the flash to the court with their explosive scoring ability. Porter is averaging 13.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 6.2 assists. However, like Green, he is shooting inefficiently from the field at 38.3% and 35.4% from long distance. While he may need to improve some aspects of his game, he projects to be a great player.
Trading veteran players to acquire future draft picks could help add pieces around Porter and Green. Jae'Sean Tate has provided the Rockets with an excellent young forward around them. He is averaging 12.5 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. He is also a good defender, which makes him fit even better around Porter and Green.
Acquiring future draft picks could help the Rockets find more depth, especially players who can play defense and shoot the three-ball. They will have a top pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, which will give them another quality piece for the future.
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