There goes Daryl Morey again. The general manager for the Houston Rockets signed Chance “CJ” Smith to an honorary one-day contract through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Smith will take the floor with the Rockets during pregame introductions for Houston's Wednesday night game against the Washington Wizards. This is another big-time move by Morey, and it's awesome to see Smith have an opportunity to live out a dream:
Morey is the reigning Executive of the Year after constructing a 65-win team that advanced to the seventh game of the Western Conference Finals. Things have not gone so smoothly this season, but Morey's Rockets have steadied themselves as of late. Houston has won its last four games and now sit back above .500 for the first time since Nov. 23.
James Harden is playing at an MVP level, averaging 39.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 2.5 steals during the winning streak.
The Rockets may not look like the same team they were last year, but they should be able to figure things out as the season progresses thanks to Harden's prowess. They may not make it back to the Western Conference Finals, but they'll be a tough out in a seven-game series.
Of course, Morey may not be done making moves to strengthen the Rockets. Houston was active in the Jimmy Butler sweepstakes, and it wouldn't be a shock to see Morey make one more big splash before the trading deadline passes.