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[Red94]

New post: Morey: Rockets' title window is two to four years
By: Rahat Huq

While at the 2017 MIT Sloan Conference, Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey told thedreamshake.com that his team's title window is now:

Quote:

 

“Over a time horizon of about two to four years, we’re looking for the best chance to win the title,” Morey told TDS in an exclusive interview. “Right now, how we’re built, we feel like that’s our best chance.”

 

It's important to note that prior to October, most, including myself, did not believe Houston's title window had even begun.  Will it extend four years?  Looking at the roster, the only major rotation pieces above 30 are Lou Williams (30), Trevor Ariza (31), and Nene (34).  Patrick Beverley, Eric Gordon, and Ryan Anderson are all 28.  Clint Capela is 22, Sam Dekker is 22, and Montrezl Harrell is 23.  James Harden, most importantly, is 27.

 

Harden, naturally, is the most determinative factor in assessing the team's window.  I've argued previously that the shift to point guard should actually prolong his career as, even when some of the loss of athleticism leads to a decline in scoring ability, he'll still have a superstar impact on the game through his passing.  But as we saw last season, the supplemental pieces can be just as important.  Can Patrick Beverley, the man I've called this team's 'heart and soul', sustain his style of play as he approaches age 30? Can the good luck that has kept Ryan Anderson and Eric Gordon healthy continue?  Shooting is an absolute must for this system to work.  And of most immediate concern, how much more does Trevor Ariza have in the tank?

 

The Rockets will need to continue developing youth to ensure a steady pipeline of talent - they've done that on the frontline.  But K.J. McDaniels, the intended Ariza heir apparent, flamed out; Sam Dekker is actually a backup power forward.  Even in the present, the team is thin on the wings.  I'm also hoping they continue nurturing Kyle Wiltjer as an eventual Anderson replacement.  I think they found something there.

 

These worries may seem unwarranted.  After all, Morey always finds talent on the cheap.  But from the lessons learned last season, it's imperative that its the right talent and that it all fits.

[thejohnnygold]

I agree with you.  I also agree that worry is not necessary.  Look around the league.  Wing defenders who can't shoot are all over the place.  Losing KJ only hurts because his potential was so tantalizing.  Guys like Kelly Oubre, Wesley Johnson, Stanley Johnson, Justise Winslow, Robert Covington, Andre Roberson, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Solomon Hill, and others are all currently wearing out their welcome on the their current team.  Heck, even DeMarre Carroll has PJ Tucker on his heels now as his shooting becomes more of a glaring issue.  Tucker can't shoot either, but he knows it and doesn't take many shots.

 

My point is this: surely some GM is looking at his guy and thinking, "I wish I could get a do-over on that draft pick...", and that's when Morey swoops in.

 

Free agency is looking a little top-heavy right now at SF/SG and cap space is not something we have a ton of; however, there are some intriguing guys like PJ Tucker, Tyreke Evans, "Old Man" Kyle Korver, Thabo Sefolosha, and Tony Allen all unrestricted--and all able to play at SF.  Surely, one of them might look at the Rockets and see us as a good option.  Evans, in particular, is fascinating as another bench warrior.  Although, re-creating the failed Pelicans roster seems idiotic.  On the flip side of that, I think we are finding out that had more to do with management and coaching than the players.

 

We may be able to squeeze about $8M of cap space without trading away any players per this useful website.   I have loved Nene's play this year and would have no problem bringing him back, but we may be better off rolling with Onuaku and using that money on the wing.  Plus, there is still the chance we bring Zhou Qi over.

 

What I am wondering about is an offensive upgrade (especially if we can't get past the Warriors/Spurs) at the wing--a major one.  While I don't think Gordon Hayward is going anywhere, I am sure Morey has his eyes on that guy.  I love what Ariza does for us, but come on.  If we can pry him away from Utah I think we have to do it.

 

Danilo Gallinari has a player option that he may or may not exercise and, even if he does, I think Denver moves him this Summer.  At $16M, I think Morey can work out a deal.  I'm less excited about this prospect because of his injury history, but that doesn't seem to scare Morey lately.

 

Shabazz Muhammad is a name we will see around here a lot.  It appears he has overcome some of his attitude problems and would be worth a look, but what is the price tag for a 24 year old wing who is shooting 40% from deep?  I think it will be too high...whatever it is.

 

We've got two 2nd rounders coming up in this draft (Denver and Portland) both of which will likely fall in the middle of the round (45-50).  We also have Gentile's rights just sitting there.  Per Draftexpress.com, there will be some interesting wing prospects available in those slots including SMU's Semi Ojeleye who has future Jae Crowder written all over him.

 

Eh, who knows.  It's fun looking down the road, but we've still got a lot of basketball left in this season.

[SadLakerFan]

Can a D'Antoni team win in the playoff?

 

The window is right NOW, to win the West.