
Analytical nightmare:
The media was lit with news the Rockets were shopping Clint Capela. Daryl Morey was desirous of adding a wing to their mix. No brain surgery degree was required to see his top target had to be Robert Covington.
Kevin O’Connor confirmed all as this article was being composed. Of course, at this time of year is wont to do – just as the final touches were being applied to this piece the Woj Bomb hit and the massive four-team trade was announced. Ah – the joys of being prepared to revamp on the fly.
At least the writing was on the wall regarding the thought process in Houston. The team won versus the Luka Doncic-less Mavericks and young Pelicans club utilizing small ball and the brain trust decided hey – let’s use 6’5″ PJ Tucker at center.
To be clear, the Rockets aren't searching for a starting center. They're playing small-ball and rolling with PJ Tucker at the 5. But they need a big to throw at Nikola Jokic, Anthony Davis, etc. in the playoffs. https://t.co/y6d8l9HnWG
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) February 5, 2020
Surely Morey and D’Antoni have a plan and there is money available for the Rockets to add a viable rim protector. Until then it’s Tucker and youngster Isaiah Hartenstein who’ll captain the paint.
The question is how successful this lineup can be when facing teams like the Lakers, Nuggets, Jazz or OKC Thunder? In those situations, it’s 7′ talents – Anthony Davis, Nikola Jokic, Rudy Gobert and Steven Adams.
Sources: A three-way deal was discussed to send Robert Covington to Houston, Clint Capela to Atlanta, and picks to Minnesota.
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) February 4, 2020
The Wolves hoped to flip assets for D'Angelo Russell, but Golden State denied their offer. Talks have stalled.
More on @ringer: https://t.co/R98g4VnDPg
Again, O’Connor’s piece validates the thinking Morey and D’Antoni seem intent on the small ball movement. The Rockets landed their guy (Robert Covington) but are taking huge chances in terms of how they’ll deal with the West’s giants.
Either way, the Rockets aren’t the team in the Southwest where Presti’s focus should lie.