OKC Thunder: Regrading Russell Westbrook trade to Rockets – one year later
Losing beloved OKC Thunder superstar Russell Westbrook
In many ways, the Houston Rockets have undergone what could be defined as three different segments to this 2019 20 season. Obviously, that makes the analysis of the Westbrook trade a bit tenuous but not impossible.
The Rockets started the season with their typical Mike D’Antoni offense of treys and lay-ins or dunks. Westbrook looked ill at ease having to transition into a 3-point sniper. On one hand, he was playing on a club with more perimeter shooters than he likely cumulatively had over his entire tenure in OKC. On the other hand, expecting Russ to loft up shots from behind the arc wasn’t playing to his best attributes.
light. Related Story. Westbrook trade arguably greatest gift he ever gave Thunder
The second phase began when the Rockets elected to go all-in on small ball. First trading center Clint Capela at the deadline and then waiving Isaiah Hartenstein. The core of the team is 6’8″ or shorter. Only two players are taller with Bruno Caboclo 6’9″, and Tyson Chandler the lone seven-footer. The latter at 37 (38 on October 2) appeared in 26 games, three matches since December 29th including a one-second showing in his last game, February 9th.
This means the 6’5″ P.J. Tucker is relegated to be the Rockets starting center and even the 6’3″ Westbrook has occasionally spent time at the five.