Since 2012, Daryl Morey and the Houston Rockets have used the offseason to make huge splashes, and that trend continued this summer.
In 2012, Houston struck an enormous deal to land James Harden who soon became the cornerstone of their franchise. In 2013, they successfully lured Dwight Howard away from the Los Angeles Lakers, giving Harden a superstar big man to work with.
Morey took a different approach in 2014 by parting ways with Chandler Parsons, Jeremy Lin, and Omer Asik and replacing them with Trevor Ariza through free agency and adding Corey Brewer and Josh Smith midway through the season.
It’s the summer of 2015, and Morey continues to win big during free agency. Just when many thought the Rockets wouldn’t do anything too extreme this year, they went out and traded for Denver Nuggets’ troubled point guard Ty Lawson.
Lawson has been having off-court issues, and the Nuggets were clearly looking to unload him since they drafted Emmanuel Mudiay. Out of the blue, the Rockets became favorites to land him and ultimately got a deal done.
The 27-year old may have off-court difficulties, but there is no questioning his ability on the basketball court. Lawson is a quick and athletic guard who possesses excellent play making skills, as he was ranked third in assists last year with 9.6 per contest.
The North Carolina product also has the ability to attack and finish at the rim, using his surprising strength to maintain control of his body. Without doubt, the Rockets have upgraded their point guard position talent wise this offseason. But will Lawson be the ideal fit alongside Harden in the backcourt?
History has proven that team chemistry and fit is sometimes more important than having too much talent. However with Lawson on board, the Rockets look very good on paper.
Houston used the rest of the offseason to add complimentary pieces and re-sign some of their own.
Corey Brewer was one of the major components off the bench last season, and the Rockets made sure other teams did not snag him. Brewer signed a three-year, $24 million deal to remain with the team and will continue to supply them with energy, hustle, and timely shooting.
A strong aspect of Brewer’s game is his early leak outs in transition, which allow him to get fast break dunks and layups that electrify the crowd. The eight-year veteran occasionally catches fire from deep as well, which comes as a huge bonus for Houston when he does.
Patrick Beverley was another key player the Rockets had to lock up. Beverley inked a four-year, $25 million contract to remain the team’s best perimeter defender. Although the former second-round pick missed a huge portion of the season due to injury, the Rockets believe he is a vital part of their long-term success.
The 27-year-old guard out of Arkansas is expected to come off the bench this upcoming season, giving up his starting role to newly acquired Ty Lawson. Beverley played a similar role earlier in his career, backing up Jeremy Lin, and it’s something he is very comfortable with.
K.J. McDaniels was the final piece Houston retained. The young, athletic swingman, who was acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers mid-season, did not receive the opportunity to showcase his skills with the Rockets. But when given minutes, the 22-year old could definitely produce like he did when playing for the Sixers.
To add further depth, Houston added streaky shooter Marcus Thornton. Although inefficient, Thornton has a knack for scoring the ball and has his glory moments from time to time. He will make for a phenomenal third string guard in Houston’s rotation.
Most recently, the Rockets brought back Chuck Hayes, who spent the first six seasons of his career in a red uniform. Hayes, 32, may not possess the same physical abilities he once had, but he is an intelligent low post defender despite being undersized. If he does not earn minutes, Hayes will find other ways to help the team, perhaps guiding the young big men on the roster.
The 2015 NBA draft wasn’t all too bad either. The Rockets selected a couple of young guys who could eventually thrust their way into Kevin McHale’s regular rotation. Sam Dekker, the 18th overall pick, is mainly known for his scoring, but he could develop into a well-rounded forward in due time.
Montrezl Harrell, drafted 32nd overall, is an undersized, yet enormously strong power forward who has made a living with his rim-rattling finishes around the basket. Given time, Harrell could form into an absolute beast in the paint. But for now, don’t expect him to earn major minutes off Houston’s bench, unless injuries to other players give him the opportunity.
Surely, Daryl Morey has constructed a fascinating team for the upcoming season, as Houston is three-deep in almost every position. The depth, talent, and star power are certainly in place, but meshing these pieces on the hardwood will be the ultimate test.
Nevertheless the Rockets gained more talent this summer and made a giant move by acquiring Lawson. There is no doubting Morey’s ability to make ground-shattering free agency moves. Now it’s up to coach McHale to put the pieces together.
Off-Season Grade: A-