The Houston Rockets are below .500. If you’ve been watching the NBA for the last few seasons, that won’t come as a surprise to you. The Rockets have typically been below .500.
With that said, these are not the same Rockets that we’ve been watching for the last few seasons. This team has made major improvements. The Rockets have risen out of the NBA’s basement. This is a competitive team.
Heading into the trade deadline, it seems that the Rockets would like to be more competitive. They’re expected to be buyers. This team has a few needs, but they could surely use a backup big man. How about Wendell Carter Jr. of the Orlando Magic?
The Trade Proposal
Orlando Magic receive: G/F Victor Oladipo, C Boban Marjanovic, 2024 First-Round Pick (BKN via HOU)
Houston Rockets receive: F/C Wendell Carter Jr.
The Orlando Magic are above .500. If you’ve been watching the NBA for the last few seasons, that may surprise you. Like the Rockets, the Magic have typically been below .500.
The Rockets have made strides. The Magic have made leaps. This team hasn’t merely improved. Orlando has made the jump from basement dweller to playoff lock.
Most impressively, they aren’t leaning on veteran talent. The Rockets added Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks this summer. By contrast, the Magic added Joe Ingles. This team is succeeding because they’re growing. Should they move a player who’s part of their young core?
Why The Orlando Magic Do The Deal
When Carter Jr. had to miss some time, Goga Bitadze stepped up. That’s likely the reason that Carter Jr. is said to be available. The Magic may have outgrown him.
Should they seek win-now help for him? It’s debatable. On the one hand, the Magic are good – you could make the case that they should be buyers. On the other hand, why bring in a veteran to impede the progress of this young core? The Magic are ahead of expectations – they don’t need to rush to contention.
So, we’ve got them flipping Carter Jr. for an unprotected first-round pick. With the Nets struggling this season, it should be a low lottery pick. Throw in a pair of expiring contracts, and this is a good deal for Orlando. Should the Rockets give up that pick?
Why The Houston Rockets Do The Deal
Some will suggest otherwise. They’ll say that the Rockets shouldn’t burn a first-round pick on a player who plays their best player’s position. Fair enough. Alperen Sengun is emerging as a bonafide star in 2023-24.
Sure. With that said, Ime Udoka showed a preference for playing dual bigs during his time in Boston. Carter Jr. can play alongside Sengun. His ability to space the floor and defend in space makes him a combo big.
In other words, he could play a vital role for this team. Carter Jr. brings a defensive edge that the Rockets are currently lacking at the 5 spot. He’d be a vital addition to this team’s rotation – he may even be able to help them stay above .500.
