The Dream Shake 3 hours ago
Rockets vs. Grizzlies on Wednesday has playoff implications for both teams
Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports It didn’t seem likely earlier this year, but the Grizz have their sights set on the postseason. The Houston Rockets weren’t at full strength when they lost to the Memphis Grizzlies 121-110 back on January 14, but it was still one of the worst losses of the season. Russell Westbrook sat on the first night of a back-to-back, but the Rockets still trotted out a lineup featuring James Harden, Clint Capela, Eric Gordon, P.J. Tucker, and Ben McLemore. And with the Grizz coming into the contest playing well (they had won five straight before the Houston game)...
ClutchPoints Feb 22, 2020
Draymond Green says Rockets’ small-ball approach is working
The Houston Rockets made a bold declaration when they traded away center Clint Capela in a four-team deal that brought swingman Robert Covington to Houston. Capela had been–for all intents and purposes–Houston’s only reliable big on the roster, and he had since developed into one of the best rebounders in the league. But Houston’s insistence […] The post Draymond Green says Rockets’ small-ball approach is working appeared first on ClutchPoints.
ClutchPoints Feb 20, 2020
RUMOR: Rival executives believe Rockets are one playoff flameout from blowing up team
The Houston Rockets have a lot on the line this season. The Russell Westbrook Experiment kickstarted a wave of changes, including head coach Mike D’Antoni going guns out for a small-ball lineup, trading their center Clint Capela and hoping the superstar duo of Westbrook and James Harden can deliver them the playoff victories they’ve looked […] The post RUMOR: Rival executives believe Rockets are one playoff flameout from blowing up team appeared first on ClutchPoints.
ClutchPoints Feb 19, 2020
When Clint Capela is expected to debut for Hawks
Atlanta Hawks fans anxious to see new big man Clint Capela play are going to have to wait. Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce told reporters on Wednesday Capela won’t make his Hawks debut for “weeks.” He’s still recovering from his heel injury: Lloyd Pierce says it will be ‘weeks’ before Clint Capela will play. — […] The post When Clint Capela is expected to debut for Hawks appeared first on ClutchPoints.
ClutchPoints Feb 18, 2020
Rockets: Biggest questions for Houston at the All-Star break
At this year’s February trade deadline, the Houston Rockets traded away their only rim protector in Clint Capela and brought in an elite 3-and-D wing in Robert Covington. Just recently, they signed veterans Jeff Green and Demarre Carroll to bolster their wing depth ahead of the postseason. With these moves, the Rockets have made it […] The post Rockets: Biggest questions for Houston at the All-Star break appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Inquisitr Feb 16, 2020
NBA Rumors: Timberwolves Reportedly Allow Veteran To Work Out With Clippers Ahead Of Buyout
Minnesota Timberwolves forward/guard Evan Turner, who was acquired prior to this month’s trade deadline in the four-team deal that sent Clint Capela to the Atlanta Hawks and Robert Covington to the Houston Rockets, has reportedly been permitted to work out with the Los Angeles Clippers. On Saturday, Yahoo Sports‘ Chris Haynes took to Twitter, reporting that Turner was scheduled for a workout with the Clippers that same day. No further details were mentioned in the post, but a separate report from Sports Illustrated noted that the veteran wingman’s contract has yet to be officially...
Hoops Habit Feb 15, 2020
The Houston Rockets are betting on themselves with a risky approach
The Houston Rockets have embraced the evolution of small-ball basketball with their new roster and rotations after the trade deadline. Before the trade deadline passed, the Houston Rockets shipped out their starting center Clint Capela in order to acquire their long-time target and 3-and-D wing Robert Covington. This transaction sparked the beginning of a new […] The Houston Rockets are betting on themselves with a risky approach - Hoops Habit - Hoops Habit - NBA News, Rumors, Analysis, Opinion and Stats
The Dream Shake Feb 13, 2020
P.J. Tucker deserves more than his guaranteed contract
Photo by Bob Levey/ P.J.’s contract should be extended. Sunday, it was announced that the Houston Rockets fully guaranteed P.J. Tucker’s final contract year. Tucker, 34, is set to return to Houston for at least one more season through 2020-2021. The announcement isn’t necessarily a surprise either. The Rockets traded away their only rotational big man, Clint Capela, last week, leaving Tucker as the obvious choice at center. What is shocking, however, is that Houston had gone more than halfway through this with P.J. wondering about his future with the team. That should have never...
FOX Sports Feb 12, 2020
The Houston Rockets are the new nightmare matchup in the NBA
After trading Clint Capela, the Houston Rockets are on the path to their full potential, a scary thought for the NBA.
ClutchPoints Feb 12, 2020
Mike D’Antoni argues Rockets’ wide base makes up for lack of length on defense
Since trading starting center Clint Capela to the Atlanta Hawks at the trade deadline and embracing the ultimate small-ball lineup, the Houston Rockets are 2-2. Despite their lack of traditional size, Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni isn’t worried. Small-ball #Rockets inviting post-up possessions with their group of “linebacker” defenders: “We don’t have those long, tall […] The post Mike D’Antoni argues Rockets’ wide base makes up for lack of length on defense appeared first on ClutchPoints.
ClutchPoints Feb 10, 2020
RUMOR: Rockets’ trade of Clint Capela was to maximize Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook has played better since the Houston Rockets moved to a small-ball lineup, and it appears that’s exactly why they moved on from Clint Capela. To recall, the Rockets traded center Clint Capela to the Atlanta Hawks in a four-team deal that landed them Robert Covington. Now, according to Tim MacMahon of ESPN, Daryl […] The post RUMOR: Rockets’ trade of Clint Capela was to maximize Russell Westbrook appeared first on ClutchPoints.
ClutchPoints Feb 10, 2020
Small ball gives the Rockets best chance to win a title, GM Daryl Morey says
The Houston Rockets made an interesting move at this season’s trade deadline, dealing Clint Capela to the Atlanta Hawks as part of a four-team transaction. As a result, the Rockets are now without a traditional center, but general manager Daryl Morey says everyone on the team is on board with “small ball.” “It’s definitely a […] The post Small ball gives the Rockets best chance to win a title, GM Daryl Morey says appeared first on ClutchPoints.
ClutchPoints Feb 9, 2020
Rockets to fully guarantee final season of PJ Tucker’s contract
The Houston Rockets made PJ Tucker their pseudo “center” when they orchestrated a trade that sent Clint Capela to the Atlanta Hawks while bringing Robert Covington to Houston. Now, the Rockets are set to fully guarantee the fourth and final season of Tucker’s contract in 2020-21, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. The Houston […] The post Rockets to fully guarantee final season of PJ Tucker’s contract appeared first on ClutchPoints.
ClutchPoints Feb 9, 2020
Mike D’Antoni explains why Rockets swapped Clint Capela for Robert Covington
Houston Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni spoke about the decision to trade former center Clint Capela and bring in Robert Covington ahead of Sunday’s game against the Utah Jazz. D’Antoni said the acquisition of Covington will go further in terms of the ability to “maximize” the potential of the team: Mike D’Antoni on the #Rockets […] The post Mike D’Antoni explains why Rockets swapped Clint Capela for Robert Covington appeared first on ClutchPoints.
The Salt Lake Tribune Feb 9, 2020
Rockets breaking the mold by playing with no big men, ever
The Houston Rockets have made one of the most unique bets in NBA history this season.Rather than just going small-ball as much of the league has, with only one big man, they’re spending all 48 minutes of every game with no bigs whatsoever. At the deadline, they traded Clint Capela away in a four-team, 12-player deal, getting Minnesota wing Robert Covington in return. That means they’re completely out of centers. Call it micro-ball.That’s by design, though. It turns out the Rockets score a ridiculous 118 points per 100 possessions without a big man out there, per CleaningTheGlass, which...
