The Houston Rockets have over-achieved all season and are, barring a major collapse, going to be NBA Playoff bound at season’s end. In a season which began without much hope or promise after franchise center, Yao Ming went down with a season ending injury, things are finally starting to look brighter towards the future in Houston after the Rockets acquired high scoring swingman Kevin Martin from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for their now formerly disgruntled superstar, Tracy McGrady.
As for the details of the trade, the Rockets sent T-Mac, Carl Landry, and Joey Dorsey to Sacramento for Martin, back-up point guard Sergio Rodriguez, Hilton Armstrong, and the expiring contact of Kenny Thomas, who is making his second go-around with Houston. Speculation is that Sacramento is not McGrady’s final destination since he may either be sent to another club or bought out enabling him to sign for the remainder of this season with a contender.
It had been speculated upon his return from injury that Martin would not be a part of Sacramento’s future plans with probable Rookie of the Year, Tyreke Evans, establishing himself as the team’s new franchise player. Before injuring his wrist early in the season, Martin was the league’s leading scorer, averaging 30.6 ppg. Since returning to the Kings line-up on January 15th, he has been widely inconsistent while struggling to regain his niche alongside Evans in the Kings back-court. Although he has scored in double figures in all but 5 of his games in January and February, he has hit the 30 point mark only twice in back-to-back games against Utah and Charlotte.
A change of scenery should do Martin(19.8 ppg) some good since he will instantly provide an offensive spark to a Rockets team devoid of any true #1 scoring option. Point guard Aaron Brooks(19.3 ppg, 5 ast), who has been a pleasant surprise in his own right this season, has been Houston’s leading scorer by necessity this season. One downside of the trade for the Rockets has to be the departure of 6th man Carl Landry, who provided some toughness, grit, and low post scoring and rebounding off the bench.
One downside to Martin has been his penchant towards injuries. He has missed 20 or more games virtually every season of his career. He also is considered only average at best defensively. Playing alongside Battier and Ariza may help to offset Martin’s deficiencies on defense.
As for the future, as long as Yao Ming can return to the club next season, they could be contenders for an NBA title as early as next season. Martin should provide an excellent option alongside Ming next year. Their roster is a good mix of stout defenders(Battier and Ariza), strong rebounders(Scola and Ming) and now two 20 ppg scorers(Martin and Brooks). Additionally this deal allows for some extra cap room this off-season to match any free agent offers to Scola and back-up point Kyle Lowery along with adding a mid-range free agent next Summer.
Next season, could the Rockets push the Lakers as the 2nd best team out West?
Allen Moll is an avid NBA and College Basketball fan who watches and studies games religiously and coaches youth basketball in his native Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. Allen is a regular columnist for thehoopdoctors.com, Bleacherreport.com, UpperDeckblog.com, and his own site, Hoops Haven.
