After a big win over the Wizards, the Rockets have secured a two-game winning streak in the regular season, maintaining their position as second in the Western Conference. Despite a 6.5-game gap from the top-ranked Thunder and only a 0.5-game lead over the Grizzlies, the Rockets have widened the gap with teams like the Nuggets, Lakers, Clippers, Mavericks, and Warriors. What's more exciting for Houston fans is the fiery form of Jalen Green, who has averaged an impressive 27.8 points and 5.5 rebounds in the last four games. The official website of the Rockets has started to promote Jalen Green, aiming to get him selected for the All-Star team. Additionally, Amen Thompson has been performing well, contributing double-doubles with 20 points and 15 rebounds in consecutive games, and he can step up whenever there's a missing starter in the Rockets' lineup.
Recently, American media outlet "Fadeaway World" suggested that the Kings management should prioritize Dillon Brooks, the defensive powerhouse of the Rockets, as their main target for recruitment. The Rockets have ample personnel on the front line, with Amen Thompson and Tari Eason capable of replacing Dillon's role, while Whitmore and Tate also have the potential to enter the rotation. In contrast, the Kings have players like DeRozan, Monk, Keegan Murray, Huerter, and McDermott, all known for their offensive prowess but lacking in defense, resulting in high average points conceded by the Kings. New head coach Christie urgently needs to find a defensive expert to achieve a balance between offense and defense. The media proposed a 1-for-2 trade offer for the Rockets and Kings: the Kings would send Kevin Huerter and Devin Carter to the Rockets in exchange for Dillon Brooks.
After replacing head coach Mike Brown, the Sacramento Kings have won five consecutive regular-season games, with interim coach Christie instilling confidence in the team. Many key players, including Fox, Sabonis Jr., DeRozan, and Monk, have praised his coaching abilities. The Kings are currently only 1.5 games behind the eighth-placed Warriors in the West, with hopes of making the playoffs still alive. Dillon has always presented himself as a winner, whether with the Rockets, Grizzlies, or the Canadian national team. This season, he has averaged 13.7 points, 4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 32.1 minutes per game, with a three-point shooting percentage of 38.1%. As the defensive ace in the Rockets' starting lineup, he is responsible for guarding the opposing team's top stars, handling both agile players like Curry and tall ones like Wembanyama with ease. Moreover, his performance beyond the three-point line is outstanding, with the highest shooting percentage among the starters.
For the Rockets, Huerter stands at 2.01 meters tall with a wingspan of the same length, weighing 90 kilograms, and plays as a swingman. This season, he has averaged 24 minutes per game, contributing 9.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1 steal, with a three-point shooting percentage of 31.5%. According to Evan Sidery, a reporter for Forbes Sports, the Kings management has put Huerter on the trading block, as his offensive efficiency has declined this season, making him unable to carry the role of the starting small forward. Huerter's addition could enhance the strength of the Rockets' bench, but his defense remains a significant concern. Additionally, Devin Carter is a 22-year-old shooting guard who has only played three games this season due to undergoing surgery for a torn left shoulder. As the 13th overall pick in the 2024 draft, he is highly regarded by Sacramento fans but cannot help the Kings overcome their current crisis in the short term.
All opinions are based on authoritative American media and are for reference only. Click to follow and be the first to receive updates.