The Houston Rockets don't have much popularity in the United States and they don't get many favorable calls from referees. Owner Tilman Fertitta wants to acquire Victor Wembanyama, the prized prospect, but NBA Commissioner Adam Silver isn't giving them the No. 1 pick. The San Antonio Spurs, who own Wembanyama, were scheduled to play on Christmas Day against the New York Knicks.
Despite the difference in strength between the two teams, the game remained suspenseful until the end. Wembanyama scored 42 points, grabbed 18 rebounds, and had 4 assists and 4 blocks, but he faced an explosive performance from Mikal Bridges.
Mikal Bridges scored 41 points, had 4 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks, playing both ends of the court effectively. He scored 15 points in the final quarter in just 12 minutes. Coach Ime Udoka didn't make a mistake in his assessment; Bridges is indeed a good fit for the Rockets.
Bridges is known for his durability and versatility, standing at 1.98 meters tall with a wingspan of 2.18 meters. He can defend multiple positions and has a stable shooting ability, perfectly meeting Udoka's requirements. This season, Bridges averages 18.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game in 38.8 minutes, with a field goal percentage of 50.2%, a three-point percentage of 37.1%, and a free throw percentage of 66.7%. Compared to last season, Bridges has improved his shooting efficiency in the paint and mid-range. His offensive efficiency is higher than Booker's, let alone Jalen Green's. Jalen Green can only surpass Bridges in athleticism and free throws.
Coach Udoka desires Bridges, but the Brooklyn Nets have set an exorbitant price. On the other hand, Rockets General Manager Rafael Stone is protecting Jalen Green and wants to give him another chance. Fertitta chose Jalen Green initially, and he also wants to save face.
Stone's target wasn't Bridges, but rather the first-round pick from the Phoenix Suns that the Nets held. He ultimately made a draft pick swap deal. Looking at it now, Stone's move was wise.
Udoka's favored player, Reeves, also exploded during the Christmas Day game, scoring 26 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dishing out 10 assists, including the game-winning shot. Udoka wanted to sign Reeves, but he chose to stay with the Lakers. In an interview, Reeves admitted that he did consider the Rockets, but he still hopes to continue playing for the Lakers.
Reeves, 26 years old and 1.96 meters tall, averages 17.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists this season, with a field goal percentage of 43.8% and a three-point percentage of 35.5%. Udoka once used Reeves' selection to the U.S. men's basketball team to motivate Jalen Green to perform well.
With Reeves not joining, Udoka now wants to cultivate Sheppard. Sheppard has basketball IQ and shooting skills, but his physique is a disadvantage, and he hasn't yet adapted to the intensity of the NBA.
Although American media lists the Rockets as a potential destination for Jimmy Butler, it seems that Butler isn't what Udoka wants. Butler has low attendance rates, takes up a lot of ball possession, and isn't good at three-point shooting, only able to charge into the paint. More importantly, Butler has a reputation for being difficult to manage, and Udoka needs obedient players; he is the leader of the Rockets. Some Houston media outlets openly state that the Rockets don't need Butler and he should not come.
It's official! Famous reporter Shams Charania revealed that Butler hopes to leave the Miami Heat before the trade deadline this season. Salary expert Bobby Marks stated that Butler's current market value isn't good. The Rockets have no intention of discussing trades with the Heat, the Mavericks and Suns don't have enough chips, and the Warriors aren't in a hurry to make a trade.
To be honest, from the Heat's perspective, they would prefer to send Butler to the Rockets in exchange for promising young players and draft picks. Players like Amen, Little Smith, and Ethan would be desirable for the Heat. However, the Rockets are not interested in Butler, so the Heat have no chance to take advantage of the situation.