21 points and 8 rebounds! 76ers are interested in Rockets strong player Ethan? US media suggests Stone trades to get Maxi

9 of the 2022 rookies were included in the top 100 players listed by ESPN, including Rockets star Smith Jr., but not Ethan.

Ethan played 57 regular season games last season, averaging 25 minutes per game to score 12 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.7 steals and 0.9 caps, with a shooting percentage of 48.7% and a three-point shooting percentage of 34.2%.

Smith Jr. also played 57 regular season games, averaging 30 minutes per game to score 12.2 points, 7 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.4 steals and 0.7 caps, with a shooting percentage of 43.8% and a three-point shooting percentage of 35.4%.

Ethan's number of starts and playing time was not as good as Smith Jr., and his performance in the playoffs was average and he failed to win the favor of the ESPN expert team. Within the Rockets, Smith Jr.'s status is also higher than Ethan, who has renewed his contract early with a five-year, $122 million contract.

Ethan's contract renewal still has no result, and some American media believe that he may become a bargaining chip for Rockets' trading reinforcement.

Last season, the Rockets won 76ers at home. Ethan started and scored 21 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 attacker.

If Ethan is put on the shelves, many teams should be interested in him. "Open-Air Stand" previously stated that the 76ers may intend to get Rockets defensive champion Ethan. Now the American media suggests that Rockets general manager Stone trade to get Maxi, and Ethan can use it as a bargaining chip.

Specific trading plan: The Rockets sent Van Jordan, Ethan, Shepard, Capela and two first-round draft picks, and obtained Maxi and Eric Gordon from the 76ers.

Although Van Jordan is not as capable as Harden, he occupies a very important position in Uduka's system. Now that Van Jordan is injured, the Rockets are also detested. Some Rockets fans hope that Stone can trade Maxi to replace Van Jordan. "Open-Air Stand" also believes that he is a suitable candidate and designed such a plan.

Maxi is 1.88 meters tall at the age of 24. He is an All-Star guard. Last season, he averaged 26.3 points, 6.1 assists and 1.8 steals per game, with a shooting percentage of 43.7%, three-point shooting percentage of 33.7%, and free throw shooting percentage of 87.9%. Maxi has many offensive methods, he can break through, shoot mid-range shots, shoot three-pointers, and pass the ball. Last season, Maxi averaged 3.1 three-pointers per game, ranking 15th in the league, higher than his master Harden (3 per game) and former Rockets Prince Jaylen Green (2.9 per game).

It is worth mentioning that Maxi is from Dallas, Texas, and his hometown is not far from Houston.

Does the Houston Rockets really need Maxi?

It must be admitted that Maxi is a defender with strong scoring ability, but Rockets head coach Uduka does not value this aspect.

Whitmore has good scoring ability, but Uduka just doesn't like to use it. Compared with scoring ability, Uduka attaches more importance to players' defense and control mistakes, and he rejected Harden.

As Harden's apprentice, Maxi also needs a lot of ball rights. He scores more and more points, but his mistakes are increasing year by year. There is a clear gap between his defense and Van Jordan. Uduka believes that Harden is not suitable for the Rockets today, and Maxi may not be the type he likes. On the other hand, Stone wants to train Amen and Shepard, and also wants Alperen Sengon to continue to upgrade.

The Rockets have not officially confirmed Van Jordan's season reimbursement, so it is a more reasonable choice to let Amen and Shepard play first.