Van Vreet s "stand-in" analysis: Westbrook, Holiday, White, which one will the Rockets want?

There is actually a paradox about the relationship between the Rockets and Van Vreett:

For the past two seasons, the Rockets are inseparable from this steady and thick backcourt commander.

He can be called a "ball blind identifyer". Without him, the team would have been likely to have an upside down phenomenon of top-level defensive leagues, countdowns or even bottoms in the offensive leagues last season.

But if the Rockets want to truly grow into a championship-level team, they must get rid of their dependence on Van Datou, because his ability limit is not enough to be the core of a top-level team.

He played very well in the playoffs this year, but at a critical moment, he could still see the generation gap between him and veterans like Curry and Butler.

Now he is reimbursed for the season, and the Rockets are unable to sign because of the first hard hat (in fact, there are no one in the market now). The most pragmatic countermeasure is to use the first two months of the season to hone the existing lineup and give Amen Thompson and Shepard more opportunities to try.

But even if Amen plays at the All-Star level, Shepard can still become a reliable rotation, and the Rockets still lack a backcourt that can play tough battles in the playoffs.

The playoffs are not regular season, and the opponent will target your weaknesses to death. When you don’t have a stable backcourt commander, you can only rely on Durant and Shin Kyung’s singles to make a living. This inefficient method is destined to be a short walk.

Fortunately, there are enough first-round picks in the Rockets, and Fan Datou is likely to not use the trade veto power like Kumingga did against the Warriors.

The most realistic idea is to find a solid enough backcourt in the league after the freezing period in December.

① Holiday (Trail Blazers)

The most suitable object for comprehensive acquisition difficulty and strength factors.

As the only two players who won the championship since 2019 (the other one is Pope), Brother Zhu's personal strength and competition experience are completely fine.

With his ability, the Trail Blazers are too talented to "bring children" now. The Rockets' current team does not need him to do too much on the offensive end, he only needs to do a good job of commanding traffic.

The only problem is that his contract is 100 million yuan in three years, crossing the Rockets' "lifeline" in 2027, but if you really want to win the championship, the price is still worth it.

Expected price code: Van Vreet + Jeff Green + a first round

②Derek White (Celtics)

The "top version" in this search, White is considered the best "three leaders" player in the league in the past two years.

He can do almost everything the team needs him to do, defend, hold the ball, connect, shoot, and do everything just right without stealing the show.

Even if Fan Datou is not injured, the Rockets should not hesitate if they have the chance to get him.

The only problem is that the Celtics also know his value, and if Tatum's injury is not serious, then White is almost a non-sale product.

Only when the Celtic actually presses the rebuild button will he enter the market.

Expected price code: Van Vreet + Shepard + two first rounds

③ Kobe White (Chicago Bulls)

is actually a point guard version of "Whitmore". He is a good player when scoring, but his ability is limited.

The series offense and defense are not as good as first-class defenders. They only played 5 games in their careers in 93 minutes of playoffs, and their ability to play tough battles has to be questioned. The advantage is that this season is White's contract year, and the Bulls may take action at a lower price if the early renewal fails.

Expected price code: Oakge + Holiday + second round pick

④ James Harden (Los Angeles Clippers)

Similar to Derek White, the transaction can only be triggered if the Clippers completely press the rebuild button.

Leonard's investigation is still pending. As a direct competitor to the Western Conference this year, the Clippers still have a little hope that they will not let go of the absolute core of the team today.

But if the Clippers are really severely punished, Ballmer is disheartened and starts to rebuild completely, then returning to the Rockets who lack point guards is undoubtedly the best choice.

If I could realize my dream of winning in Houston in my later years, it would undoubtedly be a beautiful story for Deng Ge and the fans.

Expected price code: Van Vreet + Shepard + a first round

⑤ Dezontae Murray (New Orleans Pelicans)

A defender who is very fond of Udoka's appetite. His defensive attributes are very consistent with the temperament of the Rockets.

And the comprehensive skills that have been shown over the years, especially the ball-holding skills, can also match the Rockets who already have Adu, Amen and Shin Kyung.

The most important thing is that Murray's contract is only 96 million for 3 years. As an All-Star guard, it is already quite cheap, and the Rockets can even hold it for a long time.

Estimated price code: Van Vreet + two first rounds

⑥ Westbrook (free agent)

This is a solution. Even if Westbrook's current level is not considered, it is hard to say whether he can pass Durant's level.

But if Adu can really put aside his grudge and embrace this old partner, then the Rockets will be at least 100% full of topics next season.

Just under Udoka, can Westbrook still be himself?