Houston Rockets: 4 Keys to taking another progressional step in 2022-23
Should the Rockets trade KMJ and Gordon?
The Rockets have an important decision to make regarding whether to keep Kenyon Martin Jr. or trade him. Martin Jr. requested a trade just before the NBA Draft due to concerns about whether he would fit into the Rockets’ rotation.
It didn’t help matters any that the Rockets drafted Jabari Smith and Tari Eason, basically two prospects who play the same position as Martin Jr. Trading Martin Jr. should benefit both parties due to the fact that he is somewhat of a proven commodity in this league.
During his two seasons in Houston, Martin Jr. averaged nine points per game with 4.3 rebounds while shooting 52.4 percent from the field. It appears that Martin Jr. is just trying to do what’s best for him at the end of the day and he shouldn’t be faulted for that. He is only 21, he’s still developing and could serve as a major asset to a contender.
Silas was starting Jae’Sean Tate over Martin Jr. due to him being a more experienced player with defensive versatility. Martin Jr. is a decent player with room to grow. He must improve his dribbling and it wouldn’t hurt if he developed a midrange shot. If he could also improve his first step and ball handling it would truly make a difference on the offensive end.
Even a position change could do Marin Jr. some good. If the Rockets switched him to the 3 he wouldn’t have to play in the paint as much.
Another player who the Rockets have to strongly consider trading is veteran sharpshooter Eric Gordon. Even though he would be a good mentor for all of the young players inside that locker room, it’s best if both parties move on as Gordon would just be taking away minutes from one of the young prospects.
The Rockets are not predicted to make the postseason, and with Gordon entering his 15th season, he is in the twilight of his career and I’m sure he wouldn’t mind playing for a contender while he still has some gas left in the tank.
Many believe that Gordon is one of the most underrated guards in the NBA and he should be given credit for remaining loyal to the Rockets organization through the good, bad, and the ugly and has never had a bad attitude or caused any trouble. Gordon is a class act and deserves to compete for a title.