In the crowded top of the Western Conference, there is little to no wiggle room regarding potential loss or gain of personnel. The Rockets recently were dealt a gut punch when, the surprisingly stalwart Josh Smith headed further west to the sun and fun of beautiful Los Angeles. With the bulk of free agency’s standouts having put pen to contract elsewhere, coupled with Houston’s minimal cap space, the Rockets looked firmly planted in the “take a step back” position. That’s when the greatest swindler in the NBA pulled away from the pack, shifting into full sprint and discarding his rivals, the dastardly, devious, diabolical Daryl Morey has struck again.
Ty Lawson made no allusions to his preference of employment for this season, more rather, he had no preference, just anywhere but Denver. The Nuggets have long, too long, been a team of pieces that, if accompanying a talented figurehead, would take the leap and jump into contention. It hasn’t happened, a few of the pieces have come and gone and now the team is in full blown mirror facing mode, when is it time to give in an rebuild? The Nuggets appear to have chosen wisely in the draft, Emmanuel Mudiay has star potential and looks like he could be a mainstay in their rotation for years to come. Then Ty Lawson picks up another DWI, not the brightest move by a long shot. Lawson enters rehab and the news of his availability reverberates throughout NBA front offices nation wide. Reportedly, only the Lakers and Rockets threw their hats into contention for the underrated point guard’s services. Obviously the Nuggets presented the better package, begging the question, “Did the Lakers actually put up a worse offer than the one the Nuggets chose from Houston?”
Slack could be cut for Denver, they had a valuable asset, marred by a personal problem that would devalue him in any trade scenario. They chose to act swiftly and remove themselves from the potentially problematic equation. This may come back to bite them. Had they waited for Lawson to rejoin the team, showcase his talents and wait until closer to the deadline, a greater offer would assuredly be made. But that’s not Daryl Morey’s problem! Houston’s gm mastermind, saw a weakness and exploited it, as he is want to do. The Rockets have added a solid contributor to their roster, that will prove very valuable in their hopeful return into deep Playoff territory.
Yes the Rockets do already possess a starting point guard, they resigned Patrick Beverley to a four year deal, so what does this mean? Don’t be surprised if Beverley’s name is bandied about once the trade restriction is lifted for players who’ve signed new contracts. Let this serve as fair warning, GMs of the NBA, tread lightly when trading with the one they call “Daryl,” you are in dangerous ground and a predator lays in wait.
