Thursday, Feb. 8 is the NBA’s in-season trade deadline for the 2023-24 campaign, and the Houston Rockets are reportedly active on a number of fronts entering the final week.
Ime Udoka isn’t going to identify specific targets (at least not publicly), since that would run afoul of league rules. However, prior to Wednesday’s home game versus the New Orleans Pelicans, Houston’s head coach did tell reporters about what he views as team needs.
When asked what he wants to see from the Rockets at the trade deadline, Udoka responded: (via Space City Home Network):
Improvement in general. I think you look to improve in all those areas where you’re lacking. Three-point shooting is one, versatility at the big spots is one.
But, we mainly want to rely on what we have and get healthy, first, and see what this whole group looks like. We’ve had that for maybe 10 games with Tari [Eason], Dillon [Brooks], Jabari [Smith Jr.], and everybody healthy at the same time. And now, with the improvement of the young guys, we’ve got real depth. Guys will be fighting for minutes and opportunities.
So, we’ll see what we have going forward, when healthy. If we roll with that, so be it. I think we’ve got a good team that can do a lot of good things moving forward.
A backup center with defensive capabilities to complement Alperen Sengun has long been rumored as a target for the Rockets. As for the 3-point need, it’s worth noting that Houston has been the NBA’s worst 3-point shooting team (by accuracy) over the last 15 games.
Time will tell, of course, as to whether general manager Rafael Stone is able to fill one or both of those needs externally.
The clock is ticking.
Before tonight's #Rockets game with the Pelicans – Ime Udoka talked the @NBA trade deadline which is 1 week from tomorrow
Our @HoustonRockets game coverage against New Orleans begins at 6PM on SCHN pic.twitter.com/eLQReNUgtH
— Space City Home Network (@SpaceCityHN) January 31, 2024
