An NBA scout believes the Houston Rockets should pursue superstar point guard Kyrie Irving this summer in free agency.
The scout told NBA Analysis Network that he likes Irving’s fit on the Rockets more than James Harden’s potential fit. Harden is expected to sign with the Rockets this offseason in free agency.
“Harden has been linked to Houston a lot. That obviously is real, but I like Kyrie Irving as a better fit,” the scout said. “He’s more of a natural mentor and wouldn’t be as ball dominant as Harden. I see that being a great basketball fit.
“Again, young players respond well to his [Irving’s] leadership, and he has championship experience. He could give that team more direction offensively. That would go a long way for those guys like Jalen Green and [Alperen] Sengun, especially for Jabari Smith.”
Irving becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer. He played for the Brooklyn Nets and Dallas Mavericks this season, putting up averages of 27.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.5 assists in 60 games.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks & Houston Rockets Updates
The Rockets have $60 million in cap space. They could pay Irving a lot of money to come to Houston. The franchise hired Ime Udoka as its next head coach and has the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Irving, 31, hasn’t been linked to the Rockets at all, but that could change once free agency begins. The eight-time All-Star has been heavily connected to the Los Angeles Lakers since he played with four-time MVP and four-time Finals MVP LeBron James on the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2014-15 to 2016-17.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks & Houston Rockets Updates
A future Hall of Famer, Irving has career averages of 23.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 5.7 assists with the Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Nets, and Mavericks. He’s played in three NBA Finals and was part of the 2016 Cavaliers team that beat the Golden State Warriors in seven games.
Want the latest in NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
