Often, a rebuilding NBA team will emphasize defense. That makes sense. They can assume that they’re landing offensive talent in the lottery. Players want to succeed on offense.
Instilling a love of defense in young players is a safer route toward building them up to become complete, two-way players. The Houston Rockets share that philosophy. This rebuilding team has prioritized defense this offseason.
The Rockets signed a defensive-minded coach in Ima Udoka. They signed Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks. What are the Rockets missing in terms of building an elite defense? An anchor.
The Rockets don’t have an elite rim-protecting big man on this roster. With that in mind, don’t be surprised if they look to add one before the end of this season. How about Mitchell Robinson of the New York Knicks?
NBA Trade Proposal — Houston Rockets Land Mitchell Robinson
New York Knicks Receive: F Jae’Sean Tate, G/F Victor Oladpio, 2024 First-Round Pick (BKN via HOU)
Houston Rockets Receive: C Mitchell Robinson
With that said, a team that has been tanking may pay extra attention to defense. After all, good defense is born out of habit. Tanking can lead young players to establish bad habits. After all, they’ve been playing without stakes.
Take the Rockets’ Jalen Green. This kid has all of the natural talent in the world. He’s a remarkable athlete with a knack for scoring. Yet, he’s developed some bad defensive habits. Green has a tendency to ball-watch while his teammates are working to get a stop.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks, Houston Rockets Updates
Those habits can change. Influences like Udoka, Brooks, and VanVleet can help change them. This team is trying to do more than improve their record – they’re trying to change their culture. Would acquiring Robinson help them do that?
Why The Houston Rockets Do The Deal
We’re not sure – but it should improve their record. The Rockets have a platoon of quality defensive wings. They’ve got VanVleet at the point of attack. Amen Thompson’s plus positional size and natural defensive instincts will be helpful. Yet, they don’t have a rim protector.
After all, Alperen Sengun struggles on that end of the floor. Yet, he’s a gifted offensive player. That’s a concern for the Rockets here. They could experiment with Sengun at the 4, but they’d likely choose between him and Robinson in time.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks, Houston Rockets Updates
That’s fine. The Rockets will choose whichever compliments the rest of their group better. If Robinson’s elite rim protection impacts winning more than Sengun’s playmaking, they’ll move Sengun down the line. For the Rockets, this is about adding the last piece that they need to establish a strong defense.
Should the Knicks give up that piece?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
Apparently, the Knicks are interested in moving Robinson. It’s been reported that they’re seeking “several first-round picks” for him. In this market, that’s probably optimistic. The Boston Celtics just sent the Portland Trail Blazers two first-rounders for Jrue Holiday. Robinson is likely to go for less.
With that in mind, the pick that New York is receiving here is a valuable one. The Nets have a high variance this year. They’re playoff contenders, but they could also land in the lottery. The Knicks are rolling the dice here.
If the Nets falter, they could be happy to make this deal. Moreover, the Knicks are widely expected to trade some draft capital for a star at some point – this deal helps them accomplish that goal.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks, Houston Rockets Updates
In the meantime, Tate is a good rotation player for them as well. He’s a hard-nosed defender who can make plays for his teammates. If the Knicks are truly looking to move Robinson, this is a fair return for him. Hopefully, they can survive without their defensive anchor.
