Rockets Commit Fully to JD Davison: A Strategic Move
The Houston Rockets’ commitment to JD Davison represents a strategic move as they navigate a challenging season. Davison, a five-star point guard from high school, first gained attention in 2021. His talents have been evident since, culminating in an outstanding performance in the G-League, where he was named MVP.
JD Davison’s Rise to the Rockets
After joining the Houston Rockets on a two-way contract, Davison showcased his skills during the preseason. His ability to shoot from deep and run the offense made him a key player to watch. Unfortunately, the Rockets faced a setback when starting point guard Fred VanVleet suffered a significant ACL injury, prompting the need for a capable playmaker.
Need for a Playmaker
Rockets coach Ime Udoka’s decision to keep Davison on the bench for most of the season raised eyebrows. Meanwhile, Amen Thompson was forced to play out of position as point guard, complicating the team’s offensive flow. Kevin Durant also assumed playmaking duties, although he is not a natural point guard.
Recent Performance
On a recent Tuesday, Davison finally received significant playing time and made an immediate impact. In just 24 minutes, he recorded:
- 9 points
- 7 rebounds
- 4 assists
- 1 block
- 0 turnovers
He shot 3-of-6 from the field, including 1-of-2 from beyond the arc, yielding a true shooting percentage of approximately 62%. His performance contributed to the Rockets’ victory over the Chicago Bulls.
Future Considerations for the Rockets
As Davison has now played 35 games this season, the Rockets face a crucial decision. Two-way players can only participate in 50 games before needing a standard contract. Retaining Davison would require a prorated cost of over $900,000 based on a minimum scale of $2.46 million.
Considering his recent success and skills, signing Davison to a standard deal appears to be a wise investment for the Rockets. He stands out as the most realistic option to help stabilize the team’s backcourt moving forward.
