Houston Rockets: Players to Keep and Ditch for Next Season

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The Houston Rockets are at a crossroad between rebuilding and competing for an NBA championship. They have the role players, but they don't have the superstar. If they had a superstar, you could argue they could be the best team in the league.

Another thing the Rockets don't have is a coach. After firing Rick Adelman, the Rockets interviewed everybody under the sun for their coaching vacancy. Right now reports say it's down to three people: TNT analyst Kevin McHale, Boston assistant Lawrence Frank and Dallas assistant Dwane Casey. A decision on the new coach is expected to be made after they interview Kevin McHale for a second time.

But after they get a new coach, where do they go from there? Who do they keep? Who do they trade away? Let's take a look.

Kyle Lowry

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2011-2012 contract status: Under contract

Should he stay or go? Stay.

Kyle Lowry emerged as a solid starter when Aaron Brooks went down with injury, he emerged better than Brooks. Lowry affects the game on the offensive side and more importantly, the defensive side of the ball. He is a ball hawk always pressuring the ball and getting into passing lanes.

He improved his outside shooting and now has a more than respectable outside shot. Lowry is a force to be reckoned with offensively and defensively, and the Rockets should not give his skill and youth away.

Kevin Martin

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2011-2012 contract status: Under contract.

Should he stay or go? Stay.

Kevin Martin is one of them most efficient scorers in the league today and in league history. His awkward looking jumper is one of the best in the game today. His uncanny knack for drawing fouls helps helps him score 20-plus points every night.

Kevin is the perfect Robin to any Batman. The Rockets just have to find that Batman.

Chase Budinger

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2011-2012 contract status: Under contract.

Should he stay or go? Stay.

While Chase isn't starting small forward material, he is an above average backup. His surprising athleticism and outside shot make him a legitimate outside threat. His problem is defense, but if Houston were to acquire a defensive center, it would mask Chase's weak defense.

Role players are a key piece to any team trying to build a contender. Reason enough for Chase to stay.

Luis Scola

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2011-2012 contract status: Under contract.

Should he stay or go? Go.

Scola is a fan favorite and a very craft post scorer. But he is over 30, and his age and lack of defense are not what Houston wants at this point. I know Scola's trade value is not very high, but it is enough to possibly move up in the draft and/or be part of a bigger deal to bring a superstar to Houston.

This deal also frees up playing time for second-year player Patrick Patterson. Patterson is a better defensive player and also can handle his own on the offensive end.

Although it's not something fans want done, it has to be done.

Chuck Hayes

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2011-2012 contract status: None.

Should he stay or go? Stay.

This is a no brainer: fan favorite, hard worker and great defender.

The Rockets should do everything in their power to retain Chuck.

Goran Dragic

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2011-2012 contract status: Team option has been picked up, under contract.

Should he stay or go? Stay.

Goran is a good ball handler, passer and is incredibly fast. He is a great backup point guard who can finish on the break, and with his size, he can defend anyone at the point guard position.

Houston got Goran in a trade for Aaron Brooks at the deadline and is definitely looking like a keeper.

Courtney Lee

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2011-2012 contract status: Under contract.

Should he stay or go? Stay.

Courtney is a good defender and was one of the best three-point shooters in the league last year. Add to that his incredible hops and athleticism, and you have for a very, very good backup shooting guard.

Courtney and Kevin are two very different players, and it is always nice to throw different looks at teams. He should be kept unless he is used to deal for a superstar.

Terrence Williams

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2011-2012 contract status: Under contract.

Should he stay or go? Stay.

Terrence is an extremely athletic player with a very good ability to see the floor and passing the ball. He's also an above average rebounder and defender. He can create off the dribble and is a type of player Houston doesn't have.

Terrence didn't play much last year because of issues between him and the coaching staff. But with a new coach he could get more time. In my opinion, Terrence could blossom into this team's next star.

Patrick Patterson

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2011-2012 contract status: Under contract.

Should he stay or go? Stay.

Patterson is a very athletic player with a nice jump shot and a motor that is always running. He never gives up on any player on either side of the court. It's that hustle and determination that will make Patrick a very productive player for many years to come.

He's the player I would like to take Scola's place in the starting lineup.

Jordan Hill

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2011-2012 contract status: Under contract.

Should he stay or go? Go.

Hill came to Houston in the Tracy McGrady deal two season ago. He was a huge work in progress, and while he still is a work in progress, he has progressed and turned into a decent player. But Houston has way too many decent players and needs to let go of some of them.

Hill is one of the most likely candidates to be let go and does not get much playing time with Patterson and Scola ahead of him.

Hill could be used to move up in the draft or part of a bigger deal for a potential superstar.

Brad Miller

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2011-2012 contract status: Under contract.

Should he stay or go? GO!

Brad I'm sure you are a nice guy, but you are easily the worst player on the team. You have a terrible contract and barely play. You were signed out of desperation.

I know nobody will take on his contract, but we can pray right?

Hasheem Thabeet

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2011-2012 contract status: Under contract.

Should he stay or go? Go.

Hasheem could one day blossom into a very good post defender. But at this point, his contract is terrible at $5 million per year and is doing nothing but playing in the D-league and sitting on the bench.

Conclusion

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It should be a very exciting offseason for Houston, but until that starts we'll just have to wait and find out who our new coach is.

I hope you enjoyed the article, tell me who you think should stay or go!

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