Houston Rockets: Players Making A Case To Not Be Cut

No matter how well everyone plays for the Houston Rockets for the remainder of the pre-season, it’s inevitable that the fate for some will not result in stepping on the floor in the Toyota Center on October 30. With less than 2 weeks before the regular season kicks off, the Rockets have 2 cuts to make until then.

Sep 27, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets small forward Robert Covington (33) poses for a picture during media day at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

For rookies Robert Covington and Isaiah Canaan, they’re making the most out of their limited minutes in the pre-season. In the first 3 games, Covington saw the floor late in the 4th quarter, but in Thursday night’s win over the Orlando Magic, he got a chance to see some extended time. In 12 minutes, Covington finished with 4 points and 2 rebounds while Canaan played 5 minutes(the most he’s played in the pre-season), and missing the only shot that he attempted.

Other candidates fighting for a spot on the team include Reggie Williams, who made his pre-season debut Thursday night, scoring 9 points on 3 of 8 shooting from the field in 22 minutes, while Aaron Brooks, all but likely sealed his spot on the team with a 9 point, 5 assist performance in 21 minutes.

The decision for Williams will be based on if the Rockets choose to have a capable offensive wing player on the roster, or a defensive-minded player in Ronnie Brewer. Brewer has struggled on the offensive end, and has not looked comfortable trying to fit in with the Rockets offense, but his defensive abilities are nothing to be questioned about.

The Rockets have 3 pre-season games left next week, before having to make a final decision on who stays and who goes.