Houston Rockets Daily Rocket Science: Holding On

In the Daily Rocket Science SCS takes a look at the Houston Rockets news and notes from around the web

Since signing with the Houston Rockets last month, Michael Beasley has been given a second chance in the NBA.

With his recent success as the Rockets’ Sixth Man. TNT Analyst David Aldridge‘s Monday Morning Tip featured Beasely finding stability as a late-season addition in Houston. Despite the early turmoil, that plagued his career. The fact Beasley is back in the league playing at a high level is a great site to see.

"“I honestly thought the NBA, that chapter in my life was done,” Beasley said a few days ago.”…You go through stages. You get depressed. You get angry. You break stuff. You cry. You’re angry again. You get optimistic. You cry again. Last summer was probably the longest summer of my life. All I could do was pray, wake up, put one foot in front of the other and take it day by day.”"

Through 18 games, Beasley is averaging 13.4 points and 5.1 rebounds. Giving the Rockets a solid contributor who can score and rebound off the bench. Both things Houston has longed for a player to consistently provide throughout the season. With a team option for next year, I am hoping Daryl Morey isn’t foolish enough to let Beasley walk this summer. With Dwight Howard likely on his way out, I can see Beasley becoming a valuable member of the Rockets next season.

With Beasley becoming more of a reliable player for the Rockets. Josh Smith saw a tremendous decline in has role in Houston this season. After receiving 14 straight DNP’s during the month of March, Johnathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reported how the Rockets are using Smith down the stretch.

"“Smith has played in three of the past four games, starting last Sunday when Rockets centers Dwight Howard and Clint Capela were in early foul trouble and again on Sunday, when he had nine points and three rebounds in 19 minutes off the bench at power forward.”"

It is still surreal how fast things have changed for the Rockets this season. Especially for James Harden. During Houston’s remarkable run last year, The Bearded One was easily a top five player. As well as near the top of the list for MVP. A year later on the verge of missing the playoffs. The Dream Shake staff writer Darren Yuvan takes a look at how Harden’s value have gone underrated this season.

"“Mention James Harden’s name outside of Houston or external of a group of Rockets fans, and you’re likely to get any number of responses, the majority of them negative. Naturally, you’re going to hear about his defense. In fact, you hear about it so much, Harden’s defensive play has actually drifted out of the realm of serious sports talk and into part of  And it’s not entirely undeserved.” pop culture sarcasm."

For a guy who is averaging 28.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 6.2 assists, it’s disrespectful how people have treated Harden this season. Just a weeks ago ESPN‘s Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless debated Chris Broussard‘s top 10 players in the league and Harden’s name was never mentioned. Harden’s disrespect is just another reminder of how dreadful the Rockets season has been.

That’s it for today’s Daily Rocket Science make sure to check in with Space City Scoop throughout the day for all things Rockets.

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