Perkins reverses course on Rockets, talks Giannis beef and more

8. Expectations from Jeff Green/DeMarre Carroll

The Rockets made several recent additions to bolster their depth at the forward position, which include signing Jeff Green, which gives them an athletic big who can hit the occasional triple. Granted, Green was signed to a 10-day contract, which prompted alot of speculation of how significant of a role he’ll have in Houston and whether he’ll stick on the Rockets’ roster.

The Rockets certainly could use Green, as he can play either forward spot, and has the size to play center in the small-ball lineup. Perkins had the below to say regarding Green’s potential role with the team.

“I think adding Jeff Green gives PJ Tucker a chance to not play so many minutes. Green is going to come in and play right away [because] he brings length and athleticism. Jeff Green is 6’9 so he brings the athleticism and he’s capable of knocking down the three, so when you want to stay small you can sub him in for Covington or PJ Tucker. So he’s going to play right away.”

For the sake of P.J. Tucker, we must hope Perkins is right about Green’s role, because Tucker is simply playing too many minutes. And with the Rockets refusing to invest time in Isaiah Hartenstein‘s development, Green is very much part of the solution to reduce Tucker’s minutes.

The other signing the Rockets made on Monday was former Houston Rockets forward DeMarre Carroll, who was recently bought out by the San Antonio Spurs. It was very much a surprise the way Carroll’s time with the Spurs transpired, as they gave him a three-year contract, only to not play him.

Carroll brings alot to the table, and the Houston Rockets could use all of his contributions, as they lack depth and need more shooters. Perkins had the below to say regarding his vision of the role Carroll will have in Houston.

“Carroll is an insurance policy, in my opinion. You’ve got guys that are already playing pretty good in House, Eric Gordon and Rivers, [not to mention] Thabo Sefolosha [who] has been playing great for them ever since they went small. Carroll is an insurance policy in case someone gets hurt or if someone is just struggling and [you’re forced] to go to the next man up. “

It’s interesting that Perkins had more to say about Green than Carroll, as he essentially predicts Carroll is an insurance policy. I would be surprised if the Rockets, who we know keep a watchful eye on their spending, will have signed Carroll just in case someone gets injured.

On top of that, Carroll is the better 3-point shooter between the two, but we’ll have to see what happens. Regardless, it’s great to have them both on the team.

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