Houston Rockets: 3 pros and cons to trading Victor Oladipo

CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 26: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers shows off his t-shirt during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on October 26, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Pacers 110-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 26: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers shows off his t-shirt during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on October 26, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Pacers 110-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
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Houston Rockets
Victor Oladipo #7 of the Houston Rockets (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

Houston Rockets trading Victor Oladipo Con #3: The Rockets are playing well

Building for the future sounds good until your fanbase has to live through the lean years. The Rockets have been incredibly hot since they’ve integrated Oladipo into the lineup and moving him would cause the team to take a real step back.

Can the Rockets win a title with this roster? Probably not, but they can for sure make the playoffs and possibly avoid the dreaded play-in tournament. After all the negativity that the franchise brought into the season, a playoff run would be a fantastic story that would ingratiate this roster into the hearts of Rockets’ fans forever.

Banners hang forever but so do memories. Ask any Golden State Warriors fans about their “we believe” team. Did they win a title? No, but they won the hearts and minds of their fanbase and that’s worth something even if it doesn’t fit into a trophy case.

Since Oladipo entered the starting lineup on January 18th, the Rockets have gone 7-4. Even if they can’t keep that pace up throughout the rest of the season this team has what it takes to make the playoffs.

The Rockets are playing fantastic and it makes no sense to blow it up for a draft pick that may not come until 2026. Victor Oladipo has helped turn the Rockets’ season around, he deserves the chance to see it through and see how good this core really is.

Next: Pro #2

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