Houston Rockets: 3 reasons why Kevin Porter Jr can be the next James Harden

The Houston Rockets are no strangers to great scorers. Over the franchise’s recent history they have employed the likes of Steve Francis, Tracy McGrady, and most recently James Harden.

The NBA is awash in great scorers as the aftermentioned James Harden, Bradley Beal, Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, and Steph Curry light-up scoreboards on a nightly basis. However, to be recognized as a great scorer in this league there are many characteristics a player must-have.

Offensive creativity, game maturity, and a diverse set of scoring moves that allow one to put points on the scoreboard from anywhere on the court are some of the attributes that these players share. The Houston Rockets have struggled to produce offense this season after shipping their former MVP, James Harden, to the Brooklyn Nets in a blockbuster trade that featured a return of Victor Oladipo and draft-pick compensation.

Who will replace Harden for the Rockets?

With Oladipo looking pedestrian on offense since joining the team along with his contract expiring at the end of this season, it is becoming more likely that he may not be in the team’s long-term plans. However, the team acquired Kevin Porter Jr. from the Cavs shortly after dealing Harden away.

The transaction didn’t cost them much, a protected second-round pick that likely won’t convey. After rejoining the Cavs earlier in the season, Porter never found himself on the court due to a shouting match with team officials in the Cavs locker-room.

The Houston Rockets wanted to prepare Porter for NBA action by sending him down to their G-league affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, to ensure that he could get a couple of games under his belt before he plays in the NBA again. After six games of action, Porter has averaged 22.3 points, 6.3 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game while shooting 42.6-percent from the field.

While these numbers may not sound spectacular, it is quite evident that Porter is far too talented to continue playing in the valley much longer. In the near future, the sophomore will join the Rockets and looks poised to pick up where he left off from his rookie season when he posted per 36 minutes averages of 15.4 points, 3.4 assists, and 5.0 rebounds. Given his age, 20 years old, there are plenty of reasons to be excited about his future but these are the three reasons why Porter can be the next James Harden for the Houston Rockets.

Next: No. 3