Rockets: 6 key differences between Rafael Stone and Daryl Morey

3. Stone has no problem with getting younger players on the Houston Rockets

Well this was clear pretty quickly. Rafael’s first major move was trading Robert Covington, an experienced vet and strong defender, at a high price to make room in cap space and gamble on a young player with tons of potential named Christian Wood.

This isn’t the only one, as signing players like Jae’Sean Tate and KJ Martin are huge examples as well. Kevin Porter Jr. deserves a paragraph of his own when referring to this.

KPJ trying to start a food fight when his locker was moved is probably the best thing to happen for the Houston Rockets franchise in recent memory, as him and Christian Wood can become a dangerous pairing in the future as KPJ continues to grow. Though I do ponder this question: Would Stone have traded for KPJ if Harden was still in Houston?

I would like to note that not only has Stone brought in young players, but he has brought in the RIGHT young players. Tate and Martin have been nothing short of phenomenal this season given their expectations at the start of the season despite the rough record, and the newly acquired Armoni Brooks is making strides along with the growing Christian Wood and Kevin Porter Jr.

This is why I’m optimistic, as the future does look bright in Houston.

Head coach Stephen Silas deserves just as much credit for this as Stone does. He has done a great job when it comes to player development for the young guys, and it is highly crucial that he stays here to continue the development success.

We saw what happened to NFL QB Marcus Mariota, as the constant changing in coaching staff is why I believe that Mariota never reached his potential in the NFL, and I don’t want that to happen to the young core on the Rockets roster.

Yes, the season has been rough, but I’m more than ok with it given the situation Silas has had to deal with, starting with the Harden situation along with the injuries. I have absolutely zero interest in the idea of firing Stephen Silas, as I still 100% believe the idea that this team can win under him as long as Stone builds correctly and the growth of the young players continue.

Plus, this is Silas’ first year as a head coach. He will grow from it without a doubt, and this experience will be beneficial for him in the long run. Consistency is crucial for the growth of the young Houston Rockets.

Next: No. 2