4 Houston Rockets with most on the line in pivotal 2023-24 season

2. Kevin Porter Jr.

The addition of Fred VanVleet has put a damper on Kevin Porter Jr.'s prior role as the Rockets' floor general. And if that wasn't bad enough, the Rockets' selection of Amen Thompson with the fourth pick was the nail in the coffin for Porter's point guard days.

Porter will likely be moving back to the wing, where the Rockets have a bit of a logjam. And although there were talks regarding Porter potentially starting over Jalen Green at the shooting guard position, I'd be floored if that actually came to fruition. 

Porter could be moving to a Sixth Man role and many are skeptical about his acceptance of such a role, based on prior dust-ups and blow-ups with previous coaches and even executives. Porter is also likely the Rockets' best chance at acquiring a formidable asset via trade, as he's the Rockets' third-highest paid player behind just VanVleet and Dillon Brooks.

And the other two were handpicked by new Rockets coach Ime Udoka, whereas Udoka inherited Porter. In addition, the combination of Porter's age and skill level could make him the Rockets' most legitimate asset that can be acquired. 

If Porter refuses to accept a reserve role, he's probably as good as gone on the first train out of Houston.