NBA free agency grades: Grading the Rockets' performance in July

Sometimes, inaction is the best action.

If you’re on a plane, and someone yells “is anyone here a doctor?!”, you shouldn’t reply “no, I’m not a doctor”. You’ll only complicate matters. The best thing you can do is nothing at all.

That’s largely what the Houston Rockets have done concerning free agency this summer. Was it the right approach?

Houston Rockets have quiet free agency

The Rockets haven’t literally done nothing. Still, reviewing their moves will not take long.

They haven’t technically brought Jae’Sean Tate, Jock Landale or Jeff Green back yet. Still, all indications suggest that they intend to exercise their team options on all 3 veterans. The Rockets did officially extend Aaron Holiday with a new two-year deal, with a team option on the second year.

They also signed undrafted rookie N’Faly Dante to a two-way contract. That’s technically a free agent move. Otherwise, the Rockets have done…nothing.

That was the right move all along

Houston Rockets are playing it smart

Above all else, this summer has been about retaining tradeable salaries.

If the Rockets want to make a major move at the deadline, their salary sheet is lined with players who will be easy to move. No team will think twice about bringing in any of the above named players.

The Rockets could have targeted a bigger-name player. They’d likely have pursued a shooting specialist if they were going to. Drafting Reed Sheppard alleviates that concern.

Isn't that the point? Sure, the Rockets could have tried to sign Malik Beasley. That would only serve to impede Sheppard. They could have targetted Taurean Prince, but it may have come at Whitmore's expense. The Rockets need to provide their young players with sufficient developmental time on the floor.

The Rockets didn’t make a splash this summer. If you wanted fireworks, you’re disappointed.

If you wanted them to be prudent, you understand these decisions.

Grade: B+