Rockets legend makes bold diagnosis for team's problems

The Houston Rockets have seen some fan favorites throughout their history. This organization has a way of acquiring scrappy players who endear themselves to Space City.

At the moment, Dillon Brooks occupies that place. Some readers will remember Patrick Beverley - and if they can't remember P.J. Tucker, they're surely too young to vote. Long-time fans will remember Vernon "Mad" Maxwell as their beloved antagonist.

Maxwell had a little more offensive juice than some of the other guys we've mentioned, but make no mistake - his primary responsibility was to get under opponent's skin. Now, he's sharing the wisdom earned from a long NBA career by joining Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson on the "All The Smoke" podcast.

On his debut episode, he had a lot to say about his former team.

Vernon Maxwell has bold diagnosis for Rockets

Granted, Maxwell isn't saying anything we haven't heard before.

"They need a guy like KD"
-Vernon Maxwell, All The Smoke

Plenty of fans concur. So do some analysts. Maxwell adds some detail to his analysis. He seems especially drawn to the Rockets' tough, defensive-minded players. He's a firm advocate for Amen Thompson, and seems to see some of himself in Brooks.

He also refers to Tari Eason. Maxwell clearly has a type. That said, some prominent Rockets are conspicuously absent from his analysis. Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green have been the Rockets' most productive young offensive players, and Maxwell doesn't mention either.

Is that worth noting?

Rockets need a go-to guy

Yes.

Some Rockets fans believe in Sengun to become that guy on a nightly basis. Others think Green can hit that mark. Nobody should be ruling either out. Both Sengun and Green are young, and their development has been partly taxed by years of tanking.

Still, the Rockets can't operate under the assumption that either is a franchise-caliber player. Simply put, neither has demonstrated enough to warrant that kind of faith. So, if the Rockets want to trade for a certified go-to guy, they can justify that decision.

Durant remains an interesting option. Skeptics will point to his age. To be sure, Durant is off the Rockets' timeline. That's part of why he ought to be cheap - and with the Rockets owning three unprotected future Suns picks, Durant could represent an irresistible opportunity.

Time will tell. The Rockets need a go-to guy, whether he's on the current roster or not. For now, don't expect Maxwell to stop giving his opinions:

That's what we love about him.