Rockets should avoid controversial point guard despite potentially perfect fit

The Houston Rockets' need for a point guard has been well-documented. It doesn't mean they have to do something as desperate as trade for Kyrie Irving.

Although, it's easy to understand the allure. This isn't the same case as Ja Morant or Trae Young. From a strict basketball perspective, Irving would make sense enough in Houston. Perhaps that's why folks are speculating that the Rockets would be a good fit for him.

He can certainly shoot the ball. Irving is a prolific shooter. He's not an elite defender, but he's not a liability either. There's no functional reason why Irving couldn't succeed with the Rockets.

Moreover, let it be said that Irving is one of the most aesthetically pleasing players to watch in NBA history. He may be the best ball handler ever to put sneakers on.

Wait:

Why shouldn't the Rockets want Irving?

The Rockets shouldn't risk disrupting their culture

Well, perhaps there's one way in which this is similar to the case of Morant.

Irving has developed a reputation for ruffling feathers. He also hasn't played 60 or more games in a season since 2022-23. He hasn't suited up 70 times since 2016-17.

It seems like every year, Irving either gets suspended, injured or both. He is simply not a reliable NBA player. Irving is rehabilitating an injury as we speak.

It should be said that that's exactly why Irving would likely be discounted. The Rockets might be able to flip Fred VanVleet, a veteran, and a heavily protected first for the mercurial point guard.

That would still be a bad idea.

The Rockets should steer clear of Irving

Actually, from a practical point of view, the Rockets probably could not do that.

VanVleet has an implied no-trade clause. The Rockets would need to convince him to waive it to make this money work.

That would set an unfortunate precedent.

VanVleet is the consummate NBA professional. Persuading him to waive his no-trade clause to ship him off to a Dallas team that should be rebuilding around Cooper Flagg after he's been so integral to the Rockets' turnaround simply feels wrong.

The whole premise feels wrong. Perhaps this is an irrational argument, but from a cosmic perspective, re-pairing Durant and Irving feels like a recipe for failure. It didn't work when they were in their primes. Irving feels snakebitten. This feels like ushering the Grim Reaper into your home with a smile on your face.

The Rockets are in a good position. They're 6-3 with impressive underlying metrics and room to improve. Whether they need a point guard or not, Irving isn't their guy:

Let's leave this one in the rumor mill.