After a tumultuous start to the season, the Houston Rockets have suddenly turned things around and put together a four-game winning streak behind a healthy roster and the play of newcomer Victor Oladipo.
The Rockets are finally healthy, with several players returning from prolonged absences, including John Wall, Christian Wood and Danuel House Jr. With a full roster, the Rockets have posted the best defensive rating since trading James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets.
While each player is back, the team has turned to rookie Jae’Sean Tate, over House, at small forward in the starting lineup. On Thursday, head coach Stephen Silas offered an explanation why.
“He’s just trustworthy,” Silas said, via Ben DuBose of Rockets Wire. “He makes the right plays, makes the right reads. He’s usually in the right spot on both ends of the floor. He’s a good rebounder on both ends. That’s one thing that we need to make sure that we continue to do is rebound. You just like to have people on the floor you can trust, and you know what you’re going to get from them. And he’s one of those guys.”
The Rockets have been forced to rely on Tate throughout the season, due to injuries or health and safety protocols.
Through 17 games, Tate is averaging 7.9 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists, while shooting 49.5% from the field. In his first start on Jan. 14, Tate produced 13 points, a career-high 10 assists, five rebounds and two blocked shots to become the first Rockets rookie since Steve Francis during the 1999-00 season to dish out at least 10 assists in a game.
Tate, who went undrafted in 2018 and spent two years overseas, has seemingly found the perfect opportunity in the NBA. With the Rockets in a transition this season, Tate has produced when needed and that has resulted in a meaningful role with the team.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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