Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey remains optimistic that the 2019-20 NBA season can eventually resume following its COVID-19 hiatus, and he thinks his team could be uniquely positioned to benefit.
Of Houston’s probable closing lineup — Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Eric Gordon, Robert Covington, and P.J. Tucker — all are at least 29 years old, and four of the five (all but Covington) are at least 30.
In comments made this week on the Mason & Ireland show on ESPN Los Angeles, Morey said of the extended time off:
I think all else equal, this time will help us more than others. It might help the Lakers, too.
I think the more veteran teams, they’re going to have more professional guys during this period to keep themselves ready. We’re the oldest team, and time off can, in a relative sense, help more veteran, older teams.
Going on LA radio right now with @VeniceMase and @LAIreland . Why? I don't know. Maybe because they were rooting for the @HoustonRockets during game 6 against the @LAClippers in 2016? Mostly though, I don't know. We will likely talk @RGVVipers … https://t.co/co94zjFW75
— Daryl Morey (@dmorey) May 5, 2020
In particular, Gordon says the time since the NBA’s suspension of the season on March 12 has been beneficial to his ailing knee.
Gordon has missed 30 of Houston’s 64 games this season due to injury, with most traced to a surgical procedure on his right knee in November. When he plays, the 31-year-old guard is the team’s third-leading scorer, averaging 14.5 points in 28.6 minutes per game.
While limited by injury, Gordon’s shooting percentages have dipped from 40.9% overall and 36.0% on 3-pointers in the 2018-19 campaign to 37.0% and 31.9%, respectively, this season. As a result, Gordon sees the lengthy time off as a welcome development.
People have to understand, when you have a surgery during the season and you’re trying to come back as fast as you can, you’re not really 100%. You may feel good enough to be able to play, but you still have to overcome obstacles because you’re putting a lot of force and pressure on your knee.
You’re trying to recover as much as possible, doing different treatments, and all the ice, and of course rest handles a lot of that. All that does come together, but you’re still putting a lot of force and pressure on your knee during the season. Now, it’s really nothing but positive, because I’m allowed to rest and recover in the way that I really want to.
In tonight’s #RocketsClassic re-air, @TheofficialEG10 returns to the floor in just his second game since knee surgery.
Earlier tonight, Eric told me what it’s like to have surgery and return in the season & how he’s doing now – CG pic.twitter.com/8X206DquPf
— AT&T SportsNet SW (@ATTSportsNetSW) April 27, 2020
During this time, Gordon is still able to do workouts sent to him and other Rockets players by director of athletic performance Javair Gillett. That’s no substitute for actual basketball, but it may well be in the best interest of the team as they seek to recapture their peak form.
While there aren’t any known medical issues with the rest of the roster, there are others who might similarly benefit from time off. Tucker, who turned 35 this week, is averaging the most minutes per game (34.4) of his NBA career. And Westbrook has sat out half of all back-to-backs this season as part of a maintenance plan after offseason knee surgery.
The Rockets (40-24) had lost four of their last five games prior to the hiatus and are currently tied for fifth in the Western Conference.
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