When Daryl Morey stepped down as Rockets GM in October 2020, Rafael Stone — who had been Morey’s top executive — inherited a tough assignment. Houston had a pair of unhappy superstars in James Harden and Russell Westbrook that wanted out, and they didn’t have much in the way of draft capital or financial flexibility to improve the roster.
On paper, it was a daunting situation for a first-time GM. But as of Wednesday, Stone’s Rockets (10-9) were the talk of the NBA, having won a league-best six consecutive games. In 10 games since trading Harden, the Rockets are No. 3 in the entire league in net rating.
It seems owner Tilman Fertitta has noticed. On Stone’s performance, here’s what Fertitta told Jerome Solomon of the Houston Chronicle:
He’s everything that we knew he would be. There was never even a thought process of whether we wanted to hire someone else. We knew that we wouldn’t miss a beat with him and Eli [Witus, executive vice president of basketball operations].
One thing I can promise you: We will not sit on our hands.
Tilman Fertitta to @JeromeSolomon, regarding Rafael Stone: "He’s everything that we knew he would be. There was never even a thought process of whether we wanted to hire someone else."
"One thing I can promise you: We will not sit on our hands.” #Rocketshttps://t.co/QqTO97abOr
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) February 4, 2021
In a span of less than two months from mid-November to mid-January, Stone dramatically reshaped team’s roster and outlook. He initially traded veteran forward Robert Covington to Portland for a pair of future first-round draft picks and the expiring salary of veteran Trevor Ariza (for matching purposes). Days later, he used Ariza’s salary in a sign-and-trade arrangement with Detroit to acquire free agent center Christian Wood, who could become an All-Star based on his showing in Houston.
The biggest headline moves came weeks later. Westbrook was traded to Washington for John Wall and a future first-round pick, while Harden was dealt to Brooklyn in a four-team deal that brought Victor Oladipo, four future first-round picks, and three pick-swap rights to Houston.
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Wall and Oladipo have eached played well in Houston and appear happy to be there, while Stone also accumulated a massive stockpile of future draft assets in those moves — which could be used down the line for further trade upgrades. It’s quite a shift from when Stone took the job and the Rockets were largely devoid of draft capital, owing to the July 2019 trade of Chris Paul and numerous future assets for Westbrook.
As such, Stone tells the Houston Chronicle‘s Solomon that he’s already searching for the next big transaction.”
“We should always be looking for the next major deal,” said Stone, who also appears to have made a strong hire in Stephen Silas as a first-time NBA head coach. “You don’t want to leave opportunity on the table. The nature of this business is tough. Being good enough is not good enough.”
“I’m trying to win a championship. … I want a ring, man.”
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