Tag: josh christopher

Rockets trade Josh Christopher to Memphis as roster turnover continues

Hours after the #Rockets traded Usman Garuba and TyTy Washington to Atlanta, Houston sent Josh Christopher to Memphis. It’s part of an enormous roster shuffle in the 2023 offseason.

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Houston agreed to trade third-year guard Josh Christopher to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday. It was the culmination of an extremely busy day of free agency activity for the Rockets.

It isn’t yet clear whether Christopher will be traded to Memphis as part of a sign-and-trade for Dillon Brooks, who is bound for Houston, or as a separate deal. Christopher averaged 6.9 points (45.5% FG, 27.7% on 3-pointers) in 12.3 minutes over two seasons with the Rockets. He was drafted at No. 24 overall in the 2021 NBA draft.

With roster spots and financial space beneath the NBA’s salary cap at a premium, the Rockets made a flurry of moves over the first 24 hours of the league’s 2023 free agency negotiating window.

Houston signed Brooks, veteran Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet, and young Phoenix Suns center Jock Landale, all while also trading for veteran Brooklyn Nets guard Patty Mills.

To make room for those newcomers, along with recently drafted 2023 first-round rookies Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore, Houston traded away third-year forward Usman Garuba and second-year guard TyTy Washington (to Atlanta). Now, Christopher joins that list.

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Podcast: Final thoughts entering 2023 Rockets free agency

Tonight’s @TheLagerLine explores all the considerations for #Rockets general manager Rafael Stone entering a crucial 2023 free agency period, which opens at 5:00 p.m. Central on Friday.

In a newly released episode, Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves offer their final preview of Houston’s goals entering 2023 NBA free agency, which starts at 5 p.m. Central on Friday. The Rockets should have a league-leading figure of approximately $60 million in available space beneath the salary cap for the 2023-24 season.

Is Houston’s apparent pivot from a James Harden-led offseason the correct choice? And if any pursuit of a top target such as Fred VanVleet, Brook Lopez or Dillon Brooks fails, what should general manager Rafael Stone have in mind as a backup plan?

The free-agency themed show explores many contingencies, including potential trades KJ Martin, Jae’Sean Tate, Usman Garuba and Josh Christopher.

Wednesday’s podcast, which is sponsored by Clutch City Lager of Karbach Brewing, can be listened to below. Each episode of the show is also made available via flagship radio station SportsTalk 790 and all major podcast distributors under “The Lager Line.”

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Rockets free agency: Momentum builds for Fred VanVleet, slows for James Harden, Brook Lopez

The #Rockets could soon offer Fred VanVleet a maximum-salaried contract for two years, but James Harden and Brook Lopez look increasingly likely to stay put, according to reports.

With significant salary cap room and a clear need for veterans, many media reports have linked the Houston Rockets to a potential pursuit of Fred VanVleet once the NBA’s 2023 free agency window officially opens at 5 p.m. Central on Friday, June 30.

For months, the thought around the league was Houston would pursue a reunion with James Harden to fill its lead-guard role. But the Rockets appear to be view VanVleet as a cleaner fit for their young and rebuilding roster, while Harden looks more likely to stay put with a veteran-laden title contender in Philadelphia.

Then again, the question is if VanVleet will accept the financial terms being offered by general manager Rafael Stone. The Rockets appear willing to offer a maximum contract to the 29-year-old floor general, but only for two years. That type of deal would give Houston future flexibility, should VanVleet’s play decline or if they need to turn the page to a developing prospect such as Amen Thompson.

As of midday Wednesday, June 28, here’s where things appear to stand, according to various media reports across the league. For the first time in weeks, there also appears to be growing pessimism in Houston’s ability to lure big man Brook Lopez from Milwaukee.

Rockets finish 2022-23 season on winning streak behind rookies Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason

#Rockets rookies Jabari Smith and Tari Eason flourished Sunday in Washington as Houston (22-60) finished its 2022-23 season with three straight wins and four of five, overall.

In the final game of the NBA’s 2022-23 season for both teams, the Rockets rallied to defeat the Wizards on Sunday, 114-109 (box score). Both teams were short-handed, as expected, in a regular-season finale with no playoff implications, with Houston (22-60) resting Kevin Porter Jr. and Washington (35-47) holding out big names such as Bradley Beal, Kyle Kuzma, and Kristaps Porzingis.

With the road victory, the rebuilding Rockets finished the season with three straight wins and four of their last five, overall. However, that wasn’t enough to save the job of head coach Stephen Silas, whose team finished with one of the NBA’s three worst records (and maximum draft-lottery odds) in each of his three years in Houston.

Besides sitting Porter, the Rockets gave only limited minutes to starting center Alperen Sengun (12 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists) and guard Jalen Green (14 points, 4 assists, 50% FG), who sat out late. Houston did, however, let its 2022-23 rookies play usual minutes.

Jabari Smith Jr. led the way for the Rockets with 20 points and 5 rebounds on 6-of-11 shooting (54.5%), including 7-of-8 on free-throws (87.5%), while Tari Eason had 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists on a matching 6-of-11 line. Second-year guard Josh Christopher started in place of Porter and had 13 points and 4 assists on 6-of-10 shooting (60.0%), while veteran big man Boban Marjanovic added 10 points (71.4% FG) and 6 rebounds in only 13 minutes.

Jordan Goodwin led the Wizards with 22 points and 5 assists on 8-of-14 shooting (57.1%) and 3-of-8 from 3-point range (37.5%).

Scroll on for highlights, postgame interviews, and reaction from Houston fans and media members. With their season complete, next up for the Rockets are exit interviews to recap the year and preview the offseason. A schedule for those has yet to be released.

Rockets guard Josh Christopher appreciates Kevin Porter Jr. sacrificing his playing time

“Throughout this whole season, KPJ has had my back,” Josh Christopher says. “I was definitely honored and really appreciative that he would let me rock like that. That was love.”

HOUSTON — Becoming a consistent player in an NBA rotation is very difficult to do. You must earn the trust of your coaches and the players you battle with on a nightly basis.

For Houston Rockets reserve shooting guard Josh Christopher, it has been a constant struggle to display his entire skills while limited to under 12 minutes per game this season.

Yet, if there is one thing you can say about Christopher, who was selected in the first round of the 2021 NBA draft, it’s that he is always ready when his name is called. Christopher’s hustle in his 18 minutes played helped the Rockets defeat Denver, 124-103, on Tuesday.

“I love Josh, and he knows how I feel about him,” said Rockets head coach Stephen Silas. “We have had a lot of talks about his playing time and what can get him on the court and how he can stay on the court longer. There was a time when he wasn’t in the rotation. We sent him to the G League. He came back and got into the rotation, and his minutes have been kind of up and down.”

Christopher made the best of nearly nine on-court minutes in the fourth quarter. He came up with three big steals to go along with seven points as Houston won its final home game of the season.

Christopher played extended minutes because of the grit he displayed throughout the quarter. He also received an assist from the sidelines by Kevin Porter Jr., a teammate and good friend.

“Josh was playing well, and he had been in for eight or nine straight minutes, and I was going to take him out,” Silas said postgame. “Scoot (Kevin Porter Jr.) was like, ‘You want to let him ride?’ I was like, ‘Yeah if you’re good, I’m good.’ He was like, ‘Let him ride.’ I was going to take him out again, and Scoot was like, ‘Nah, leave him in.’”

For those who have watched the Rockets play this season, they know it is not unusual for Porter to advocate for Christopher to get more playing time. Porter has raved about Christopher after he helped the Rockets defeat the Los Angeles Lakers last month.

“I have always harped on Josh being ready at all times,” Porter told RocketsWire after the game. “He was making plays, and the lead kept growing. In high school, the rule is to feed the hot hand, and he was rolling, so it was only right for him to continue to play.”

Christopher reiterated the support he had received from Porter after Tuesday night’s game at Toyota Center.

“Throughout this whole season, KPJ has had my back,” Christopher said with an appreciative tone. “He has been talking to me because we have been in the same position, as far as not knowing what is going on in the league or what is next for us.”

“He has had my back this year, so I wasn’t surprised. But I was definitely honored by it (the extended playing time) and really appreciative that he would let me rock like that. That was love.”

Christopher’s mentality of dealing with difficulties in life was instilled and taught to him by his father, Laron, at a very young age.

“One thing you know about Josh is that he is always going to be ready for the opportunity,” the elder Christopher said postgame as he waited on his son to finish talking to family and friends.

He elaborated on a phrase he uses with his son when he is going through rough times, not only on the basketball court but in life.

“Adversity visits the strong and stays with the weak,” he said. “So, he is always going to be ready, always have a strong mind.”

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Stephen Silas sees growth, maturity in Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr.

In an upset of Denver, Kevin Porter Jr. volunteered to stay on the sidelines so the #Rockets could ride Josh Christopher’s hot hand. “That is big-time maturity and growth,” Stephen Silas says.

HOUSTON — With 20 points in 35 minutes, including a team-high 9 assists and five 3-pointers (in 11 attempts, at 45.5%), Kevin Porter Jr. continued his strong run in Tuesday’s upset victory in the young Rockets home finale against first-place Denver.

But for the fourth-year guard, who turns 23 years old next month, perhaps his biggest assist came while not in the game.

Porter was at the scorer’s table midway through the fourth quarter, ready to replace second-year guard Josh Christopher, who had 10 points and 3 steals on 4-of-8 shooting (50.0%) in 18 minutes.

But Christopher’s energy was infectious for the Rockets, who were starting to pull away. Porter went to head coach Stephen Silas and offered to stay on the sidelines to milk the hot hand. In postgame comments, here’s how Silas says it all went down:

Josh was playing well, and he had been in for eight or nine straight minutes, and I was going to take him out. Scoot was like, ‘You want to let him ride?’ I was like, ‘Yeah, if you’re good, I’m good.’ He was like, ‘Let him ride.’ I was going to take him out, again, and Scoot was like, ‘Nah, leave him in.’

That shows maturity, from Scoot. That is big-time maturity, growth, caring about his brother, caring about his team, helping his coach. … All of those things, he showed in that moment. It’s game 80, and we haven’t won as many games [20-60] as I’d like. But moments like that are a coach’s dream.

As Houston’s 2022-23 season enters its final days, it was an encouraging display of leadership by the team’s starting point guard.

Scroll on for highlights, reaction and video interviews.

In 32-point outburst, Jalen Green takes over late as Rockets shock Nuggets

Jalen Green (+27 in 39 minutes) bounced back from a bad third quarter with a dominant fourth as the #Rockets upset Denver in their home finale. “He can really, really score,” Stephen Silas says.

HOUSTON — In their final home game of their 2022-23 season, the young and rebuilding Rockets (20-60) pulled off perhaps their best win to date in Tuesday’s 124-103 blowout (box score) of Denver. The Nuggets (53-26) hold the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.

The Rockets were led by second-year guard Jalen Green, who had 32 points on 12-of-27 shooting (44.4%) while going 4-of-8 from 3-point range (50.0%). After missing all seven of his shots in the third quarter and picking up a technical due to his frustration with not getting calls from officials, Green responded with 16 points and 4 assists in a dominant fourth quarter as Houston pulled away.

“The shots weren’t falling, he wasn’t as efficient as he’s been lately, but he didn’t stop,” head coach Stephen Silas said postgame. “He didn’t let that deter him. He stayed within his game. He can really, really score, and once he gets it going, it’s usually pretty good for us.”

The Rockets were a team-best +27 in Green’s minutes, and the 21-year-old was focused postgame on the result. Despite having one of the NBA’s worst records, the Rockets have defeated each of the top four teams (Milwaukee, Boston, Philadelphia, and Denver) by record.

“A bunch of our wins are against the best in the NBA right now,” Green said. “That’s when we play at our best. That’s hope for the future.”

Playing against back-to-back NBA MVP Nikola Jokic (14 points, 10 rebounds, 8 turnovers), young Rockets center Alperen Sengun (20 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists) had a fourth straight double-double in a performance that Silas called the best of his career on defense.

Rookie forward Jabari Smith Jr. (16 points, 13 rebounds) had a double-double for the Rockets, as well, while Kevin Porter Jr. had 20 points to go with a team-high five 3-pointers and 9 assists.

Scroll on for highlights, postgame interviews with players and head coach Stephen Silas, and reaction from Houston fans and media members. The Rockets close out their 2022-23 schedule with road games on Friday and Sunday versus Charlotte and Washington.

Immanuel Quickley outduels Kevin Porter Jr. as Knicks blast weary Rockets

Kevin Porter Jr. bounced back from an off night with 26 points on strong efficiency, but it wasn’t nearly enough on a career game by New York’s Immanuel Quickley. #Rockets

On the second night of a road back-to-back, the weary Rockets were no match for the rested Knicks in Monday’s 137-115 loss (box score) at Madison Square Garden. New York (43-33), which hadn’t played in four days, remains on course for a spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs, while Houston (18-58) is still last place in the West.

With the loss, Houston clinched one of the NBA’s three worst records of the 2022-23 season, which guarantees maximum odds of securing one of the top-four draft picks determined by the 2023 lottery.

Third-year guard Immanuel Quickley set a career-high with 40 points on elite efficiency, making 14-of-17 shots (82.4%) and 5-of-7 on 3-pointers (71.4%). Quickley also dished a team-high 9 assists for the Knicks. Veteran forward Julius Randle added 26 points on 10-of-19 shooting (52.6%), including 3-of-8 on 3-pointers (37.5%).

Kevin Porter Jr. bounced back from an off night Sunday with a team-high 26 points on 8-of-14 shooting (57.1%) and 3-of-6 from 3-point range (50%), but Porter and the rest of Houston’s backcourt struggled defensively to contain Quickley. Other double-figure scorers were:

  • Jalen Green: 19 points, 4 assists; 4-of-11 shooting (36.4%), 1-of-5 on 3-pointers (20.0%), 10-of-12 on free throws (83.3%)
  • KJ Martin: 18 points, 6 rebounds; 7-of-11 shooting (63.6%), 1-of-3 on 3-pointers (33.3%)
  • Jabari Smith Jr.: 14 points, 11 rebounds, career-high 6 assists; 6-of-13 shooting (46.2%)
  • Alperen Sengun: 11 points, 5 rebounds, 5 turnovers; 5-of-9 shooting (55.6%), 1-of-1 on 3-pointers
  • Tari Eason: 13 points, 8 rebounds; 5-of-11 shooting (45.5%)
  • Josh Christopher: 12 points, 6-of-10 shooting (60.0%)

The Rockets were competitive until late in the third quarter, but the game spiraled quickly once the second unit came in. Tired legs may have also been a factor.

Scroll on for highlights, postgame interviews and reaction by Houston fans and media members. The Rockets will conclude their five-game road trip with Wednesday night’s visit to Brooklyn. The tip is again scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Central.

Rockets 114, Lakers 110: Kevin Porter Jr. leads Houston to fourth win in seven games

Kevin Porter Jr. led the way with an efficient 27 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists as an improving Houston squad defeated the Lakers to secure its fourth win in seven games. #Rockets

HOUSTON — With Kevin Porter Jr. leading the way, the young and rebuilding Rockets have suddenly won two straight games and four of their last seven with Wednesday’s 114-110 victory (box score) over the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers.

The Rockets (17-52), who are midway through a six-game homestand at Toyota Center, have won three of their last four at home. With the loss, Los Angeles (34-36) had its lead for the No. 10 spot in the Western Conference playoff race — the final play-in tournament spot — slip to a half-game.

Star forwards LeBron James (right foot soreness) and Anthony Davis did not play in Houston. The latter sat out for planned maintenance on the second night of a road back-to-back. Austin Reaves led the visitors with 24 points and 7 assists in 27 minutes off the bench.

As for the home team, Porter was the star with 27 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists on 11-of-16 shooting (68.8%), including 2-of-5 on 3-pointers. He needed two stitches at halftime to close a cut over his left eye, but that didn’t slow him. KJ Martin added 16 points and 8 rebounds for the Rockets on efficient 7-of-11 shooting (63.6%).

Other Houston players who scored in double figures were:

  • Jabari Smith Jr.: 18 points, 6 rebounds; 6-of-17 shooting (35.3%), 2-of-7 on 3-pointers (28.6%), 4-of-8 free throws (50.0%)
  • Alperen Sengun: 13 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks; 6-of-10 shooting (60.0%)
  • Jalen Green: 11 points, 6 rebounds; 4-of-13 shooting (30.8%), 2-of-6 on 3-pointers (33.3%)
  • Jae’Sean Tate (21 minutes off bench): 13 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists; 6-of-7 shooting (85.7%)
  • Josh Christopher (13 minutes off bench): 12 points, 3 rebounds; 5-of-6 shooting (83.3%), 2-of-3 on 3-pointers

Sengun made a healthy return and played his usual starter’s minutes after missing Monday’s game with a minor groin injury.

The Rockets entered averaging the NBA’s most paint points over the last 10 games, and they finished with 78 against the Lakers — four behind their season high last week in Indiana. Houston also flexed its interior muscle by outrebounding Los Angeles, 51-36.

Houston outshot the Lakers from the field, 52.8% to 37.8%. But Los Angeles kept the game close by making 31-of-37 free throws (83.8%) while Houston shot 12-of-19 (63.2%). That was the largest differential in free-throw attempts by a Rockets’ opponent this season.

It was only the second time in the 2022-23 season the Rockets shot 50% or better while holding their opponent below 40% shooting. The first came in a November win over Oklahoma City.

Scroll on for highlights, analysis and postgame interviews. Next up for Houston is a pair of home games versus the New Orleans Pelicans (33-36) on Friday and Sunday nights at Toyota Center.

Takeaways: Rockets end losing streak in Tari Eason’s career night at San Antonio

Rookie forward Tari Eason tied his career-high with 20 points as the #Rockets ended their 11-game losing streak with a big win at San Antonio. Here’s our look at postgame reaction.

The 11-game losing streak for the Rockets is no more after Saturday’s 122-110 win (box score) at San Antonio. In a battle of two young and rebuilding clubs at the bottom of the Western Conference, Houston improved to 14-49, while the Spurs dropped to 16-48.

Rookie forward Tari Eason led a balanced effort for the Rockets with 20 points, which tied his career high. Eason hit 7-of-11 shots (63.6%) on Saturday, 2-of-3 on 3-pointers (66.7%), and he also grabbed 5 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks over his 31 minutes.

Other Houston players in double-figures included:

  • KJ Martin: 14 points, 13 rebounds; 6-of-12 shooting (50.0%)
  • Jalen Green: 12 points, 4 assists; 6-of-13 shooting (46.2%)
  • Kevin Porter Jr.: 11 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists; 4-of-10 shooting (40.0%), 1-of-4 on 3-pointers (25.0%)
  • Alperen Sengun: 16 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists; 6-of-9 shooting (66.7%), 1-of-2 on 3-pointers (50.0%)
  • Jabari Smith Jr.: 12 points, 2 rebounds; 5-of-7 shooting (71.4%), 1-of-3 on 3-pointers (33.3%)
  • Josh Christopher: 14 points, 4 assists; 6-of-12 shooting (50.0%)
  • Usman Garuba: 11 points, 3 rebounds; 3-of-3 on 3-pointers

The Spurs were led in defeat by Devonte’ Graham, who had 28 points and 4 assists on 7-of-12 shooting from 3-point range (58.3%).

Scroll on for highlights, analysis, and postgame interviews. Next up for both Texas rivals is part two of their weekend back-to-back, with a rematch in Houston set for 6 p.m. Central on Sunday.