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With the Houston Rockets in the midst of a 13-game losing streak, I think it’s safe to say that the team is likely turning an eye towards the future. In that spirit, it’s being reported that the Rockets expect second-year swingman Kevin Porter Jr. and rookie forward KJ Martin to join the team after the All-Star break after spending time in the G-League with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.
Stephen Silas tells @SportsMT that he expects Kevin Porter Jr. and KJ Martin to practice with the #Rockets and be available when the season resumes next week.
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) March 3, 2021
With the Rockets fast approaching the franchise record for consecutive losses, set by the San Diego Rockets in 1968 with 17, it’s time for the team to see what they might have in these two high-potential players.
The Rockets acquired Porter Jr. back in January from the Cleveland Cavaliers for a second-round pick after he experienced a series of troubles that culminated in a violent locker room outburst. Despite a promising rookie season in which he averaged 10 points per game over 50 contests, the Cavs were anxious to rid themselves of the talented but mercurial youngster, and the Rockets pounced, figuring that a pairing with famed Player Development coach John Lucas could possibly help turn Porter’s career around.
Since then, Porter’s been lighting up the G-League, averaging 24 points, 6.1 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, and with Houston’s season swirling down the tubes, it’s time to find out what kind of future the 20-year-old may have with the team.
The talent is there. Can Lucas help him keep his head on straight?
As for Martin, the Rockets acquired him via the Sacramento Kings last fall and invested a four-year contract in him, so you know they already feel good about the high-flying 20-year-old.
He’s played just seven games on the season with the varsity, but he’s also making a huge mark in Rio Grande Valley, averaging 19.4 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 2 blocks per night while shooting 50 percent from the field.
He brings preternatural athleticism to the fold, and pairing him alongside Porter could give the Rockets a dynamic young duo to develop for the rest of the season.
Coty broke down both last week, so make sure you check out his piece if you haven’t already, and we’ll look forward to seeing these two together soon.
The rebuild is here.