2015 NBA Free Agency: Houston Takes Risk in Trading for Ty Lawson

Published on 21-Jul-2015 by David Webb

Basketball - NBA    NBA Daily Update

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2015 NBA Free Agency: Houston Takes Risk in Trading for Ty Lawson

What a week for Ty Lawson.

After being charged with another DUI and not making the best decisions on the planet, the Houston Rockets decided to take a flyer on him by trading pocket lint for a potential steal.

Houston’s point guard position has been an interesting dilemma. Patrick Beverley worked his way up to being one of the better defenders at that position but is not necessarily the most gifted offensively. However, James Harden, in late-game situations, would just bring the ball up on his own and either get to the line or create a shot.

Ironically, this 50-point explosion was against the Nuggets. 

Ty Lawson heading to Clutch City adds depth to the starting lineup and gives another threat that teams have to worry about at a position that's incredibly stacked in the Western Conference. But, could there be problems lurking underneath it all?

  • Houston is not exactly the most mature team in the NBA. Leadership has always been called into question, especially in the playoffs. Jason Terry added that veteran presence last season and looks to be heading back for this upcoming season, but Harden and Dwight Howard haven't given many players much confidence in their leading abilities. Adding Lawson into the mix could be destructive, especially given his off-the-court struggles.
  • There are simply not enough shots to go around. Harden will get his 20; Howard has to get his 13 touches, otherwise his frustration becomes apparent. Just ask the Los Angeles Lakers. Lawson has been the dude in Denver who had the green light and could take shots whenever he desired. In Houston, that’ll be an area that they'll have to work out. Lawson is averaging 9.6 assists in his career so far, but is he going to be willing to be the third wheel on this squad?
  • Is Beverley going to feel slighted? Up until now, he's been the best solution at the point guard position and, at times, has thrived in it. Again, he may not be offensively gifted, but he certainly gives opposing point guards fits on the defensive end. But, Lawson is obviously more skilled than Beverley and will likely slide over into his spot in the starting lineup. Will that sit well with Beverley? He recently just signed a four-year deal with Houston, but will he go along with this new change?

    Dude is scary when he gets fired up.

It's a low-risk, high-reward scenario. Lawson has two years left on his deal and Houston can get a good look at how he gels with the team. If it doesn’t work out, they can try and trade him next season or just ride out his contract.

Still, it’s hard not to look past the potential personality clashes that could occur. Again, Houston didn’t give up much to get Lawson, but there was a reason why teams weren’t lining up at Denver’s door to nab him. Daryl Morey, in his analytical glory, saw something that made it worth taking the risk.

If Lawson does work out, Houston just propelled themselves into the top-four in the Western Conference. Again, the Rockets didn’t really have that stellar point guard who could keep up with dudes like Russell Westbrook, Stephen Curry, and Damian Lillard.

Lawson isn’t truly elite, even though he thinks so, but he's certainly better than Beverley offensively and, with the way Houston is set up, teams can no longer commit to double-teaming Howard or swarming Harden. Lawson’s main strength is getting to the rack and finishing while also being able to hit a mid-range jumper. Something that Beverley had a hard time doing.

While it certainly is a move that could make some people cringe, there's potential here. However, the Rockets have to prepare themselves for Lawson’s off-the-court problems and issues in the locker room if they do continue.

Houston, you might have just struck gold. Cross your fingers and feel lucky.