AROUND the NBA:

[F Gump]

Rockets will make a trade right?  Even if they like Sheppard, it doesn't seem smart to rely on this heavily as a second year player.  They feel like they are a true contender.    They have a lot of bodies too.    I am sure they don't want to trade Tari Eason, but he could bring back a really nice player if they moved him.    They also have future firsts, so maybe a less tier player and a first brings back a starter.    I just don't think a team who considers them a contender can enter the season with Sheppard and Holiday as your two point guards.

On the other hand, I think they probably hope for a Thompson and Sheppard closing lineup in the future.   They are more sure on Thompson than Sheppard in the present.  Just not sure they are ready for that now.

I'm not convinced the Rox are all that enamored with RS (I think they have been trying to put lipstick on a pig when they talk him up, because he's been awful), but we are about to find out.