Could the Houston Rockets Have Still Been a Playoff Team without James Harden Acquistition?

Was the Thomas Robinson Trade Worth It?

The Rockets are also high on a trade acquisition that ultimately crippled the depth of their current roster. Morey felt confident enough in the upside of Kansas product and 2012 No. 5 overall draft selection Thomas Robinson that he was willing to trade his starting power forward Patrick Patterson, while also surrendering sixth/seventh man Toney Douglas and bruising backup big man Cole Aldrich.

The move was done by Sacramento to clear about $3 million of cap space, and Morey figures T-Rob can cash in on the immense talent that helped him lead the Kansas Jayhawks to the National title game.

Apr 1, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets power forward Thomas Robinson (41) attempts a free throw during the third quarter against the Orlando Magic at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Robinson fought valiantly against a stacked Kentucky Wildcat team, but eventually made the leap to the NBA without a ring to play for a horrible Sacramento franchise. Robinson displayed little of his talents in Sacramento, save a few highlight dunks and memorable stretches within games.

But he’s showed in Houston he will be capable of doing more than creating the occasional highlight. While his appeal certainly does lie in his abilities to sky high above the rim, Robinson has also had some solid games.

He’s scored in double figures 11 times this season and grabbed 10-plus rebounds five times. His best game as a pro thus far was a 12 point, 14 rebound performance against the Phoenix Suns while he was still with the Kings. That’s reasonably what analysts set his high upside as on a regular basis: a double-double machine who can start at the 4-spot for over a decade.

If the Rockets got Antonio McDyess essentially for giving up on a very solid power forward in Patterson and a bench gunner like Douglas, Morey will consider this heist to be very worthwhile years from now when he looks back on how his master plan unfolded.