Teams consulting their franchise players about the acquisition of new players is a good idea, It’s not a difficult concept; teams want to keep their best players happy so that the players want to stay with the team. One way of keeping a player happy and showing them that they have your respect is by checking with them before making a big move, such as a trade or a signing.
The Rockets checked with James Harden and Dwight Howard before acquiring Ty Lawson.
From ESPN’s Calvin Watkins.
When the Rockets made a risky blockbuster deal in sending four reserves, a lottery-protected 2016 first-round pick and cash considerations to Denver for point guard Ty Lawson, Rockeys GM Daryl Morey and his staff listened to their players.
Morey said Monday he spoke with James Harden and Dwight Howard about the potential deal.
Each gave their approval.
“My job is really to steward the players’ careers,” Morey said. “James Harden is only going to have one career, Dwight Howard is only going to have one career and we’re only going to go [as] far as pretty much they carry us. I think it works best when we work in collaboration with them to set up the team. We’re not always going to agree, but I feel like they’re part of the process and they are part of the process.”
This was a classy move by the Rockets’ front office. Sure, it wasn’t likely that Harden or Howard would have a problem with signing Lawson, especially since Harden said he wants a playmaker. Even so, why not check with them? It shows the players that you value them, and that they’re a part of the decision-making process.
The Rockets may have missed out on LaMarcus Aldridge, but Ty Lawson is a fantastic consolation prize. With both Lawson and Patrick Beverly on the roster, Beverly will most likely come off the bench. PatBev can bring a much-needed spark to Houston’s bench; the team was 22nd in bench points per game last year. The Rockets also bolstered their bench by signing Marcus Thornton and re-signing Corey Brewer
With their re-vamped roster, the Rockets should be a force to be reckoned with next season. Plus, by showing Howard and Harden that their opinions matter, the front office has increased its chance of retaining the two once their contracts are up.
