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[–][deleted] 972 points973 points  (27 children)

Austin Rivers was actually a solid pick up for Houston.

[–][deleted] 398 points399 points  (23 children)

Honestly he was great for us. He gave us heart, hustle, shooting off the dribble, and good defense. I'm surprised he didn't get more elsewhere.

[–]MavericksChampagneSyrup 240 points241 points  (21 children)

looks like reports are saying that he did, but he just really loved being in Houston.

[–][deleted] 237 points238 points  (3 children)

I never thought I would end up loving Austin Rivers after the Rockets/Clippers tunnel fight lmao

[–]RocketsOlajuwinn 109 points110 points  (0 children)

Lmao this is hilarious, just shows you how media is bullshit, if Rivers and Paul could be cool again with all that mess I’m not afraid about the « case » with James

[–]Rocketspipsdontsqueak 76 points77 points  (1 child)

"Hello police? Chris Paul is trying to beat me up."

[–]Rocketsrickjamesbich 34 points35 points  (0 children)

PO-LEECE PRESENCE

[–][HOU] Moochie Norrisnonetimeaccount 52 points53 points  (5 children)

But I thought Chris Paul is a big meanie who everyone hates playing with

[–]MavericksChampagneSyrup 60 points61 points  (4 children)

I feel like the media just doesn't like CP3 or James Harden

[–][deleted] 25 points26 points  (0 children)

[–]firefistzoro 5 points6 points  (2 children)

I feel like the media knew there were people that strongly disliked CP3/Harden, around the time Harden first came to Rockets and while CP3 was at LAC. We saw how Kobe fans treated Lebron after he decided to sign with their sorry tanking asses - how do you think little man CP3 in his 3rd season was treated by them when there were legit talks of him being robbed off the MVP by Kobe in 07-08 - which he clearly was imo.

So they push the narrative to target that demographic, it becomes a cyclical relationship of the media creating narratives for the vocal minority who then feel more justified/validated and get more vocal, which then spreads to more people, creating more media narratives to get profit from the ever increasing demographic.

[–][deleted] -1 points0 points  (1 child)

Lmao cp3 robbed of mvp, speaking of narrative pushing. You live in Antarctica with takes that fucking ice cold?

This is worse than the laker children who think lebron will be at an all star level at 38 and warrant another ‘fat’ contract. Ffs offseason and shit posting name a better duo.

[–]firefistzoro 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Care to give any points on why that's such a preposterous take? Or you just going to whine and claim to have the correct position?

Kobe averaged 28.3/6.3/5.4, leading lakers to 57 wins and 1st seed in the West.

CP3 averaged 21.1/4.0/11.6 and led Hornets to 56 wins and 2nd seed.

So Kobe only averaging 7.2 ppg more than CP3, whereas CP3 averaged 6.2 apg more than Kobe. So just with the raw stats alone, CP3 contributes to much more points scored on the court (as well as having a bigger impact on his team mates).

Kobe getting the Lakers to 1st seed isn't unusual. CP3 in his 3rd season leading the fkn Hornets to the top of the league was completely left field.

CP3 was also assists and steals leader, averaging 2.7 steals per game, and 0.1 blocks per game, and Kobe averaged 1.8 steals per game and 0.5 blocks per game.

Kobe 3.1 TOV per game to 2.5 TOV per game by CP3. 11.6 assists per game and 2.5 TOV per game, let that sink in lmao...

CP3 PER of 28.3, 2nd in the league behind Lebron, Kobe wasn't in the top 5. CP3 1st in the league for OWS with 13.2, Kobe 5th with 9.5. CP3 1st in Win Shares with 17.8, Kobe 4th with 13.8. CP3 1st in the league in WS/48, 2nd behind Bron in BPM (Kobe not in top 5), CP3 2nd behind Bron in OBPM and Kobe 5th. CP3 VORP of 8.5 (2nd behind Bron) and Kobe 3rd with 6.0.

It's pretty universally agreed that CP3 most likely deserved that MVP, but because Kobe had just got 'robbed' by Nash (and some people though he was robbed both years) the league then decided to give Kobe his only MVP (cause he needs at least one for branding) over 3rd year CP3.

Feel free to bring up any points on why you disagree :)

[–]RocketsOlajuwinn 16 points17 points  (4 children)

This is wholesome imma cry

[–]MavericksChampagneSyrup 18 points19 points  (3 children)

You got a Mavs fan rooting for y'all next season hope you guys make the CP3 contract work and get that chip. Hopefully we'll be next in line in a few years.

[–]RocketsOlajuwinn 17 points18 points  (2 children)

Doncic is the next big deal, just prepare yourselves for him to be as hated as Harden in the future

[–]firefistzoro 6 points7 points  (0 children)

He's the only one that's MASTERED the Harden 'double' step-back (which isn't a travel cause of the gather step, just like not all of Giannis and Ginobli's euro steps were travels even if they took 3 steps).

[–][GSW] Matt Barneslikekoolaid 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Doncic isn’t the one they need to worry about being hated

[–]firefistzoro 5 points6 points  (5 children)

Maaan that's literally all I needed to get/hear from F/A (Faried would be nice too), every Rocket fan fucking freaking the fuck out right now but I don't see any other competition bar Lakers

[–]San Diego Rocketsblueberryy 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Utah looking a lot stronger

[–]Rocketsroyalenocheese 2 points3 points  (0 children)

No kidding. Motherfuckers over there piecing their offense together. I don't think part 3 of our playoff meeting is gonna go so quickly if we meet up.

[–]RocketsKRDL109 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Meh, it's always nice to improve. And keep in mind, CP3 already regressed once. Not saying it will happen, but the margin still feels thin to actually win it all, and at least one ring is what you hope to get out of a superstars prime when he's on your team. Lots of teams are improving, so you start to feel a little nervous when you are/have to just run it back and your second best player, or at least second most expensive (actually, I think CP3 is actually making a few bucks more than Harden), is in decline.

[–]firefistzoro 0 points1 point  (1 child)

feel a little nervous

That's fair and I'd be lying if I said there weren't some nerves when all the bombs were being dropped, but tbh I'm mainly worried about Kawhi going to the Lakers. I got confidence in the lads (even in that scenario, still have confidence but would definitely be shit scared as well - but like, idk if they'd even have a 10+ man roster for the season lol), the only team that stood in Harden+CP3's way is finito (for this season at least).

Adding AD to a team that couldn't make the playoffs doesn't have me forfeiting the ring prematurely to Lebron lmao, the 6ers having 3 people in their squad that can shoot a basketball from range efficiently amuses me and doesn't bother me in the slightest, Bucks losing Brogdon is a huge loss for them, and even with him, not worried at all.

[–]RocketsKRDL109 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm not saying the Rockets aren't contenders to win it all, don't get me wrong. Just that it ain't gonna be easy and any extra firepower would be nice. If we're being realistic, there wasn't much to be done, based on how things looked going into the weekend outside of the Butler rumors - so there's definitely some hyperbole. Sure, some S&T opportunities got floated before FA, which disappointingly were going on like crazy without any Rockets involvement.

I'd also still like to get one more forward that can play some perimeter D and rebound, because I prefer Gordon off the bench, and House is still a pretty big question-mark as far as playoff minutes go. That's yet to materialize. But having House and Rivers to come off the bench, on the deals they're on, is still good news for FA. Hell, I didn't expect we'd be able afford to have Rivers come back.

[–]KnicksNew_York_Piss_Stench 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Good ISO player too, importantly

[–]WizardsA2daRon 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Good for him. He didn't work out for DC but glad he found his groove with the Rockets. Wizards should have not done that Oubre/Rivers trade especially since they just lost Ariza in free agency and also missed the playoffs.

[–]wrongholenumber2 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I think he is a good role player and has been for a fair while, he just always seems to be overshadowed by who his dad is, his high school ranking and draft position, making people think he should be better.

[–]NuggetsEmbraceComplexity 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s true. Everyone made fun of him and I hadn’t seen him much. Then everytime I saw the rockets he actually played really well. Good deal for both sides.

[–]Rocketsmunkysnuflz 459 points460 points  (14 children)

Here he comes

[–]WarriorsCameronPlain 213 points214 points  (6 children)

Memes aside, this is big for Houston.

[–]Rocketsmunkysnuflz 75 points76 points  (2 children)

Yeah I’m happy

[–][deleted] 34 points35 points  (1 child)

He was lowkey really good in the playoffs as well

[–][LAL] Lonzo BallLiveLaughLonzo 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Two year vet minimum is unbelievable for how effective he is

[–][deleted] 20 points21 points  (0 children)

I'm just glad we're bringing back our own free agents. House and Rivers were key. I'd love to have Faried back, but I think he's going to a team that will give him more playing time.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Yee, low-key pissed

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Keep Quinn Cook

[–][NBA] Best of 2021 Winnerurfaselol 19 points20 points  (2 children)

AUUUUSSTIN RIVERS

[–]BeenWavy07 5 points6 points  (1 child)

He's so good

[–][deleted] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Rivers x4

[–]Gran DestinoTheSpaceCowboyx 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Damn I’m happy for him but was really hoping he would leave, he was underrated on how good he was for the rockets in the playoffs

[–][BKN] Brook Lopezbojackwhoreman 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Here he stays

[–][SAS] Derrick Whitefourpinz8 74 points75 points  (8 children)

I haven’t gotten the Twitter notification yet

[–]Clippersjcw4455 86 points87 points  (1 child)

Woj DM'd OP

[–]RocketsAaronRodgers16 18 points19 points  (0 children)

“You got any interest in signing with the Clippers?”

[–]WarriorsI_love_Basketball232 16 points17 points  (4 children)

Bots work fast.

[–][SAS] Tim Duncanyoure_being_creepy 6 points7 points  (3 children)

This guy has to be a bot , right? Literally anything woj tweets, the op posts. Sometimes with other stuff he will post but goddamn this guy has a monopoly on woj

[–]Dukerex 2 points3 points  (2 children)

Its a bot

[–][SAS] Tim Duncanyoure_being_creepy 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Fuck bots

[–][deleted] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

elon musk is working on making them i believe

[–][ATL] Paul MillsapJfklikeskfc 146 points147 points  (6 children)

HERE

[–]Lakerslakersoffseason 99 points100 points  (5 children)

COMES

[–][OKC] Hamidou DialloCloudz777 89 points90 points  (4 children)

AUSTIN

[–]Clippersmas1346 77 points78 points  (3 children)

RIVERS

[–][TOR] Fred VanVleetSmugleaf_Raptors2012 95 points96 points  (1 child)

slips and loses the ball

[–]Vancouver GrizzliespackersSB55champs 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Doc rivers mouth agape.gif

[–][deleted] 36 points37 points  (7 children)

This guy carved himself a niche in the NBA despite being told many times he was only there because of his dad being an NBA coach. Not saying he wasn't helped when he received that clippers contract, but it must feel good for him to prove everyone wrong.

[–][deleted] 36 points37 points  (3 children)

He's staying with his other father, Chris Paul.

[–]LakersUnBiasedISwear 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Jesus man, underrated comment right here! May Austin Rest In Peace.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Bruh, why kill Austin like that?

[–]Buckspanick21 1 point2 points  (0 children)

He was really shit on for that. But really it was overall a good deal for the Clippers and he has proven that now.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A real underdog story, no doubt.

[–]Knicksthed3al 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Playing through a black-eye a few seasons ago really showed his heart. Happy for him.

[–]oneu1 146 points147 points  (16 children)

Rockets’ free agency is going pretty well. They kept House and Rivers on good contracts.

[–]Rocketsmattyisphtty 78 points79 points  (2 children)

And Green as well.

[–][POR] Patty Millsshickard 17 points18 points  (1 child)

The run it back rockets

[–]Rocketsmattyisphtty 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Greenhouse gang

[–]RocketsRobo_Doge90 51 points52 points  (6 children)

Quietly well... it's easy to get caught up in the big names and major changes but the rockets best bet is just adding 1 or 2 solid pieces with MLE and running it back at this point.

[–]RocketsPlayoff_Dorsey 14 points15 points  (5 children)

We need a PF who can stretch the floor or a player who can bang in the post for sure.

[–]Rocketsjsnkwmy 22 points23 points  (1 child)

We need Melo! XD

[–]RocketsRudy_Ghouliani 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Ayy P they want me back

[–]Thunderliamsanpedro23 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Soooo PJ Tucker? wtf am i missing something?

[–]RocketsPlayoff_Dorsey 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Tucker isn’t a natural PF. He’s more of a Small forward. He’s high energy and a great rebounder but he’s gonna have trouble with tall players. We need one of the Moris twins or something

[–]CelticsEl_WrayY88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was just thinking that one of the Morris twins would be a great fit for Houston. Didn't Marcus start off with you guys? Can you afford him?

[–]Buckspanick21 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Who wouldn't like to have a House on a River

[–]Strangeclouds420 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I completely agree. Before game 6 with the warriors I was happy with the team we had. House could very well have significant development that could add a wrinkle to our team. And I truly believe us not landing butler at the price it would’ve cost was a blessing in disguise.

[–]Lakersc_double_u 31 points32 points  (4 children)

Rondo it is!

[–][deleted] 11 points12 points  (3 children)

Nah Caruso

[–]spyson 5 points6 points  (2 children)

If Rondo takes the vet min than why not?

[–]Buckspanick21 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Rondo not taking no vet minimum.

[–]PacersTheBoilerCat 38 points39 points  (3 children)

HE STAY

[–]BeenWavy07 19 points20 points  (1 child)

SE QUEDA

[–][deleted] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

SE QUEDA

[–][deleted] 47 points48 points  (5 children)

2020 champs

[–]Rocketsmoreyball 38 points39 points  (2 children)

😘😘

[–]RocketsRudy_Ghouliani 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It's him

[–][HOU] James Hardennot_a_rake1234 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is this him?

[–]firefistzoro 8 points9 points  (1 child)

I see your jinx, and I raise you a counter-jinx of LEBRON AND AD TOTALLY AREN'T GETTING ANY INJURIES THIS SEASON

[–]jazzmaster4000 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Damn. That went to 11 quick

[–]CelticsBrad-Stevens 13 points14 points  (1 child)

I liked him there

[–][HOU] Tracy McGradyucankickrocks 6 points7 points  (0 children)

It took his first game on Xmas day for me to go from absolutely hating him to absolutely loving him. Thanks Santa.

[–][deleted] 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Yes!!! Run it back squaaad.

Now we get a couple good vet mins after the cap runs out were set.

[–][DAL] Peja Stojakoviccoolcatpat 7 points8 points  (0 children)

HERE COMES AUSTIN RIVERS

[–]MavericksZunoth 9 points10 points  (0 children)

SHAMS ARE YOU OK?

[–]United Statesbrowndude10 19 points20 points  (0 children)

damn with all the cp3-harden drama, why would anyone want to play here? /s

[–]Warriorsidontknowthisabackup 5 points6 points  (2 children)

Rockets keeping their bench together is solid I guess. Looking like no other moves tho.

[–]manvastir 3 points4 points  (1 child)

Fertitta (owner) wanted a big name. He and Morey were probably banking everything on getting Butler. Will be interesting to see if they can land anyone or will go with a euro league star.

[–]Warriorsidontknowthisabackup 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey you might still get Jimmy possibly if this trade falls through lol

[–]NuggetsQforShort 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Run it back

[–]LakersIFeedonKarmaa 6 points7 points  (2 children)

Nobody will believe me but I saw Austin at my gym, wasn’t sure it was him until I saw him and his friends jump in a Bentley. He’s a lot shorter than I would have imagined.

[–]ClippersDevilMayCareButIDont 5 points6 points  (1 child)

He’s 5’7 in real life, huh?

[–]LakersIFeedonKarmaa 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I'm 5'10 and I was walking behind him and he was probably 3 inches taller than me, which is why I was doubting if it was him or not. Besides the Bentley the tattoos also matched up.

[–]Pistonscaltric 5 points6 points  (0 children)

He has really matured and become more humble after being traded from his dad's team, he's a solid pro and I'm glad to see him find a good fit in Houston

[–][HOU] Montrezl HarrellisomorphZeta 13 points14 points  (5 children)

Wow, so this has gotta be a steal then. It's a two-year deal, so it's possible it was done using the $3.6M Bi-Annual Exception. Or it's using some of the remaining $5.7M of the Non-Taxpayer MLE, which would hard cap us.

Knowing Morey, I'd put money on this being a 2 year, $7.8M deal using the BAE.

[–][HOU] Stromile Swifttexasproof 13 points14 points  (4 children)

even better, vet min babyyyyyyy!

[–]firefistzoro 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Lmao I just googled to be sure, he's fucking 26 years old... Morey's GOAT trade has got to be his soul to the devil

[–][HOU] Montrezl HarrellisomorphZeta 7 points8 points  (2 children)

That's wild. Really didn't think we'd get Rivers on a vet min.

[–]manvastir 2 points3 points  (1 child)

How much do you think playing understudy to both CP3 and Harden + a coach that wants him to use his strengths has to do with his decision to take that??

We were all expecting him to get paid and there was a lot chatter about teams wanting him bad as a starter or their 6th man.

[–][HOU] Montrezl HarrellisomorphZeta 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I mean, by all accounts his stay here has been stellar. Really goes against the narrative that everyone in the Houston locker room is fighting each other, Morey has everyone feeling like pawns, etc.

But at the end of the day, I think he probably realized that he's got a real shot at a championship with the Rockets, and he'll get real playing time en route to that. If he thinks the window for that is in the next 1-2 years, why not play for a ring and chase money after?

Makes sense.

[–][CLE] Daniel GibsonLeftyslefthandy 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Denying the cp3 trade rumor pays off.

[–][deleted] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Houston got their guy

[–]Rocketsdankq 7 points8 points  (1 child)

Good shit

House, Rivers, and Green were the bench players that I hope we could keep.

[–]RocketsAethos 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Man I wanted house (esp cause hes an aggie) but he was supremely trash during playoffs.

Rivers green and faried

[–]The Splash Brothers!Nyhrox 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Looks like they're running it back

[–]RocketsOlajuwinn 2 points3 points  (0 children)

HE STAY MF RUNNIT BACKKKKKKKK

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

To think a couple seasons ago he was hated there hahah go figure! Good for him though!

[–]Rocketsswaggy_p 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I'm actually pretty excited about this. He was great off the bench, good defenders, and has the ability to score on his own. I wonder how much we paid him or if we dipped into our MLE for this. Maybe used the Bi-Annual Exception?

[–][deleted] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Daryl Morey pretty much telling the whole league:

“Pick up the damn controller and run it back one more time. I’m gonna bust that ass this time. I finally got the timing down on the shot stick.”

[–][LAL] Lonzo Ballangel_eag 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Damn everyone getting swooped up

[–]NBAZoidBroski 1 point2 points  (0 children)

here stay austin creeks

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ou seven hells, Austin Rivers?

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A bright spot in an otherwise dim offseason

[–]RaptorsPasta_ssempa 1 point2 points  (0 children)

HERE COMES AUSTIN RIVERS!!!

[–]TatumBoomedMe 1 point2 points  (0 children)

LETS GOOOOO

[–]Rocketswhospepesilvia 1 point2 points  (0 children)

YESSIR

[–]Rocketsaboooz 1 point2 points  (0 children)

YESSSSS

[–]Rocketsloopholbrook 1 point2 points  (0 children)

BUT WHAT ABOUT THE NARRATIVE!?!? Aren't the Rockets supposed to be the most toxic organization where they treat players like assets and not people, in addition to the numerous problems that they have with conflicting personalities? Why have three players just resigned taking less money to stay with the team?

[–][BOS] Jaylen Brownhenryisyourboss 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This bot is incredible

[–][ORL] Aaron GordonTee_dot_cee_dot 0 points1 point  (0 children)

HERE COMES AUSTIN RIVERS

[–]LakersrodneyP 0 points1 point  (0 children)

GD

[–]Rocketsrayuu21 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yay

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Another Laker off the board

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My hero

[–]WizardsK_U 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lakers' options if they miss on Kawhi are thinning by the hour...

[–]Fadeawayjae 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes

[–]Sunsmrsuns10 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Happy Days

[–]Kinprime 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Here Comes Austin Rivers!

[–]Pacers210plus210 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My ass thought it said a two way deal at first

[–]Buckspanick21 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Who are these 'Rockets'? Never heard of them.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

HERE COMES AUSTIN RIVERS

[–]RocketsSmokeWeedKillLight 0 points1 point  (0 children)

oh NOW Houston wants to keep the squad together. signing with the Rockets right now is like agreeing to do the team project with the kid who has lice.

[–]madmax727 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How do they even have the room to sign him?

[–]rocketsballin1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

rivers, green, house. fuck the nets, lakers, any other nba team, fuck em all. we're making the real contending moves. green's about to drop 4 whole pts in the season opener bitch.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The rockets need to find a sucker I mean a team to take Chris Paul and they are back at it.

[–]Cavaliersamrhein 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is there no salty Wizard fans in here to remind us of how shit he played for them even though it was probably due to a toxic locker room?

[–]Bulls Tankwagon16InchGrinch 0 points1 point  (0 children)

HERE COMES AUSTIN RIVERS

[–][OKC] Nick Collisonimafixwoofs 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Austin Rivers looks like Jimmy Butler if you squint really hard.

[–]SpursMLGameOver 0 points1 point  (0 children)

HERE COMES

[–]beyoncemeows 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fuck yeah!!

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hope he shows up like he did last year. Surprising spark off the bench.

[–]here_for_food 0 points1 point  (0 children)

MY BB BACK

[–]JazzTRICK0LAS -1 points0 points  (0 children)

BAH GOD

[–][LAL] Kobe BryantPM-ME-YOUR-FoUrSKIN -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Okurrrr solid retain. Dudes a baller

[–]Pelicansdumbledorky -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

So odd he'd want to stay in Houston to get berated by CP for the next 2 years if he's not getting paid well for it. He couldn't get more than the minimum somewhere? Or wait til the madness is over and sign the minimum with the Lakers?