NBA Trade Grades: Lakers Get Tyler Ennis From Houston
By Phil Watson
Houston Rockets
According to reports, Marcelo Huertas will never don the red-and-white of the Houston Rockets, so what he adds to the club is an open roster spot.
Huertas came to the NBA last season and played in 53 games as a reserve. This season, he appeared in just 23 of L.A.’s first 58 games, averaging 2.7 points and 2.3 assists in 10.3 minutes per game and shooting .368/.211/.529.
The speed of the NBA seemed a bit much for a player who was 32 by the time he arrived in the Association.
Huertas played 11 seasons in Spain’s Liga ACB, suiting up for five different clubs, and spent four years in the top Brazilian circuit before that.
Again, what he will mean to Houston is cap space and an open roster spot, so there’s no real point delving into how he fits as a backup to James Harden and Patrick Beverley at the point guard spot.
Huertas was a vehicle to dump Tyler Ennis’ larger salary and after he is waived, there will be a place for a player that could actually help the Rockets down the stretch and in the playoffs.
Next: 2017 NBA Trade Deadline: Grades For All 30 Teams
Mission accomplished.
Grade: C