Houston Rockets: 5 reasons Isaiah Hartenstein was a good pick
1. The Rockets have important plans this summer
It is no secret that like any offseason, the Rockets plan to go after the star free agents available. In order to do so, the Rockets need to clear maximum cap space, and one way to add to that cap space is by selecting a draft-and-stash player such as Hartenstein.
With Hartenstein not joining the team in Houston until the 2018-19 season, the Rockets can then make a trade or two to clear cap space to pursue the likes of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and Paul Millsap.
The Rockets are in a unique position. They are coming off a surprisingly successful season, have most of their core players signed, and have decent flexibility to go after free agents this offseason. It has been revealed that several players such as Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams and Ryan Anderson are on the trading block in order for Houston to clear max cap space.
Free Agency Scuttle: Houston is making Ryan Anderson/Lou Williams/Patrick Beverley available via trade to create summer spending flexibility
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 21, 2017
Therefore, drafting Hartenstein was smart for Houston both in the short and long run, since he can continue to work on his game overseas and join the Rockets next season as a more mature and improved player while Houston goes after marquee free agents this summer.
It’s a win-win draft for both the Rockets and Hartenstein as the Rockets look to improve their roster while Hartenstein looks to improve his game over the next year.