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NBA: 3 teams that should pursue guard Kevin Porter Jr.

By Holden Walter-Warner

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 28: Kevin Porter Jr. #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts after the Cavaliers drew a foul against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth quarter of the game at Target Center on December 28, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Cavaliers defeated the Timberwolves 94-88. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 28: Kevin Porter Jr. #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts after the Cavaliers drew a foul against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth quarter of the game at Target Center on December 28, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Cavaliers defeated the Timberwolves 94-88. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /
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NBA, James Harden
NBA, Kevin Porter Jr. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

Kevin Porter Jr. NBA destination No. 3: Houston Rockets

Porter may need a strong culture to succeed and that isn’t what the Houston Rockets have been for the past few months. With James Harden now off to the Brooklyn Nets, however, the franchise should be undergoing a reset.

For a team near the bottom of the Western Conference standings, the Rockets don’t have a lot to look forward to in the future. Their youngest starter is 25-year-old Christian Wood. John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, P.J. Tucker, and Eric Gordon are all at least 30 years old. Even the newly acquired Victor Oladipo is 28 years old.

It’s not like they acquired a lot of capital in the 2020 NBA Draft either. Their one grab from there came late in the second round when the Rockets ended up with Kenyon Martin Jr. They don’t have anyone on their roster from the previous draft, either.

That will change in the coming years, with the Rockets working with a treasure trove of draft picks from the Harden deal. But none of those picks are sure things in the league. Porter isn’t either, but he’s demonstrated he can play well in his young career.

Another factor that could allow the Rockets to swing for Porter is the presence of player development coach John Lucas. He’s faced plenty of demons in his life and has helped other young athletes do the same. Perhaps he would be the perfect mentor for Porter to get things back on track.