Rockets Poised to Commit Fully to JD Davison
JD Davison has become a focal point for the Houston Rockets as they navigate their current season. Initially making headlines in 2021 as a five-star point guard, Davison demonstrated significant talent during his high school career. His journey has continued through a standout performance in the G-League, where he captured the MVP title.
Rockets Embrace JD Davison’s Potential
In the summer, Davison joined the Houston Rockets on a two-way contract, a situation often overlooked. Despite his promising preseason performances, including a strong display of shooting and playmaking, Davison has seen limited action under Coach Ime Udoka.
Impact of Fred VanVleet’s Injury
The Rockets’ starting point guard, Fred VanVleet, suffered a significant ACL injury, amplifying the team’s need for effective ball handling. In VanVleet’s absence, the Rockets have tried various players in point guard roles, but inconsistencies remain.
- Amen Thompson has frequently played out of position.
- Kevin Durant has taken on facilitating duties at times.
However, Davison’s recent performance showed promise during a game against the Chicago Bulls. He played 24 minutes, contributing nine points, seven rebounds, four assists, and one block, while committing no turnovers. He shot 50% from the field and 62% in true shooting percentage.
Upcoming Decisions on Davison’s Future
The Rockets face a pressing decision regarding Davison’s future. He has participated in 35 games so far this season. Two-way players are limited to 50 games, meaning the team needs to make a choice soon. If retained, the cost of converting his contract to a standard deal is expected to be around $900,000, which is manageable for the organization.