Scored 41 points and 9 rebounds in a single game! The Rockets dual-core team supports the second team. The three veterans may change their chips and replace them with a new point guard?

In the offseason, the Rockets' signings and transactions were almost perfect. They only used Jaylen Green, Dillon Brooks and draft picks to exchange for superstar Durant. Moreover, the Rockets also signed three defensive heroes, Capela and Finney Smith, and Okogie from the free agent market. The three of them can supplement the Rockets' frontcourt and interior strength.

Although Finney Smith is still unable to play due to injury, once he is able to play, he can use three-pointers and defense to help the Rockets win more games. Capela is the Rockets' third choice for the center position besides Shen Jing and Adams. Now he has been integrated into the Rockets' tactical system. Maybe he doesn't play much time in each game and doesn't score much, but Capela's defensive and rebounding contributions in the interior cannot be fully reflected by the data.

One of the Rockets' mistakes this offseason was their failure to reach a contract extension agreement with Ethan in advance. The Rockets have given Smith Jr. a five-year, 122 million contract, but Ethan's contract issue has not been resolved by the Rockets. It is said that the Rockets offered a contract of 100 million, but Ethan rejected it because Ethan believed that his value was much more than that. Looking at it now, Ethan's confidence was indeed correct.

Judging from his performance this season, Ethan has become the Rockets' top shooter. Even in the league, his current three-point shooting percentage is also at the top level. Currently, Ethan's three-point shooting percentage exceeds 50% and he is the Rockets' most accurate player in outside shooting. Moreover, his rebounding ability and defensive ability have not declined at all compared to last season. Even his originally low attendance rate has become full attendance this season. At least from now on, Ethan has played in all 10 games and has not missed any due to injury. This is probably something the Rockets had not thought of before. Therefore, failing to renew Ethan's contract is indeed a small mistake, but I believe the Rockets will match any contract to keep Ethan.

In the previous game, Ethan and Sheppard scored a total of 41 points, plus 9 rebounds and 3 assists. The two of them made 9 of 14 three-pointers and hit a super high three-point shooting rate. Both players had a plus-minus value of +13. In other words, when Ethan and Shepard are on the court, the Rockets can beat the Wizards by 13 points. The Rockets' "substitute dual-core" Ethan and Sheppard successfully supported the team's second lineup.

There have been many voices saying before that the Rockets should give more opportunities to veterans Tate, Jeff Green and shooter Aaron Holiday. Even the fourth point guard Davison, who performed well in the preseason, also needs to get playing time. But looking at it now, Ethan can completely replace Jeff Green and Tate; and Sheppard's outstanding performance has also reduced the playing time of veteran Holiday and rookie point guard Davidson to very little.

In one month, the Rockets can trade the three minimum-salary veterans who were newly renewed this summer-Jeff Green, Tate and Holiday. The Rockets had previously renewed their contracts because they were worried that young players such as Ethan and Sheppard would not be able to perform stably in the new season. Looking at it now, Ethan and Shepard have become one of the core members of the Rockets' lineup, and these three veterans can be traded.

If the Rockets want to strengthen the No. 1 position and find a new point guard, then these three veterans can become bargaining chips and additions in the transaction. After all, the Rockets still have multiple first-round picks and second-round picks. If they can match the draft picks with these three veterans, then the Rockets have every chance of getting a rotation-level point guard. In this way, Sheppard can safely serve as shooting guard and focus on the role of the Rockets' off-ball shooter, which is the position he is most familiar with.