Rockets face a big reshuffle: Reusing Tanhualang, benefiting from the draft

Just as the finals ended, the league revealed the explosive news that Durant was traded to the Rockets. With Durant's joining, the outside world's judgment on the Rockets' combat effectiveness has increased rapidly, but the Rockets are also facing a reshuffle: while the tactical adjustment is a major change, the veteran may be forced to cut his salary by 44.89 million yuan. Whether Smith can gain a foothold in the starting lineup still needs to be tested. Tanhualang Shepard may be reused, and Tate may become the biggest beneficiary at the same time.

1. Rockets' starting lineup "1 point guard + 4 forward line". After trading Durant with Green as the core, the Rockets' starting lineup is likely to be: Durant + Shin Kyung + Van Vleet + Jasmith Jr. + Amen Thompson, to increase the height of the starting lineup and focus on the "1 defender + 4 forward line". In this 4-forward lineup, Shin Kyung is still the center.

2. Whether Jay Smith can continue to start is facing a test. In the regular season last season, Smith averaged 12.3 points and 7 rebounds per game, and his data was acceptable, but his performance as a starter was not as good as a substitute, resulting in his appearance as a main substitute in seven games in the playoffs. The Rockets will most likely send Smith to the starter at the beginning of next season, but whether they can gain a foothold depends on whether Xiao Jia can pass the test.

3. Tanhualang Shepard may be reused. With defender Green replaced forward Durant, the Rockets only started with Van Vleet, and second-year Tanhualang Shepard will definitely increase his playing time. Shepard averaged 12.6 minutes per game last season, scoring 4.4+1.5+1.4. Shepard's data is expected to increase significantly next season.

4. Van Vleet's salary of RMB 44.89 million may be forced to cut. Next season, veteran Van Vleet will earn RMB 44.89 million, but it is a team option, with an execution date of June 29. Durant's salary is 54.71 million yuan. If VanVleet does not cut his salary, the Rockets will refuse to implement the team's option. Last season's regular season, Van Vleet averaged 14.1+3.7+5.6+1.6 steals per game, playing the role of a veteran who led new players. It is estimated that the Rockets will ask Van Vleet to renew his contract for about 100 million yuan in three years.

5. The out-of-date Tate may become the biggest beneficiary. Rockets defensive champion Dillon was traded to the Suns as an add-on. In this way, Tate, the Rockets' substitute lineup, will assume the heavy responsibility of defending his opponent's core players. Tate's salary of 7.07 million yuan will expire in the offseason, and the Rockets will likely continue to renew their contract, which may be a three-year contract of about 25 million yuan.

As a superstar, the highly-watched Durant transaction will inevitably cause changes in the entire league structure. The Rockets, whose strength has increased, have become a popular team for the championship again. Are you optimistic about the Durant version of the Rockets?