The Houston Rockets have won two straight games after a three game losing streak dropped their record to 5-10. Despite the consecutive wins things are far from great in Houston as they still aren't playing nearly as well as they did last season and they are still trying to figure out a rotation that works for them this season. In Sunday's win against the New York Knicks K.J. McDaniels entered the game before Corey Brewer and it is possible that McDaniels could take Brewer's spot in the rotation, according to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle.
This was only the sixth game that McDaniels appeared in all season long but the fact that he entered in the first half, while Corey Brewer didn't enter the game in the first half at all, could be telling. McDaniels only played five minutes and missed both of his shots while committing two fouls but interim head coach J.P. Bickerstaff said that he wanted to reward the 22 year olds hard work by getting him into the game.
Brewer did end up getting into the game on Sunday as well but he played just seven minutes and he has been terrible so far this season. At his best Brewer is an energy guy who plays solid defense, finishes on the fast break and knocks down threes but at his worst, like he has been this season, he plays recklessly and hurts the team more than he helps.
Trevor Ariza is the starter at small forward and he has played fine despite not finding his shooting touch just yet but behind him there has been a problem. Brewer was supposed to be the guy that could back him up but the door now may be open for McDaniels who is a ridiculous athlete that came into the league known for his prowess on the defensive end, an area where the Rockets can certainly use some help. McDaniels is in his second NBA season but he hasn't been given a legitimate shot to play significant minutes consistently with the Rockets yet so now may be the time to see what they have in the young kid.
This could all be a little bit premature as McDaniels did just play five minutes in the game which was still less than Brewer but the Rockets need a change and Brewer has been really bad so far this year. McDaniels is an extremely talented player and could provide a spark for this Rockets team so we will see if Bickerstaff will give him a real shot to earn a spot in the rotation.
