The Houston Rockets became famous in the world of basketball when Hakeem Olajuwon led the team for two straight NBA championship glory in 1994 and 1995. They missed the playoffs from 1999 until 2003. They got back to being playoff contenders when Yao Ming got drafted by the team.
Throughout its history, the Rockets are mostly led by dominant big men. But it changed when the team acquired James Harden from the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2012. Since Harden's arrival, the Rockets went to four consecutive playoff appearances and have a combined regular season win-loss record of 196-132. But they lost three of those four playoff series in the first round.
This season, it looks like the Rockets are making a dominant run once again. With an 18-7 win-loss record, they are second in Southwest Division and fourth in the Western Conference. They are the hottest team in the NBA right now as they were carrying a seven-game winning streak.
James Harden is playing his best season so far with new Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni switched him to point guard position. In 25 games with the Rockets this season, he is averaging 28.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, 11.6 assists and 1.6 steals, as per ESPN. He was first in assists, fourth in scoring and second in triple-double behind triple-double machine Russell Westbrook.
The Rockets have no problem in putting up buckets on the basketball court. In fact, they are second in the league in scoring behind NBA superteam Golden State Warriors with 112.0 points per game. What the Rockets need is more defense as they are allowing opponents to score 106.2 points per contest.
And according to iTech Post, the Rockets might be interested in acquiring big man Serge Ibaka from the Orlando Magic. And in exchange, the Rockets might give away Trevor Ariza or Eric Gordon.
While the Houston Rockets is slowly climbing the top ladder at the top of the NBA rankings, Orlando Magic is falling apart. At 11-15 win-loss record, the Magic are 11th in the Eastern Conference. Ibaka is one of the best players for the Magic. But with the Magic struggling, the franchise might head into another direction and possibly trade Ibaka.
If the trade will push through, Ibaka will be a great upgrade to the Rockets. Ibaka is known for his defense and rebounding, a skill that the Rockets need. With him as rim protector, opposing teams might find it more diffifult to score in the paint. Aside from that, Harden and Ibaka were teammates in OKC. Their tandem is also a thing to watch.
Will Serge Ibaka be traded to the Houston Rockets and reunite with James Harden? Stay tuned for more NBA trade rumors and updates.
