After his latest outburst, Kevin Porter Jr. has put the Houston Rockets in a very tricky situation.
The team is currently in rebuilding mode and they want to become a playoff contender in the West within just a few years.
In other words, they need the talent of Porter, who is creating 12.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.7 assists a game – all career highs.
However, they need a team full of young, engaged, and rational players – not guys who are going to fly off the handle often.
Porter recently got into a huge blow-up with assistant coach John Lucas, which has led to him being suspended tonight.
Kevin Porter Jr. and Christian Wood did not play in the 2nd half against the Nuggets due to an altercation with the coaching staff.
Both will not play against the Sixers tonight 🙅♂️ pic.twitter.com/M27wc5k7DR
— Rockets Nation (@RocketsNationCP) January 3, 2022
If history always repeats itself, there is little doubt that a situation like this will happen again.
That means that the Rockets need to figure out what they are going to do with Porter: is he really worth all the hassle?
3. Keep Him
The first thing that the Rockets can do is just sit tight and let Porter remain on the team.
The fight that happened on Saturday night was unacceptable and there is no debate about that – but is it enough for the Rockets to cut him from the team?
The truth is that arguments happen all the time.
This is true for any workplace environment, not just basketball teams.
Therefore, maybe the Rockets should hold onto Porter, with the promise that he will do something to maintain his composure.
The Rockets have some of the best doctors and trainers in the world – surely they have enough money to hire a conflict mediator who can help Porter with anger management.
Porter could be warned – sternly – that this cannot happen again.
After that, the Rockets could continue to play Porter and hope that he keeps his promise.
2. Trade Him
Here’s another viable option for the Rockets: trade Porter.
It’s no secret that the Rockets are in rebuilding mode.
Yes, they are trying to turn their future around and become a competitive team and means they need a lot of young, promising players.
That can happen via trades – including one featuring Porter.
Porter is a good player – he’s better than he ever has been – and even with his temper problems, there are a few teams in the NBA that would take a chance on him.
Kevin Porter Jr. had to turn on ROCKET MODE to finish this alley-oop 🤯pic.twitter.com/KBxAjhyi66
— Rockets Nation (@RocketsNationCP) January 2, 2022
If the Rockets really are sick of Porter’s shenanigans, they could send him elsewhere in the league and receive another player in his place.
Anger issues aside, Porter is a viable trade chip for the Rockets – maybe now is the time they pull the trigger on sending him away.
1. Cut Him
Here’s the most extreme option for the Rockets: they could simply waive Porter from the team.
This should only be a last resort and can only happen if he doesn’t improve his attitude and other teams make it clear they don’t want him.
It needs to be remembered that a team cannot function if there is too much negativity on it.
If Porter doesn’t start acting better, the Rockets might have no choice but to make a drastic choice and just cut ties with the young player immediately.
They’d save some money in the long run but they would also lose the chance at trading him for a star player from another team.
In all likelihood, this probably won’t happen unless Porter has an even more intense argument in the locker room soon.
Hopefully, cooler heads prevail in this situation and Porter realizes how lucky he is to be playing at the level he is – and does whatever is needed to shape up.
NEXT: Is Kevin Porter Jr.'s NBA Career Over?