JD Davison has become a focal point for the Houston Rockets as they navigate their current season. Initially making headlines in 2021 as a five-star point guard, Davison demonstrated significant talent during his high school career. His journey has continued through a standout performance in the G-League, where he captured the MVP title.
Rockets Embrace JD Davison’s Potential
In the summer, Davison joined the Houston Rockets on a two-way contract, a situation often overlooked. Despite his promising preseason performances, including a strong display of shooting and playmaking, Davison has seen limited action under Coach Ime Udoka.
Impact of Fred VanVleet’s Injury
The Rockets’ starting point guard, Fred VanVleet, suffered a significant ACL injury, amplifying the team’s need for effective ball handling. In VanVleet’s absence, the Rockets have tried various players in point guard roles, but inconsistencies remain.
- Amen Thompson has frequently played out of position.
- Kevin Durant has taken on facilitating duties at times.
However, Davison’s recent performance showed promise during a game against the Chicago Bulls. He played 24 minutes, contributing nine points, seven rebounds, four assists, and one block, while committing no turnovers. He shot 50% from the field and 62% in true shooting percentage.
Upcoming Decisions on Davison’s Future
The Rockets face a pressing decision regarding Davison’s future. He has participated in 35 games so far this season. Two-way players are limited to 50 games, meaning the team needs to make a choice soon. If retained, the cost of converting his contract to a standard deal is expected to be around $900,000, which is manageable for the organization.
Why JD Davison Stands Out
Davison has proved to be the Rockets’ only genuine pick-and-roll guard, capable of driving offense effectively. His natural feel for the game allows him to control the pace and communicate well on both ends, traits that have been missed since VanVleet’s injury.
With the Rockets now glaringly needing a consistent point guard, the decision to fully commit to JD Davison seems increasingly logical. His continued presence could provide the team with the stability it desperately requires.
