The Rockets bet on Durant, and the lineup is incredible! Why choose to give up Langdale?

In the NBA offseason, the Houston Rockets' operations were simply dazzling! From trading Durant to renewing core players, to comprehensive upgrade of lineup depth, the Rockets' ambitions in the Western Conference have been revealed. However, in this big bet, a 6-foot-11-inch striker quietly left the team, and he was Jock Landale. What kind of strategic layout is hidden behind the Rockets giving up on him?

Rockets' performance last season: It's only one step away from success. Looking back on last season, the Rockets ended the regular season with the second place in the West, but unfortunately ended in the first round of the playoffs. This kind of performance of "opening high and closing low" obviously cannot satisfy the team. In order to take a step further in the new season, the management decided to give it a try, introduce superstar Durant, and reorganize the lineup to prepare for the championship.

Durant led the Rockets' frontcourt lineup is as luxurious as it is, this offseason, and the Rockets' operations are textbook-level. Durant's joining is undoubtedly the biggest highlight, and he will form the Rockets' luxury frontcourt with Jabarry Smith and Shin Kyung. At the same time, veteran Steven Adams, Jeff Green, young star Cam Whitmore and others have all returned. With Capela who returned from the Hawks' trade and Dorian Finney-Smith, the Rockets' inside depth has been "suffocating".

Landal's departure: a helpless choice under the depth lineup However, while the lineup depth continues to increase, the Rockets have to make some difficult decisions. Jock Landaer became a victim. Although this player who has played for the Spurs, Suns and Rockets is not at the star level, he has always been a stable contributor to the team. Last season, he averaged 4.8 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, with a shooting percentage of 53.3%. He even scored 11 points in 9 minutes in the last game against the Nuggets, demonstrating his efficiency and value.

But in front of the frontcourt lineup led by Durant, Langdale's positioning seems awkward. His technical characteristics cannot compete with these star players, and the Rockets' goal is obviously to shake the position of the Western Conference overlord with a stronger lineup. So, Langdale became the one who was "abandoned".

Deep and competition: Rockets' road to the Western Conference. With Durant's joining, the Rockets' goal is no longer the first round of the playoffs, but to strive for the championship. Facing its rival, Oklahoma City Thunder, the Rockets must lead in lineup depth and tactical flexibility. Langdale's departure just reflects the Rockets' high standards and strict requirements for the "champion lineup".

Future Outlook: More Transactions? More surprises? However, this is just the beginning of the offseason! The famous basketball commentator Bill Simmons boldly predicted that the Rockets might make more earth-shaking transactions. Will there be a big move of three to one? Can Durant continue to maintain his peak at the age of 36? These questions make people look forward to the Rockets' new season.

Summary: The Rockets' ambitions and the operation of the Houston Rockets have shown their ambitions. From Durant's joining to Langdale's departure, every step reveals the Rockets' obsession with the championship. With extremely fierce competition in the West, can the Rockets' new lineup get what it wants and become the real overlord? The new season is coming, let's wait and see!