Through the national media, and social networks, it was a known fact that Melo was let go because the team wanted to play an undrafted rookie, Gary Clark, over him. This was mainly due to the fact that all we really needed from Melo on offense was catch and shoot 3’s, which Clark could hit at a similar rate, and Clark also offered more youth, upside, and defense. Clark has posted a +0.4 in defensive plus-minus, compared to Melo’s -3.4. Those numbers are deflated because of how terrible the defense has been as a whole, but it just goes to show Clark’s energy and instincts on the defensive side of the ball were both seen and valued by the Rockets organization. Since Melo left, Clark saw his minutes go up from 7 to 21 per game and was playing during those same clutch situations that Melo used to play. Playing these big minutes really helped him get a feel for the game and learn his role in the D’Antoni system.
As Clark has faded into a rookie wall and struggled with his shot, though, his minutes have since gone to Danuel House Jr, another young guy who has shown a lot of potential. Since being called up from the G-League in late November, he has made an immediate impact, playing 20.6 minutes per game in the month he has been on the team. House isn’t quite on Clark’s level on the defensive side of the ball, with only a -2.8 defensive plus-minus, but he offers a lot more athleticism, energy, and offensive polish than the other two. House currently leads the team with a +57 overall plus minus which is a direct result of the energy he brings. These two guys have been able to develop nicely by playing important minutes early on in their careers, and I see them as big building blocks for the future with their youth, and potential to be dependable 3-and-D wings once their time comes.
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