The Houston Rockets are off to a very solid start this season after losing their first game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night and one reason has been the play of Dwight Howard and that has meant a diminished role for Omer Asik, which is one reason why he could be on the trade block heading into the back stretch of the season.
Asik was reportedly not too pleased after the team signed Dwight Howard, as he finally made it as a full-time starter and played in all 82 games and averaged a double-double and while the team has said that he will be used in sets with Howard, so far the numbers have not been great. In the first four games of the season Asik has not played in more than 28 minutes and that is a stark difference from what he was dealing with last season, as he was the starter and played very well for the team, averaging over 10 points and 11 rebounds with over a block per game and now this season his numbers have taken a hit.
Asik played well in the loss against the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday, but he did not factor much into the stat sheet with just six points and seven rebounds and he only attempted one shot from the field in the matchup and while he is a team player, things could get antsy moving along the rest of the season. The Bulls could try and make a move for Asik, as they originally had him before he developed into one of the most consistent centers in the league last season and while the Rockets said over the summer they were not interested in moving him, that could change if he is unhappy with his role on the team.
Asik is a very durable player and he recently became the active leader for consecutive games played and last season playing in all 82 games was one reason why the streak is alive. Russell Westbrook was previously the top player on the list and now the 27-year-old has the lead and the last time he missed a game was back with the Bulls and he has now played in over 230 games straight. Asik played well through the first three games and started while averaging 23 minutes and 11 rebounds and now after the Clippers game he is averaging five points and just over 10 rebounds and while he will be a big factor, he will also be a huge trade target come the deadline.
Reports first came out about Asik wanting a trade soon after the Rockets signed Howard and while both Kevin McHale and Daryl Morey said they did not want to deal him, that could change down the line this season. The Rockets are playing against the Blazers next and has a Lakers matchup looming and so far this season the team has been great on the boards, as they are ranked third and they are also ranked fourth in points per game. The team is working on getting things right on the defensive end and Asik should be a big part of that.
