Tier 2 – So Crazy It Might Work
Markelle Fultz
There was once a time in which Markelle Fultz looked like the next star guard. Those hopes have long since been dashed due to a rather tragic injury history. Yet, the former first overall pick is just 27 years old. According to his peer’s anecdotes, that means he’s in his physical prime.
More importantly, Fultz makes his presence felt at both ends. When on offense, he’s an athletic and crafty shot-creator with a knack for tough finishes. He’s also a heads-up passer with deft touch. Defensively, he’s not only a willing competitor, but pretty effective at generating turnovers.
Elfrid Payton
In 2024-25, Elfrid Payton made his return to the NBA in glorious fashion, dishing out a then league-high 21 assists in his third game of the season. It was a potent reminder of the promise that he held when he was drafted 10th overall in 2014. However, in the 11 years that have passed since he was drafted, he hasn’t developed meaningfully in any way. What you see is what you get.
On the plus side, that means the Rockets would be signing one of the game’s true floor generals. Payton’s command, court vision and adroit passes would instantly make him the best facilitator on the roster. On the downside, opponents have no problem letting Payton shoot, which would only cramp their spacing even more. At the other end, Payton is a mixed bag.
Cam Payne
Cam Payne‘s reputation precedes him.
The 10-year veteran is a confident, charismatic and crafty guard with a scorer’s mindset at 6-foot-3. He’s streaky with a kooky shooting form, and really more of an x-factor than a player a team wants to rely on night-in and night-out. He’s a highly competitive player but has just average athleticism and defensive instincts.
In a vacuum, he may not be the best choice for the Rockets. Yet, if he can hone in on his playmaking and be an efficient outside threat, it could work. That’s why his career 3-point percentage (.368) and career per 36 minute assist average (8.9) can’t be ignored. Nor can his ball-control, an underrated aspect of being a floor general.
