How much of a change can just a few days make in a franchise’s aspirations? Well, a lot. Just ask the Houston Rockets. Not too long ago, they were poised to be the main threat to the OKC Thunder, but Fred VanVleet’s untimely injury has put a massive dent in their plans for the upcoming season. While many believe that the Rockets could use youngsters such as Reed Sheppard or Amen Thompson in a more playmaking role and stay afloat for the season and maximize Kevin Durant’s time with the team. But to become real contenders, they need a proven talent.

This isn’t just what we think; several analysts also share this thought. That’s because even though there’s a chance Sheppard or Thompson could replicate VanVleet’s production, something that both these budding stars cannot bring to the table is the 31-year-old’s experience in tough games and his incredible ability to command the floor. This is why former NBA star Raja Bell has urged Houston’s front office to bring in former NBA champion Jrue Holiday.

While chatting with journalist Howard Beck and discussing who the Rockets could add to maximize their chances this season, Bell revealed that the most compatible guard would be the former Celtics star. “Yeah, I mean that that’d be interesting when you say, you know, the Rockets have all those picks. Like, how enticing would that be for a team like Portland? Jrue Holiday is the perfect kind of name for that, because like I want to go back because you said there’s a real role to play. This isn’t someone who’s just filling minutes,” Bell suggested.

The former shooting guard revealed that Holiday could be the perfect replacement for Fred VanVleet. Moreover, he’s someone who Houston could pick up from the Trail Blazers, without having to sacrifice any of the players from their young core. Well, that’s without a doubt a great shout because Holiday will actually be a great replacement as he had a pretty solid time last season with Boston. The 34-year-old averaged 11.1 points along with 3.9 assists while shooting 35.3 percent from deep.

Not to mention that the veteran guard is also a great perimeter defender. However, the most important quality that Holiday will bring to the table for the Rockets wouldn’t be either of those things; rather, it will be the experience and the ability to glue the starting five together. That is why Jrue Holiday seems like the perfect option for the Rockets. Earlier this summer, the Celtics traded Holiday in exchange for Anfernee Simons to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Right now, the veteran guard is about to make around $32.4 million this season, and $34.8 million in the following season, with a player option for the 2027-28 season worth around $37.2 million. So, Houston will have to make some space for this aging guard on their roster, but given his skillset and abilities, there’s no doubt that he’s the best option for the organization. More so, given the concerns surrounding their newest superstar and two-time NBA champion, Kevin Durant.

Concerns surrounding Kevin Durant make Jrue Holiday an even better addition

Although Jrue Holiday’s arrival will solve the Houston Rockets’ issues at the point guard position, what makes it even more important of a piece for the franchise is the fact that Houston doesn’t have much time. Now, don’t get us wrong, the Rockets have plenty of time with their young core, but with Kevin Durant, their window isn’t as huge. The Slim Reaper is already 37 years old, and if the organization wants to compete for a title with him, for which he was brought in the first place, the time is now.

That is why Raja Bell agreed for the Rockets to make an immediate move to replace Fred VanVleet. “So I to to the question of do you go out, like my immediate would be like yes. I think that while you are trying to balance being on the younger players’ timeline, Kevin Durant’s, his window is open only for a set amount of time, and I think you have to maximize that,” Bell said. The analyst suggested that Kevin Durant’s age and his complicated contract situation should prompt Houston to make an immediate move.

This comes as a result of the front office yet to decide on offering the soon-to-be Hall of Famer an extension, with just one year remaining on his four-year $194.2 million contract. So, taking both KD’s age and his contract into account, it only makes sense that the Rockets make the most of the time they’ve got with the veteran superstar. While it’s highly unlikely that the front office won’t offer Durant an extension, Bell believes that they should take no chances and go all in by signing Jrue Holiday and charging for the title.