Isaiah Canaan an x-factor for the Houston Rockets?
The Houston Rockets had big plans for the 2014 offseason.
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The Rockets targeted Miami Heat forward LeBron James and New York Knicks’ forward Carmelo Anthony, but after James left the Heat for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Anthony re-signed with the Knicks, they moved on to Heat big man Chris Bosh. Bosh re-signed with the Heat. The Rockets settled for Washington Wizards’ swingman Trevor Ariza.
To make room for a star, they traded center Omer Asik and point guard Jeremy Lin and also declined their option on forward Chandler Parsons, losing all three players without much to show for it.
Now, point guard Isaiah Canaan will likely play a larger role and he believes he can handle an increased role.
“I have to go out there and be a lead guard, lead the team the best I can, make sure I get everybody involved, and try to be an extension of the coach on the court,” Canaan tells Basketball Insiders of his goal as he tries to show he’s ready for more time with the pro side of the franchise. “I’ve been paying attention to the guys who played in Orlando (summer league) that are out here playing with us. I’ve been trying to pay attention to where they are comfortable on the court so I can get them the ball in those areas. At the same time, just trying to work some of this rust off. We haven’t played in over a month, so I’m trying to get back so I can go out there and compete.”
Canaan appeared in 22 games last season. He averaged 4.6 points, 1.1 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game while shooting 35.6% from the field, 32.7% from beyond the arc and 72.4% from the charity stripe.