Kevin Porter Jr. and Christian Wood may have uncertain futures in Houston following a locker-room altercation with coaches at halftime of the Rockets‘ loss to Denver Saturday night.
According to Shams Charania and Kelly Iko of The Athletic, Porter left the arena after assistant coach John Lucas challenged him, Wood, and several other players for a lack of effort. Porter reportedly threw an object and had to be separated from Lucas during the exchange. When told that he wouldn’t play in the second half, he responded by driving away rather than joining his teammates on the bench.
Wood, the team’s leading scorer and rebounder, was held out of the starting lineup after missing a mandatory COVID-19 test earlier in the day, the authors add. He played eight minutes in the first half, going scoreless and missing all four of his shots from the field, and sources tell Charania and Iko that he informed coaches at halftime that he wasn’t interested in playing in the second half.
Head coach Stephen Silas said the incident was sparked by a “spirited debate” after allowing the Nuggets to score 77 points in the first half, writes Jonathan Feigen of The Houston Chronicle. It marked the second straight game in which the Rockets had surrendered more than 70 points in the first half.
“I mean, we were angry at halftime that we had just given up 47 points (in the second quarter),” Silas said. “So, we watched the film. We had a spirited debate at halftime. And you know, I have certain demands of this group as far as playing hard. Making mistakes is different than giving the effort, and I wasn’t satisfied with the effort. So, halftime took a little bit longer and then getting more organized after halftime (took a) little bit longer as well.”
Porter has spoken to team officials and expressed regret about the incident, a Rockets source told Iko. He has a history of anger issues, which is why Houston was able to acquire him from the Cavaliers midway through last season for a conditional second-round draft pick.
After the trade, the Rockets sent Porter to their G League affiliate to learn how to become a point guard. The organization has committed to him for that position, to the point of keeping John Wall, the team’s highest-paid player, inactive so he won’t affect Porter’s minutes. Porter will be eligible for a rookie-scale extension this summer, and this latest issue will surely affect the Rockets’ willingness to make a long-term commitment.
There have already been trade rumors surrounding Wood, who is in the second season of a three-year contract he signed as a free agent in 2020. He’s having another productive year, averaging 16.8 points and 10.3 rebounds in 35 games, but Houston isn’t winning and he’s probably the team’s best trade asset.
No disciplinary action has been announced against either player, although fines and possible suspensions seem likely.
The Rockets barely made it back to the court in time for the second half, Feigen adds, and the incident reveals problems that go far beyond a seven-game losing streak.
“There is, you know, when you’re competitors, there’s times where you’re in the locker room and in the locker rooms … you’re getting after it and you’re showing examples,” Silas said. “And you know, when you want a team to do better, you have to let them know. And tonight, was the night I had to let them know.”
fun fact christian wood was a team teammate of mine in charlotte
Stop
no
Wow lots of up votes. People here enjoy the charade, so keep banging away buddy. Keep the posts coming.
That’s what losers do. Yell and blame others.
What winners do is what you saw in the Warriors game against the Jazz. Gave up 41 points in the 3rd quarter against the Jazz. Did they wilt, complain, blame others? No. Champions get after it!
Rockets could learn from the Warriors on how to build a championship team with character.
@Adam
you mean like when Draymond called KD a b##$$ for missing coverage? Big difference between blaming others and holding each other accountable. It’s the individuals character as to whether they accept the criticism and challenge themselves to do better or deflect blame to others. Feels like the Rockets players have never had a guy check them on their bull before.
Agreed. or when Howard and Davis when at it on the bench. It’s not about losers or winners. It’s about accountability and making sure the team has everyone on the same page.
So is Antonio Brown really Kevin Porter Sr.’s love child? Just askin. Seems like they both need intravenous Prozac.
Kevin Porter Jr is really turning out to be a bum. Enough is enough grow up. He is going to end up as the Antonio Brown of the NBA in terms of off court nonsense if he doesn’t change.
Actually, Porter’s two blow ups have been “at the office.” He obviously needs some form of counseling.
As for Wood, his agent probably needs to tell him that one act may have cost him millions of dollars.
Porter doesn’t deserve counseling. Porter isn’t good enough for counseling. Porter should be told that he is just an average ‘garden variety’, boring piece of crap. Counseling is much too elegant for Porter.
So you’re basically saying that Porter has so many problems that he doesn’t deserve help? What a pathetic comment.
sometimes these people can’t be helped , and the best help will be being locked up from society once he does something dumb enough.
think about it, this guy has major anger issues and a gun charge, and has abused women … combine those aspects
It wasn’t just at the office. He had that gun charge too.
Antonio Brown??! Porter is nothing close to the talent of AB or accomplishments. Porter is really nobody at this point and he blew another great situation in Houston and nobody will ever offer him nothing but minimum contract. Too bad.
A great situation in Houston? Bahahahaha
Think about it. He was let go by CL, but Houston is giving him a full opportunity to play, develop, and make a name for himself. What more would you want as a young player who is not established?
Well Cleveland gave him a full opportunity too, but they punished him (with locker moving and benching) and then released him for nothing after he was arrested for driving high and have illegal gun on him, accused of punching a girl, and then throwing a huge tantrum in front of the entire Cavs team, coaches, and GM. The opportunities have been there for every team he has been on including USC who suspended him too when he was there.
ghetto
At least Brown was a star worth trying to “fix”. Porter hasn’t earned that latitude yet. He better fix himself.
Kevin Porter YTD
9.8 PER
47% TS
-4.7 BPM
-0.4 VORP
And they’ve held out Wall, a diminished yet still starter quality player, to ensure he gets the minutes.
If Porter can’t at least put up stats on a bad team where they’re guaranteeing him minutes then I’m not sure there will be a high tolerance fore dealing w/ his off court issues
AB pulled a Rocket today against Jets. Walked off field and did not return.
So get mad at the coach for playing bad instead of trying to do better? Houston is in last place for a reason.
Because Harden demanded a trade and they are rebuilding. their in last place because of lack of enough talent. Culture comes now in how they handle these two.
Agree with you. Don’t fault Houston’s management. Houston took a shot at winning the title and almost was able to. It didn’t quite work out. So now Houston is in a rebuild. Houston is trying to clear their payroll and hopefully hit on some high draft picks.
Houston had the opportunity to get talent in the Harden trade the owner is just cheap. All fault lies with el cheapo Fertitta
Think Houston did great in the Harden trade to NJ. Received a slew of first round picks. Houston did well to not take back a bunch of overpriced over the hoill players. Now Houston just has to figure out what to do with John Wall and Eric Gordon’s situations. Each has one more year at big money guaranteed especially John Wall’s contract. The Porter situation is very irritating and galling.
I feel the coaches had to get on the players. They for 2 games straight shown no effort. Rockets had an 11 point lead and just let Denver go off from there. Tate kept getting to foul trouble. Although some calls were favoritism to the other teams player. That one Nugget player was everywhere. I miss seeing some of the fire used to see even during their winning streak. My final thought is Wood and Porter Jr. now and their future. If we get players back will things pick up.
I’m not a fan of people saying don’t blame the refs (and I know you’re not saying that) but against Denver, the refs definitely had a part in the game. Denver got all the calls and as a player that affects you greatly. Attitude and effort decline, understandably.
I also have to say is Silas the coach going forward. I am sure is for rest of season but after this season if things do not change. There is talent on team and where do we go forward perhaps at trade deadline or with coaching for next season. I guess am eager to at least see something for rest of season and hope into next season.
What talent? Team is trash! They will find a way to ruin Sengun/Green. What you need is a new owner. Start at the top!
At least they wont talk about racism and slavery, lol. Silas and Lucas are as emphathetic of players as they come….
Praying
I think Porter should of kept on driving til he got to Europe. Or maybe China. The NBA seems far fetched at this point.
I’m praying for the Rockets….. hoping they can beat the stage IV cancer known as KPJ
Wow I wonder who said Wood was an issue in Houston. Porter is on his last contract here. He better wake up cause no one is going to sign him.
I have never been a Porter is my PG fan. Believe he’s more a combo guard. And is best suited as the third guard off the bench. Can still be very valuable and sign a good contract. But I doubt he would accept that.
A rebuilding team does not need head cases. To lead the young players astray. Time to move Wodd now. Been saying it since last year. He wants to get paid. And does not care about the Rockets rebuild. Sell high now. He can bring back good value.
Wood will always be a big stats on bad teams guy, he is Andre Drummond 2.0, KPJ needs to act his age but I think this Knicks fan has it right, dude is a 6th man who scores, he will never be a starter because his defense is atrocious, but some of these comments are acting like KPJ took someone’s mother out to dinner and left her to pay the bill, relax, every man on earth has been in a verbal altercation at some point in their lives
Porter’s numbers this year are pretty atrocious across the board.
The problem for him is there’s already a glut of high volume, no distribution, no defense Lou Will inspired combo guards in the league vying for spots — and most of them are more efficient than he is, and also don’t leave games at halftime and throw things at coaches.
I think it’s more likely KPJ ends up overseas than coming off the bench.
Personally, I like Christian Wood a lot. Thought Wood was a great bargain the the Rockets. $42 million over three seasons which is only $14 million per season. Disappointing if Wood is not acting professionally.
Remember when the Rockets had Chris Paul and their terrible owner thought he had a bad contract? Then CP3 goes on to lead an awful OKC roster to the playoffs and the Suns to the Finals? All while trading him and 4 first rounders for Westbrook. And CP3 was underpaid so he opted out and got an even bigger contract. You could sure use that leadership now, Tilman.
Some players just can’t leave behind bad habits (on and off the floor). I guess they forget they can make tons of money and should be good role models. A lot of people would like to be in their shoes, with that kind of opportunity.
time for moms to move in.
Lol he blew up at his team again. All the talent but what a head case
Keeping a capable player making 40+mil INACTIVE so he won’t affect the minutes of a Headcase that cost you a measely 2nd-rounder is about the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard! smh
Obviously it’s the players at fault in this situation but I think it all could’ve been handled better.
During the game your losing bad, you’ve felt like you’d tried pretty well but obviously it isn’t working. Your frustrated, annoyed, and probably a little angry just because of how the game is going, no one likes to be losing. Then at half time your coaches pull you into the locker room, your all hot and sweaty and frustrated, they make you watch film and call you out for lack of effort and poor attitude. Hardly constructive criticism and hardly going to rub the players the right way.
I understand KPJ took it completely the wrong way but at the same time couldn’t the coaches have waited till after the game before trying to rip their players apart. These guys aren’t a veteran championship team in the playoffs they are a bunch of young dudes who’s teams currently has one of the worst records. They aren’t going to respond to criticism the same.
I just thought I’d throw in a different perspective cause so far there like 30+ comments just ripping apart the players. KPJ left the game at half time after being told he won’t play in the second half, he’s then gone on to communicate with team officials and say he regrets his decision. It’s really not that bigger issue I feel and I don’t understand all the hate he’s getting
You don’t walk out on your team. Unprofessional is putting it mildly for Porter. He clearly has issues. Rockets have given him a real chance to be a productive player in this league. This is not going to help him. And these are men with a job to do. Getting ripped for failure is part of the job. This ain’t a little league team lol. You can’t have this attitude on a rebuilding team.
I’d get rid of both them as soon as I could.
Clearly has issues yes and yes it was an overreaction which he said he regrets. But it’s not that huge really. He was told he’s not going to play the second half after being ripped apart and probably already feeling frustrated with how things are going on the court. It’s not worth getting rid of him for cause he’s a good player he just has some issues but at the same time I feel like the coaches could’ve handled things better too.
As for you bit about getting ripped into in front of everyone is apart of your job, yes and no.
In today’s era you need to handle everyone and every situation differently. Some players will thrive off being called out in front of others and being held responsible, some feel like your singling them out your targeting them and would rather have it one on one or not be ripped into and rather have constructive criticism. That’s just today’s era.
That’s why I’m saying instead of ripping into a young player, you know has anger and attitude issues who is already annoyed and frustrated with the game probably wasn’t the best approach. Especially at half time in front of everyone. It could’ve waited till after the game isn’t not like it was the playoffs and they needed the win. After the game or even the next day, players would’ve cooled off the result was done, you’d have more film and examples. Heck you could’ve even done it one on one if the issues was solely KPJs lack of effort but it wasn’t just him.
First off you don’t know how ripped apart he was. You weren’t in the locker room. And it is a big deal when you have a history. Porter is his own worst enemy. Guy should get help. Hopefully he has family or real friends. That can help him see the light. He could never play for me dude. You can keep him.
Definitely needs help
Not hard to understand, dude just doesn’t know how to behave around folks, all the baggage he brings for his limited talent it just ain’t worthy!
Get rid of KPJ & C-Wood, that both are having very bad seasons compared to last year & build with the right guys, like Green & Sengun that are playing real good & have the right attitude!
You see, I am all for the players, but in this case abandoning the team & refusing to play is just inexcusable!
Rockets went on the big streak with Green away from the team.
I see your side and understand I just think the coaches should’ve done better and that all this hate towards the players is really unnecessary. Just wait until CWood or KPJ make an all star team and you’ll be like Rockets should’ve got rid of them similarly to how Cavs fans viewed KPJ up until now
I can’t see either of KPJ or C-Wood ever making an All-Star team, that is for sure… now Green & Sengun, they will, that is for sure!
I could see CWood making it next year in all honesty and KPJ I’m not sold on but he’s got great potential.
I believe the issue was related to effort level, which is something you really do need to address in-game unfortunately. I have a feeling this wasn’t an isolated incident either. You usually don’t blown up on players for a single lapse.
I like this comment the most in reply to mine. I do agree you usually would address in game but for the sake of the Rockets against the nuggets it wasn’t necessary. It’s not a must win playoff game, is not like they are battling for a playoff spot, they are a young team that have lost heaps and will continue to lose heaps.
The coaches could’ve asked for more effort. But save film study and ripping into young players for another time.
Dudes only 21 and they know he has issues, he’s frustrated with the game don’t push him over the edge and then cry wolf.
These comments just aren’t as entertaining with HWMVP MIA.
KPJr to Jailblazers
Porter realizes he needs to get to that 2nd contract before becoming a headache and diva right? Bout to Antonio Brown his way out of the NBA.
Too predictable. HOU looks to be on the threshold of becoming the latest casualty of the Hinke Rebuild Theory. Maybe the tanking part will work to get them another high 1st in the next draft. But as far as there being any player or team development amidst the pathologies that their hapless losing culture has unleased, no. Saddest part is they actually think what they’re doing is helping develop their young players.
Jabari or Paolo is worth tanking for this year to me. That’s another reason to move Wood. Both these guys are Greens age and will be better than Wood. Both play both ways. That’s the best kind of star any team can have.
I like Porter and think he has crazy potential… But if John Lucas can’t help you then idk who can