Rockets Left With Little To No Veteran Presence Following Justin Holiday's Buyout

Following Justin Holiday's departure, Houston Rockets coach Stephen Silas says having players with three or less years of experience is not an ideal situation for a coach.

HOUSTON — Houston Rockets coach Stephen Silas said Justin Holiday was all in. Holiday and Silas spent the last four days together after the Rockets landed the 10-year veteran, alongside Frank Kaminsky, from the Atlanta Hawks Thursday afternoon. 

The last time Silas spoke to Holiday came during Monday's shootaround ahead of Houston's 123-104 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Silas said they spoke about basketball stuff. But two hours later, Holiday and the Rockets had agreed to a buyout.

Holiday plans to sign with the Dallas Mavericks once he clears waivers.

He became the third player to leave Houston following the trade deadline, which has left the team with little to no veteran presence. The Rockets parted ways with Danny Green on Sunday and traded Eric Gordon to the Los Angeles Clippers. 

"Ideally, you want to have guys who have more than three years of experience on the floor," Silas said. "But that is the business of the NBA. And that is where we are as an organization when it comes to rebuilding."

K.J. Martin and Jae'Sean Tate are the elder statesmen within Silas' rotation. Silas is proud of the developments he has seen from his young corps. But he mentioned relying upon players within their first three years is not ideal for any coach.

Kaminsky is the only veteran Silas can use on a nightly basis. But his status with the team is uncertain.

According to The Athletic, the best way to describe Kaminsky's situation with the Rockets is "fluid."

Silas doesn't know if he will get an opportunity. But as a former prospect from Charlotte, Silas believes Kaminsky could give Houston a boost off the bench. Kaminsky's shooting as a stretch big is the best on-court attribute he can provide the Rockets to enhance their play.

Kaminsky worked under Silas during his first three years with the Charlotte Hornets. Silas was an assistant under coach Steve Clifford.

"It's good to coach someone you know," Silas said. "He is an eight-year veteran player who has been through a lot. He has been on good teams. He has been on not so good teams. He has been waived. He's been in and out of playing groups. He can help a lot of our guys in the locker room, and that's important."

With the exception of John Wall, general manager Rafael Stone hoped to retain the remaining three veterans acquired at the deadline. But five days later, Kaminsky remains as the lone veteran.

Boban Marjanovic, 34, is the only player on Houston's roster over 30 years old.

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