National Basketball Association

Mike Scott headed to the Houston Rockets?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Atlanta Hawks have 16 players under guaranteed contracts going into the 2016-17 season. Could Mike Scott be the odd man out?

Mike Scott has been one of the more important players on the Hawks’ bench players since being drafted in 2012. Even as a full-time reserve, his impact has been much more than any non-Hawk fan could understand. Scott is nearly unguardable in instances where he heats up, like this one:

Because of his high-end streak shooting, and lack of other exceptional talents, his value around the league likley varies from team to team. Teams whose philosophy relies on more versatility and consistency from their bench may shy away from Scott. On the other end of the spectrum, a team who will seemingly go out of their way to acquire a player whose short-term ability fits their agenda. Scott’s value is clear: scoring.

Enter the Houston Rockets.

With the hiring of coach Mike D’Antoni, the team showed that offense will be their first priority. James Harden will be playing extended minutes at point guard, and the offseason acquisitions of Eric Gordon and Ryan Anderson represents a offense-only approach to the 2016-17 season. What would it take for the Rockets to obtain a perfect fit for their D’Antoni-led squad?

Mar 3, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Houston Rockets guard Corey Brewer (33) is defended by Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver (26) in the third quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Hawks receive Corey Brewer and a 2019 lottery protected first round pick

Houston Rockets receive Mike Scott and Tim Hardaway Jr.

The Rockets get one step closer to a true Seven Seconds or Less offense. Scott would continue playing the same role he did in Atlanta, giving the bench a deadly scoring option behind Ryan Anderson. A bench trio consisting of Scott, Hardaway Jr., and Eric Gordon would keep assistant coaches up at night, if used correctly. If used alongside a stout defender, like Clint Capela, Scott’s deficiencies in the defensive end would be somewhat shielded.

Meanwhile, the Hawks would get their roster down to 15, and obtain an extremely solid defensive minded wing. The protected pick would be a nice asset for the future, especially if the Rockets find themselves clawing into the playoffs as the seventh or eighth seed in three seasons. It is a challenge to predict into the future, but with the West getting stronger by the season, it is surely plausible.

Brewer’s game has a number of positives. He steals the ball at an extremely high rate (2.5 steal percentage last season), and uses his length to get down the court for easy fast break points. As a nine-year veteran known for his positive locker room spirit, Brewer could make Prince and Bembry’s life easier as rookies. Brewer came into the league as a 21-year old nine years ago, after winning national championships at Florida in 2006 and 2007. He also won an NBA championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011. Teaching the young players on the team how to be a true winner and a professional could mean even more than his actual on-court production.

Losing Hardaway Jr. would seem like a large blow for the near future, but his departure would give rookies Taurean Prince and Deandre’ Bembry extra playing time and opportunities. He hasn’t necessarily been the player fans believed he would be coming out of Michigan in the 2013 NBA Draft. He has shown flashes of possible stardom, but with two rookies on board, it may be feasible to make a move.

Would this trade help of hurt the Hawks in the short term? In the long term? Leave your thoughts on the possible deal in the comments, and discuss it with me on Twitter @ATLpistolpete.