Mason Plumlee added to Team USA player pool (Montrezl Harrell, too, but he’s already out)

The Houston Rockets have amassed an impressive collection of young players and tradable draft picks. That has the Rockets set up to be in the conversation if any number of star players becomes available on the trade market. One such player that would make sense for Houston is Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.

While the Bucks aren’t expected to consider trading Antetokounmpo unless he asks for it, it won’t keep other teams from dreaming a bit. That includes the Rockets, who could ask Houston legend Hakeem Olajuwon to assist in recruiting Antetokounmpo, should the All-Star forward ask for a trade.

Antetokounmpo has trained with Olajuwon in the past. In addition, the Bucks superstar has professed his admiration for Olajuwon and his journey from Africa to the Basketball Hall of Fame.

The Rockets are also considered players if Kevin Durant becomes available. Houston has as many as eight to nine tradable draft picks and swaps in the next two years. That includes future picks from the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns, in addition to the Rockets own picks.

Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma will miss at least Wednesday’s game due to a groin strain. The Wizards haven’t announced a timeline for Kuzma’s return, but it’s expected he could miss additional time beyond the Hawks game Wednesday.

In his fourth season with the Wizards, Kuzma has gotten off to a bit of a slow start. He’s averaging 17 points, but shooting 33% from the field. The veteran forward has also been tasked to take on additional playmaking duties, with point guard Malcolm Brogdon sidelined with an injury.