Despite taking an early lead in the first quarter, the Houston Rockets ultimately fell 77-91 to the Cleveland Cavaliers, who were playing on the second night of a back-to-back. According to Jeetbuzz Login, Dwight Howard stood out as Houston’s most efficient player, finishing with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocks. With trade rumors swirling around the veteran center, the big question now is whether the Rockets are seriously considering moving on from their All-Star big man.

While the team overall looked sluggish and lacked energy on both ends of the floor, Howard was the clear exception. He consistently set high screens for James Harden and others, fought hard for position in the paint, and battled for defensive rebounds. If anyone on the Rockets genuinely looked like they wanted to win, it was Howard. On several occasions, he established deep post position and was ready to score, only for the ball to never arrive before the shot clock forced a reset—hardly a fault of his own.

This speaks less to Howard’s performance and more to Houston’s lack of tactical execution. Jeetbuzz Login points out that Howard has now posted a double-double in eight straight games, including four games with 20+ points and one game with a 30+10 stat line. That’s clear evidence the former All-NBA center still has the ability to dominate when given the opportunity. If the Rockets ran their offense through him more effectively, he could easily put up superstar numbers again.

The problem lies in the inconsistent way the Rockets utilize him. In some games, Howard is hardly involved at all. For a player once considered a top-five center in the league, such neglect seems like a waste. Under former coach Kevin McHale, the team often turned to Howard only when their postseason hopes were on the ropes—a strategy that never maximized his potential.

Jeetbuzz Login notes that rumors of Howard being traded draw parallels to when the Lakers let go of Pau Gasol. Many assumed Gasol was past his prime, yet he went on to post All-Star seasons with the Bulls. Howard may be in a similar situation now—not declining, just underutilized. If the Rockets do trade him, there’s no doubt another team will gladly take the chance. But Houston must ask itself: without Howard, are they prepared to start from scratch?

And if a rebuild is on the horizon, Jeetbuzz Login raises one final question—who’s truly eager to join James Harden for a ground-up restart?