Houston Rockets Offseason Needs

Use Cap Space to Sign Big Name Big:

Obviously Dwight Howard is a possibility and could be their number one target, but they need a power forward. Asik played better than most thought he would, but even though they have stacked up on power forwards, they do not have one capable of starting. They traded for Thomas Robinson before the deadline, but he looks like he will be a bust. He was not given a lot of minutes in either Houston or Sacramento because he was not a guy who should have been drafted with the 5th pick. Donatas Motiejunas played well when given the chance last season. However, he is not a “bang it out” guy down low and is more of an outside player, which hurts him on defense. They do not have a draft pick in the first round so they have to go after a free agent. I think Paul Millsap would a be a good pickup. He had a tough season, but I think he would produce more on Houston. He would likely be the second option on offense. He would be very productive in Houston and would add something that they were missing last season down low. 

Draft Guard Depth:

The Rockets don’t have much depth behind Jeremy Lin and James Harden. Lin might not be around much longer because his contract is up in two season and in the last season, his salary is high. Patrick Beverly played well off the bench during the season and even better in playoffs when he got a chance to start. However, they do not have much behind James Harden. Francisco Garcia played well, but they can get better and younger. They have a fairly high second round draft pick to use on a guard. Nate Wolters would be their best option with that pick. He played point guard in college, but he has the size to both guard positions. If he is off of the board, they can try to get Brandon Paul. He is small, but is a natural shooting guard.

Center Depth: 

Omer Asik played very well this season, he even averaged a double double. However, he does not have a good offensive game and is a terrible free throw shooter. Also, every time I watch him, it seems like he gets winded very easily. Chris Kaman could be a good pickup if they could snag him and if he would agree to be a good backup. I also think Timofey Mozgov would be a great pickup too. He is used to being the backup. He also adds a good offensive game inside and a decent mid-range game. 

If they can snag Paul Millsap, grab some guard depth in the draft and get a backup center, this team can put together a good western conference run. James Harden is already a star and will be the main scorer on the team. Chandler Parsons played very well last season. He is blossoming into a great role player. He does everything well which makes him a very well rounded player. If they can put another scorer next to Harden and Parsons, like Millsap, they will contend and I will not be surprised if they win 50 games next season. I think they will land the 5th seed in the conference and they will advance into the second round.