5 Dream Targets For Houston Rockets In 2017 NBA Free Agency
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If dreams really do come true, the Houston Rockets will be looking to make a huge splash during 2017 NBA free agency by signing one of these five big-name players.
At this moment, the Houston Rockets are looking like one of the top contenders in the Western Conference. It's been a surprising showing from Mike D'Antoni's squad this season, but it's looking like they're a team worthy taking seriously as we inch closer to the playoffs.
However, if this current campaign doesn't end in a title, the Rockets could look towards 2017 NBA free agency to put the finishing touches on this roster. It's clear there are some weak points for this franchise, but the foundation is there for them to be contenders for years to come.
A splash during free agency would only help their cause.
The only problem is available funds will be limited this offseason. With only about $7 million in cap space open heading into next season (via Spotrac.com), the Rockets may not have a ton of flexibility when the market opens.
For the sake of this conversation, though, I'm going to throw financials out the window. Dreams don't care about salary caps or contract restraints.
Remember–these are meant to be hypothetical targets for Houston this offseason. These guys may not even become available, but that doesn't mean general manaher Daryl Morey wouldn't love the opportunity to bring them aboard.
So here are five dream targets for the Rockets during 2017 NBA free agency. Don't think too deeply on this one–it's meant to be food for thought rather than speculation on how the offseason could actually play out for Houston.
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Andre Roberson, SF, Oklahoma City Thunder
For the average NBA fan, Andre Roberson doesn't exactly fall into the "dream free agent" category. However, for those who know about his game, they know he'd be a welcome addition to this Rockets team–especially on the defensive end.
At this moment, you could make a case that Roberson is one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA. His offensive game leaves a lot to be desired, but the asset he can be on the other end of the court makes it well worth the sacrifice.
Plus, it's not like Houston is lacking in firepower when it comes to scoring.
Right now, the Rockets are 24th in the league in points allowed per game. Bringing Roberson aboard, though, would make keeping opponents in check much easier. He could team with Trevor Ariza to form an intriguing one-two punch on the wing.
Ariza can bring the shooting and Roberson can supply the shut-down defense.
The best part is Roberson shouldn't command a top-dollar deal on the open market. He won't come cheap considering his defensive prowess, but some teams will be wary due to his lack of offense. Even with limited cap space, the Rockets could easily make a run for him.
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Serge Ibaka, PF, Toronto Raptors
Sticking with the defensive theme here, the Rockets could use some more lock-down talent in the front court. Ryan Anderson is an excellent stretch-4, but isn't exactly what you'd consider a plus defender. His strengths lie on the offensive end of the floor.
Finding a dominant defensive power forward this offseason wouldn't be the worst idea. As mentioned, the Rockets have struggled at times to keep opponents from putting big points on the board.
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Luckily, they happen to have a deadly offense (currently ranked second in points per game) that evens things out.
Imagine what a force in the paint like Serge Ibaka could do for this team. While he's been a bit inconsistent over the last couple of years, there's no denying he's a tremendous talent when he gets his act together.
It wasn't long ago he was considered an intimidating interior defender for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Maybe a trip to Houston would allow him to return to his defensive-minded game. Over the last couple of years, he's developed more of an offensive attack, but has seen his defensive production decline.
With the Rockets already boasting plenty of scoring power, Ibaka could assume the rim protector role he once shined in.
Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Otto Porter Jr., SF, Washington Wizards
Now before we dive too deep into this, it's worth noting that Otto Porter Jr. is a restricted free agent this offseason. The Wizards will have the ability to match any offer sheet he signs, which will make luring him away from D.C. all the more difficult.
However, it's no guarantee Washington will match if Porter is offered a max deal. They've already got a lot of money tied up between John Wall, Bradley Beal and Ian Mahinmi, making it rather difficult to dish out another max contract.
So realistically, Porter could be had if the price is right. Then again, this is a "dream" scenario so it's no big deal.
Either way, Porter would be an exciting addition to this Houston roster. While the Rockets already have a capable scorer on the wing in Ariza, Porter is much younger and appears to have a brighter overall outlook.
He's in the middle of a true breakout season, having emerged as a wildly effective shooter and overall offensive threat.
Porter may not be the biggest name out there, but he's a rising star in this league. Teaming him with the likes of James Harden and Lou Williams would make opposing defenses cringe every time he steps onto the hardwood.
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Blake Griffin, PF, Los Angeles Clippers
Anderson is a great offensive weapon, but I don't think he's the true all-around power forward the Rockets need. Instead, they should look to find themselves a dominant athlete who can make an impact on both ends of the floor.
Why not go for broke and grab Blake Griffin? Chances are he declines his player option for 2017-18, looking for an opportunity to cash in with the ever-expanding salary cap.
While he's expected to re-sign with the Clippers, there's a decent chance he'll look for other opportunities via free agency. I'm sure the pre-deadline trade rumors only increased the odds of him testing the waters.
If (or when) that happens, the Rockets would love to throw their hat in the ring. Adding that type of talent to the front court would round out this impressive Houston roster. Griffin would give them a star in the paint who'd provide a bigger impact than Anderson on both ends.
He'd cost a lot to rip away from Los Angeles, but this is a dream scenario. If money wasn't a factor, the Rockets would be all over the opportunity to make this offense all the more explosive with the addition of Griffin.
I could definitely think of worse ways for Houston to spend their hypothetical money.
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Kevin Durant, SF, Golden State Warriors
Back in 2012, Harden was traded from the Thunder to the Rockets after contract discussions fell apart. He was ready to be a star instead of playing in the shadows of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. So a potential reunion seems crazy, right?
Well this "dream" scenario isn't meant to be logical. Instead, it's meant to put the best possible free agency fits within reach of the Rockets when the offseason finally rolls around. So that's what I'm doing–talking about a potential re-pairing of Harden and Durant in Houston.
Can you imagine how explosive that offense would be? Harden, Durant and Anderson deliver the deadly shooting to the starting lineup, while Eric Gordon and Williams bring the thunder off the bench.
The Rockets' offense is already dynamic, and adding one of the NBA's best offensive players of all time would make it even more dangerous.
There's no guarantee Durant even tests the market this offseason. He's sure to decline his player option, but chances are he'll re-sign with the Warriors–especially if he wins his first ring this coming June.
However, if he opts to make himself available again, the Rockets will be hoping that dreams do come true.
