Granted, the Rockets are not going to make any major splashes in free agency. There aren’t many star caliber players available this offseason. However, they will be looking to add some veteran talent around James Harden and Russell Westbrook that can improve them.
A new era has arrived with both Mike D’Antoni and Daryl Morey gone. It will be interesting to see what the Rockets’ new management decides to do.
Here are three names the Rockets could take a look at this offseason.
3. Paul Millsap, Power Forward, Nuggets
One player that could make some sense for the Rockets to help in the front-court would be Paul Millsap. He is no longer an All-Star caliber player, but he is still a solid veteran presence who would provide some consistency off the bench.
Millsap ended the 2019-20 NBA season averaging 11.6 points and 5.7 rebounds. He shot a consistent 48.2 percent from the floor and 43.5 percent from the three-point line. Those numbers show why the Rockets should consider signing him.
Even though the Rockets would not be signing an All-Star version of Millsap, this move would still improve them.
2. Markieff Morris, Forward, Lakers
Another forward who could come in and fit nicely with the Rockets would be Markieff Morris. He ended the season with the Los Angeles Lakers after spending the first portion of the season with the Detroit Pistons.
On the season, Morris chipped in 9.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. He shot 40.6 percent from the floor and 33.3 percent from the three-point line. Those numbers aren’t as good as Millsap, but they are still solid.
If the Rockets were to bring Morris on board, he would give them another much-needed front-court option that would provide depth and consistency.
1. Nerlens Noel, Center, Thunder
Finally, we get to our first true center of the list. Nerlens Noel is going to be an intriguing free agency to keep an eye on. He won’t break the bank and he would bring exactly what the Rockets need.
Noel is a good rim protector, which is what he focuses on primarily. He averaged 7.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game last season. At just 26 years old, Noel would still be a potential option.
Houston has to figure out a way to improve their defense in the paint. Noel would be able to offer that. He should be one of the top targets for the Rockets this offseason.
