Making the Case: Houston Rockets
Losing both Wood and Gordon is not as big a loss as it seems for Houston. Though both are good players, the Rockets have plenty of young talent to develop – particularly at guard. Gordon missed much of the latter half of the season, including all of the Rockets’ final 8 games as the team worked to develop their youth.
Wood meanwhile, would be quickly replaced by Ayton. Ayton brings more size to the Houston roster, and he’s shown an ability to use it on both ends of the floor.
Ayton’s defense would be a big boost for Houston, who finished last in the NBA in defensive rating. A rim-protecting center can do a lot to anchor a defense, and Ayton has shown an elite ability to do so.
The Rockets were also one of the NBA’s worst in terms of defensive rebounding percentage. Ayton would help there – his 17.2% rebounding percentage is higher than any player on the Rockets’ roster.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 2 Dark-Horse Free Agency Destinations For Suns’ Deandre Ayton
Offensively, Ayton will fit in well with the Rockets’ young roster. The center himself is just 23 years old, and already shows immense promise.
Ayton displayed versatility in his shot selection this year uncommon for centers of his size. His hook shots and floaters allowed him to shoot over shorter defenders with ease.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 2 Dark-Horse Free Agency Destinations For Suns’ Deandre Ayton
Ayton fits on both ends for Houston and would shine next to an explosive guard like Jalen Green. Losing Wood and Gordon is a fair swap to make to unlock the star center in Houston.
