Five Playmaking Guards The Houston Rockets Should Target

Apr 11, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard

(7) drives to the basket as Toronto Raptors guard

(21) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Goran Dragic

6’3” – 29 years old

If the Rockets had a do-over, they likely would have pulled the trigger on the Dragic trade at the deadline, despite his camp claiming that he would only resign with certain teams.

If the Rockets had given the two 1^st round picks that the Heat gave up and/or topped it with a young player, there’s a distinct possibility they could still be playing.  And they would have had Dragic’s Bird rights which would have gone a long way towards the ability to resign him this off-season.

As for the claims that he wouldn’t resign with Houston, we all know WINNING cures a lot of issues.  Dragic is now 29 years old and he has never been on a team that has won, only making the playoffs once in 7 seasons.  At this point in his career is winning more important?

But the Rockets didn’t make that move so while Dragic is still the perfect fit for a running mate for James Harden, obtaining him presents a great challenge.

Dragic’s play fell off somewhat from his 2013-14 breakout into a star season, but was still well above average with a 17.47 PER rating.  He’s also still a career 36% 3-point shooter and he’s a player that can create for himself and others but is also comfortable playing off the ball.

The Heat could give Dragic a max deal that no team could match.  But the Heat struggled dramatically last season even finishing below the expected drop from losing LeBron and didn’t make the playoffs.  They also didn’t play any better with Dragic than before obtaining him.

For the Rockets to sign Dragic as a free agent, which may take a max deal, they would have to cut, trade or renounce rights to nearly the entire roster, except for Harden, Dwight Howard and Trevor Ariza.  It’s highly unlikely that they do that.

The only alternative is if Dragic were to tell the Heat that he’s signing with Houston and for the Rockets to try to facilitate a sign and trade package.  But either scenario at this point is a long shot.

Next: Click HERE To View Trade Scenario #2: An Aggressive & Versatile Magician!