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Houston Rockets: Big Changes Are Coming

By James D'Elia

Mar 23, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Utah Jazz at Toyota Center. The Jazz won 89-87. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Utah Jazz at Toyota Center. The Jazz won 89-87. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 10, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Atlanta Hawks forward Al Horford (15) goes to the basket against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Hawks 104-96. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Atlanta Hawks forward Al Horford (15) goes to the basket against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Hawks 104-96. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Let’s take a look at some free agent and trade options for the Rockets in the 2016 off season.

Point Guard

These are just two of the many options available at the point guard in this year’s free agency period.  I was really spoiled for a choice here but these two guards suit the way the Rockets want to play best. They can both operate off the ball as spot-up shooters as Williams is a career 38 percent three-point shooter and Jennings at 35 percent.

Williams is really an ideal fit as he would be a good complement to Harden as he is a strong shooter from the outside but can easily take it into the lane. He also has a good mid-range game and is a career 41 percent from the corners, which is fantastic in the Rockets set up.

Jennings is more of an option if they strike out in the Kevin Durant sweepstakes. Jennings will probably command a decent contract but many teams will be wary as he is still rusty coming from a long, injury-riddled lay off. Jennings is a fantastic driver and also a willing passer, he had some fantastic games in his tenure with the Detroit Pistons where he had more than 20 points and 20 assists.

I could see that he could be a real star in the back court next to Harden as he can create his own shot but doesn’t need to have the ball in his hands to find a rhythm.

Center

Two very versatile options but there isn’t really much choice at the center position in free agency. Hassan Whiteside is the other player here but I don’t think he is worth the max deal he is after.  On the other hand though, Al Horford is worth it.

Horford is a jack of all trades, he’s strong on the boards, an improved passer and has developed a strong three-point shot.

He would suit the Rockets’ system and can be a genuine stretch-five and I personally would love to have him in Houston. The only issue is that other teams see him as an ideal fit for their rosters, so he will likely demand a max contract. Again, he will only be a target if the Rockets strike out with Durant.

I know right, D-Mo. Yes, I may have a little bit of a man crush on the seven-foot Lithuanian but this guy is going to develop into a monster in a couple of years. He is a good post-defender and a solid rim-defender who has a potent repertoire of offensive moves. This also saves a ton of cash as he can be re-signed outside of the cap making room for another high-caliber player.

Next: CLICK HERE: What Else Do The Rockets Need?

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