The Houston Rockets have a lot going on this off-season. The Rockets have a new coach to get used to, building a new practice facility, and, more importantly, creating a competitive roster. The Rockets have the most cap space in the league.
Houston Rockets Has NBA’s Most Cap Space; Who Are Their Top Targets?
The Rebuild
Houston has been rebuilding since last making the playoffs in 2020. Now the Rockets appear ready to take the next step and start competing for a playoff spot.
The Rockets finished among the bottom two teams in the Western Conference for the third straight season, posting a 22-60 record. But the Rockets improved their record in the last two years and were a little more competitive this year. They had a -7.5 scoring margin this year and lost 36 games by double-digits. Both of which were their best numbers during this stretch.
As a result of the team’s ineptitude, the Rockets have garnered a lot of young talent. Houston had five first-round draft picks over the past two years. Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. are the crown jewels, while Tari Eason had a solid rookie season off the bench this year. Alperen Sengun, who the Rockets got in a trade from OKC, has developed into a solid starting season, and Kenyon Martin Jr., a former second-round pick, has been a pleasant surprise.
TyTy Washington, selected by Memphis with the No. 29 pick, didn’t see a lot of action this past campaign. 2021 first-round draft picks Josh Christopher and Usman Garuba are under contract for the upcoming season. Kevin Porter Jr., a former first-round selection, is a very talented youngster who has developed into a solid playmaker and average 3-point shooter. However, Porter’s defense is an issue.
Houston also replaced head coach Stephen Silas with Ime Udoka. Silas oversaw the Rockets for the last three years. Meanwhile, Udoka was out of basketball last season after leading the Boston Celtics to the NBA Finals in 2022.
“I love the youth, athleticism, upside, and potential,” Udoka said of his early roster evaluation. “It was really eye-opening to me when I got a chance to dig into the film and watched 10 or so games leading up to the interview.
Offseason Plan
Houston was the second-youngest team in the NBA this past season, with their average age being 23.9. So, the Rockets will need to add some veterans this offseason if they want to be competitive next season. The Rockets ranked 27th in offensive efficiency as they ranked last in three-point percentage and second to last in field goal percentage. Passing and defense were also major issues for the Rockets.
“We’d like to add some veteran pieces there,” Udoka said. “Shooting is at a premium and an area we struggled in this year, so we want to improve that. And then just some contrasting pieces to what we have, whether it’s bigs — Alperen (Şengün) does some things really well, but we’d like to add some different types of bigs, shooting on the wings. But we have a ton of talent across the board, and it’s my job to utilize that.”
Houston has 10 players under contract for the 2022-23 campaign, with their salaries totaling under $60 million. Kenyon Martin Jr. has a team option for under $2 million, which will almost certainly be exercised, while Daishen Nix‘s salary is nonguaranteed ($1.8 million). The Rockets currently have over $47 million in cap space though they project to have nearly $61 million by releasing their cap holds and depending on their lottery luck.
The Rockets own two first-round selections in 2023. They have their own (top 5) selection and the Los Angeles Clippers’ first-round pick (No. 21). Keeping Martin and Nix will give Houston 13 players under contract, including the draft picks, by the time free agency starts.
However, the Rockets would still have quite a bit of flexibility. They could still trade Martin, Porter Jr., and Jae’Sean Tate to open up roster spots.
Houston Rockets Top Free-Agent Targets
Houston’s top offseason priority is to land a reliable point guard. The Rockets were 30th in the league in assists this past season and 29th in turnovers. James Harden has long been rumored to be interested in returning to Space City. But not sure how much of a real possibility of his return is.
The following are some of the other potential Rockets targets.
Cam Johnson, Restricted Free Agent:
Cam Johnson, an RFA, is a 3-and-D wing who the Brooklyn Nets really want to keep. However, the Rockets are among several teams expected to throw money at. If they want to avoid being a punitive luxury taxpayer, Brooklyn is somewhat limited in what they can offer Johnson.
Johnson is a fantastic shooter who can put up points in bunches. The 27-year-old forward is lengthy and a willing defender.
What scouts told The Athletic’s Kelly Iko about Johnson’s fit with the Rockets:
“Cam is that kind of guy that is a great fit with any team. So in particular to his fit with the Rockets, I think he’s a really good fit just because of their lack of shooting on the wings. You got Tari (Eason), K.J. (Martin), certain guys that can shoot, but that’s not really what they do.”
Dillon Brooks, Unrestricted Free Agent:
The Memphis Grizzlies have already said that they will not re-sign Dillon Brooks. Brooks wore out his welcome with the Grizzlies due to his antics and subpar performance. The 27-year-old small forward can score and is an excellent on-ball defender.
What scouts told Iko:
“Dillon’s a good fit. He’s not as seamless of a fit as Cam (Johnson) offensively, but he would bring something that Cam doesn’t defensively. He’s one of the better wing defenders in the league — especially of the available free agents — so I think he would bring that edge.
Brook Lopez, Unrestricted Free Agent
Brook Lopez is one of the best two-way big men despite being 35. Lopez had a tremendous year offensively for the Milwaukee Bucks and was runner-up for DPOY. He is an outstanding passer who is a capable floor-stretcher. Lopez is also a decent offensive rebounder and an excellent shot-blocker.
Gary Trent Jr., Unrestricted Free Agent
Gary Trent Jr. is expected to opt out of his player option with the Toronto Raptors. If he does, Trent will likely be one of the most attractive players on the market. Trent is coming off a down season, but the 24-year-old can score with the ability to “light it up” when firing on all cylinders.
What scouts told Iko:
“He can really shoot the ball and space the floor. But for what you’re ending up paying him, is he going to do the little things in terms of rebounding, defense and everything like that? He can obviously shoot, but for (the Rockets) to change their identity, they have to find guys that want to play a little defense.”
Other Potential Targets
Harrison Barnes, Unrestricted Free Agent
Harrison Barnes is an excellent complimentary piece. The 30-year-old is a slashing wing who can consistently knock down open threes.
“Ideal 3-and-D guy. Not gonna be someone who rocks the boat or plays above or below that fifth starter on a team. Perfect in terms of attacking a closeout or making an open 3. A solid enough defender. Not a good defender but decent enough. Brings steady leadership as far as by example. A really solid veteran presence.”
Gabe Vincent, Unrestricted Free Agent
Gabe Vincent is an underrated free agent. Vincent is having a nice playoff run and has proven in his time with the Heat that he can score in bunches when given minutes. The 26-year-old is better off the ball but is not a great shooter. He is also probably more efficient coming off the bench.
What scouts told Iko:
“Another one that falls in the category of good role player who you have to see if there’s more to him… Thought he did a solid job considering the role… Does a good job of getting to the basket, can shoot it, can play pick-and-roll, solid passer, makes others better. Little undersized and has his defensive limitations but will compete.”
Tre Jones, Restricted Free Agent
Tre Jones is coming off a career year with the San Antonio Spurs. He is a capable scorer but struggles shooting the ball and is a little small defensively. But Jones is a fantastic ball-handler and playmaker who will compete vigorously on the other end of the court. Jones could be relatively cheap.
What scouts told Iko:
“Solid backup point guard to me… Doesn’t rock the boat, willing defender, makes his teammates better, knows his role and can bring some leadership. I think he’d be a solid addition but I don’t quite see him as a starting point guard.”
