While the Rockets are in hot pursuit of that third star this off season via free agency or potential a trade (if its Kevin Love) - what about the other guys off the bench? Whether if it was by design or not - the bench was used at all during the playoffs and when they were in - they were not the most reliable of the bunch. We do need some upgrades off the bench as well. Based on those who are unrestricted who would you like to see on the bench next year for the Rockets if they strike out on the big names? For me: Ekpe Udoh - the guy was a bust considering he was a high lotto pick - but he has length and size - could be a useful as a backup to Dwight now with Asik gone. Never was given a legit chance in Milwaukee with other young big men in Sanders and Henson there. Wesley Johnson - he may have out priced himself after a re-energizing season with the Lakers - but athletic forward that can shoot the three and is long enough to be disruptive on defense. Anthony Morrow - The elite shooter that is needed to help space the floor - Daniels is great but Morrow is just as good and has size - the Rockets were after him before they may take another look at him now again. with the cap space created with the Asik trade - they may be able to sign Udoh and Johnson into that space - resign parson and then use some of the MLE on Morrow?
Not liking either of those options at all. I like Morrow but if Rockets can have Dieng included in Love trade (in exchange for Capella) that would be crazy. Trade D-Mo & Llull's rights to Bucks for Henson. Or Rockets can just buy out Papanikolaou. Or both. Howard/Dieng Love/Henson/Pappanikolaou Parsons/Gentile/Covington Harden/Lin Beverley/Johnson/Daniels
This is something I agree with. I think we are going to be needing a backup C and potentially a back up PG.
Mike Miller is threatening to talk to "4 or 5 teams", if the grizz don't re-sign him to a fair deal.....i'd imagine Houston has to be in that mix Bulls Miami OKC Mavs Rockets that's my guess
Rockets will need a backup C. Rockets could need multiple wings if Parsons is traded. If Rockets have MLE, they may want to use a significant piece on Papanikolaou.
I've watched Udoh a lot, when he was with the GSW not so much in Milwaukee. He is/was a really good weakside defender and a decent man defender. Unfortunately he is undersize to play 5 and doesnt really have the skills offensively to play 4. Perhaps he has improved i havent seen him play much the past year, but I recall him having limited range and handles, but was a decent finisher due to his athleticism (he isnt a great leaper though). Udoh would be a decent bench guy just for his toughness and hustle and he is still fairly young. Agree about Morrow, any team with a low post presence like Dwight should sign Anthony Morrow, one of the best 3 point shooters in the league. Some other free agents to look at - BIGS - Jordan Hill, Blatche, Okafor, Josh Mcroberts, PG/Wings - PMills, Aaron Brooks, GVasquez, PJ Tucker, Shawn Marion, VCarter, AlanAnderson
Chris Singleton -- imposing, defensive-minded wing; only 24 and could benefit from a change of scenery. Marvin Williams -- experienced 3-and-D option. Byron Mullens -- 7-footer with decent stroke.
If we don't trade soon for love, guys like that will be off the market while we are around waiting for melo, lebron, bosh
Among the playoff teams in the west last year. OKC had no bench. Portland had no bench. Warriors had no bench. Clippers had sort of a bench. Grizzlies had no bench. Rockets had no bench. Other than the Spurs, stars gets you through the playoffs. Role players will appear when you have the stars. Beverley will look a lot more like a stud when Kevin Love is spacing the floor instead of Terrence Jones.
IMHO, if we get Melo or Lebron, then Parsons becomes 'the bench', and we need to find a big man to guard the rim, and a PG who can shoot, and take care of the ball. If we get Love, then staggering the minutes of the starters is the way to go. Either way, we then need to add some veterans who can help during the regular season and play meaningful minutes, and possibly help in the playoffs if required. If we strike out on one of the 'big 3', then the question changes somewhat, we need a 'banger' to play backup 4, and a few other 'quite useful' players. Hard to predict exactly what we 'need' when we don't know what the core is going to be. But no matter what happens, Ekpe Udoh or Elton Brand would be a good add at the minimum to backup Howard - we NEED something there.
