The Houston Rockets did some nice work in the postseason this year, making it to the conference finals despite a roster depleted by injury. The Rockets have a very talented team right now, with a core consisting of James Harden and Dwight Howard. The team wouldn’t mind adding another star to that nucleus, though. LaMarcus Aldridge would be a fantastic fit in Houston, and the Rockets are targeting him.
The Rockets are pulling out all the stops to try and recruit Aldridge. James Harden will join the team in a meeting with Aldridge later tonight, according to Chris Broussard of ESPN.
Sources: James Harden will join Kevin McHale, Daryl Morey & Exec VP Gersson Rosas in Rockets' meeting with LaMarcus Aldridge tonight in LA
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) July 1, 2015
The Spurs employed a similar tactic in their meeting with the All-Star power forward, bringing Tim Duncan with them. It’s a good idea by Houston, having their best player be a part of the meeting. After all, Harden is a big part of the team, and they need to make sure he’s on the same page as the front office. Plus, he can (hopefully) help sway Aldridge towards Houston.
Aldridge and the Rockets seem like a match made in heaven. He would fit perfectly alongside Harden and Howard. He’s one of the best midrange shooters in the league, and the threat of his jumper would pull defenders out of the paint to let Howard go to work down low or give Harden space to attack the rim. That would be such a good team, and personally I want to see Aldridge join forces with Howard and Harden.
However, just because I want it to happen doesn’t mean it will, unfortunately. Aldridge is an incredible player, and thus has many suitors. He is wanted by the Lakers, the Knicks, the Spurs, and the Mavericks.
Wherever Aldridge signs, he’ll have an immediate impact. He’s one of the best power forwards around, and every team in contention is sure to be crossing their fingers.
