The Houston Rockets are targeting Kevin Durant, that’s common knowledge. Just about every team in the NBA is targeting Durant. However, in the likely event that Houston strikes out on KD, they have other targets in mind, reports ESPN’s Calvin Watkins:
The Houston Rockets expect to be active players in the free-agent market that opens Friday. According to a source, they will push heavily toward signing either Al Horford, Kevin Durant, Hassan Whiteside or Ryan Anderson.
Last summer, the Rockets tried to upgrade at the point guard position by acquiring Ty Lawson. That didn’t work out, but the Rockets may look to sign another point guard:
There’s also an outside chance the team will also explore looking at point guards Jeremy Lin and Mike Conley in free agency.
Quick thoughts about each player that Watkins listed:
- Kevin Durant: Everyone wants him, but he’ll likely return to OKC for another season. Not happening, sorry Rockets fans.
- Al Horford: Could be a good fit, even if (especially if?) Dwight Howard stays. Horford’s a bit small for a center, and could slide over to the four, bringing some spacing to Houston’s frontcourt. I could see Horford and Howard co-existing.
- Hassan Whiteside: If Houston signs Whiteside, they’re basically telling Howard: “Don’t let the door hit you on your way out.” Whiteside could be a nice pickup for the Rockets. He’s still developing, but there’s no denying that his shot-blocking skills are top-notch.
- Ryan Anderson: Would bring elite spacing and rebounding. Anderson is a better shooter than Horford, but also brings no defense. Horford’s the far better overall player, but head coach Mike D’Antoni is known for pushing an offense-first system. Anderson could thrive under D’Antoni.
- Mike Conley: There are some questions about how well Conley and Harden would mesh in the backcourt, but it could work. I think Conley goes elsewhere, but seeing him in Houston would certainly be interesting.
- Jeremy Lin played under D’Antoni when he was with the New York Knicks, and thrived (remember Linsanity?). He could be good off the bench, or starting over Patrick Beverly.
