The Houston Rockets seem pretty inclined to stick with their plans to go small-ball. When it comes to the result of that ploy, it will only be known by the end of their 2019-20 NBA campaign. The Rockets don't have many options right now, although they are likely checking out the free-agent market. Some players could be bought out, the focus of most NBA teams wanting to beef up for the NBA playoffs.
One suggested player is Bismack Biyombo of the Charlotte Hornets. The 27-year-old player carries an $8.5 million contract, although there is no assurance that the Hornets plan to buy out the 6-foot-8 center. When it comes to metrics, Biyombo's height may not be that glaring. However, the fact remains he does play the center slot and could address middle problems for Houston if it occurs, Fansided reported.
This season, Biyombo has played in 45 games averaging 7.5 points and 5.8 rebounds per Basketball-Reference.com. His numbers may not be that impressive, although he does hold a 112 defensive rating. In short, getting Biyombo would be to help Mike D'Antoni on the defensive end, something that most are criticizing.
There are also several NBA free agents who they could look into like Greg Monroe, Timofey Mozgov or Kosta Koufos. However, all are now playing overseas, and the Rockets may not be that inclined to buyout their current pacts to beef up their playoff bid. Hence, the most logical choice is to limit options to buyout candidates and available free agents.
Among the ones who could make an impact, Joakim Noah is a curious player to consider. Several teams tried out the 34-year-old big man, but Noah failed to make the grade. Despite reservations of an offseason surgery, Heavy.com reports that the 9th pick of the 2007 NBA Draft is 100 percent healthy and ready to go.
The Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Clippers worked him out, but nothing materialized. Despite struggling to find a new team, Noah remains confident that some ballclub will eventually offer him something. The only question there is whether that will happen this season.
Last season, Noah saw action in 42 games for the Grizzlies. He averaged 7.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. Beyond the numbers, it is his energy that could help the Rockets campaign. Staying injury-free has been an issue for the 2014 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, probably one of the factors most available free agents have right now.
