2017 Houston Rockets

Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, David Kay and Peter Christian of the The Sports Bank. Send Paul an e-mail here: paulb05 AT hotmail DOT com.
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Houston Rockets (Last Year: 55-27)

2017-18 Projected Depth Chart:

C: Clint Capela/Chinanu Onuaku

PF: Ryan Anderson/Montrezl Harrell

SF: Trevor Ariza/Sam Dekker

SG: James Harden/Eric Gordon

PG: Patrick Beverley/Lou Williams

NBA Free Agents:

C-Nene Hilario (UFA)

SF-Troy Williams (UFA)

PG-Bobby Brown (UFA)

PF-Kyle Wiltjer (TO)

PG-Isaiah Taylor (TO)

2017-18 Team Salary: Approximately $87.7 million

NBA Offseason Team Needs:

1. Another Star: If the Rockets really want to become a title contender, they need to add another big name to complement James Harden. With limited cap space, GM Daryl Morey will have to get creative in finding a star player to pair with Harden.

2. Frontcourt Depth: With Nene entering free agency, the Rockets could use a veteran player to add to their frontcourt.

3. Defensive-minded Wing: The Rockets have a ton of offensive firepower on the wing, but they allowed the fourth-most points per game last season. Trevor Ariza is not the defensive player he once was, so Houston would be smart to add a wing who can lockdown on defense.