Rockets Interested in Ramon Sessions?

January 31, 2014; Los Angeles, CA; Charlotte Bobcats point guard Ramon Sessions (7) moves to the basket against the defense of Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol (16) during the first half at Staples Center. Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

With roughly $54 million in guaranteed salary, the Houston Rockets have roughly $9 million in cap space to spend in free agency.  While the franchise failed to land an all-star free agent this summer, there are still some quality athletes available which the Rockets can sign to round out their roster.

One of these players is Ramon Sessions, who spent time with both the Charlotte Bobcats and Milwaukee Bucks this past season.  According to Carolina Live, Houston has already held discussions with the seven year NBA point guard:

“You wanna win, but the NBA is a business. You take the opportunity that is there and we’re looking at all options. I like being on the rebuilding teams also. It’s one of those things where those guys respect me and I can come in and show my leadership, because I’ve been around a little bit,” Sessions said.

Sources close to the former University of Nevada star say he’s had discussions with a few NBA teams, including the Houston Rockets.

Currently, the Rockets already boast three point guards in Patrick Beverley, Isaiah Canaan, and Ish Smith.  Rookie Nick Johnson can be considered a fourth floor general as well, but his aggressive style of play will likely cause him to spend more time at the two.

However, aside from Beverley, the options at point are not necessarily ideal for Houston moving forward.  Canaan has potential but is uncertain, Johnson has potential but is unproven, and Smith hasn’t provided much since entering the league in 2010.  At this point, the Rockets can use an experienced, reliable one man, and Sessions is someone who fits this bill perfectly.

Despite playing for five different ball clubs in seven seasons, Ramon has proven himself as a solid point guard in the NBA.  With career averages of 16.4 points and 6.5 assists per 36 minutes, the 28 year old can consistently score as well as create open looks for others.  While he’s an inconsistent shooter from three (31.1% for career), Sessions can be relied on to aggressively attack the basket and either finish or draw fouls.  In addition, he does an exceptional job taking care of the ball as well, as evidenced by his career 6.5/2.7 assist-to-turnover ratio per 36.

As a back-up for Beverley in Houston, Ramon could serve as an instant offensive spark-plug off the bench.  He’d provide a different approach than Patrick at the point, as Sessions would look to create offense instead of just bringing the ball up the court.  Also, he’d play alongside Beverley from time to time as well, most likely when James Harden takes a breather. When Harden’s out of the game and Ramon fills his role, he could continue where Beard left off by serving as another scorer.

Defensively, there’s not much to celebrate when it comes to Ramon on this end. However, alongside Beverley as well as a dominant rim-protector in Dwight Howard, many of his mistakes have potential to be covered.

While Ramon Sessions claims he enjoys playing on re-building teams, it is clear he’s considering all of his options.  Houston is interested in the one man’s services, and Ramon in red could work beautifully for both sides.

(salary stats courtesy of ShamSports.com)