Houston Rockets Daily Rocket Science: Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’

Apr 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) drives in against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23), forward Andre Iguodala (9) and guard Shaun Livingston (34) during the second quarter in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) drives in against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23), forward Andre Iguodala (9) and guard Shaun Livingston (34) during the second quarter in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the 2015-16 season quickly coming to an end, the next big date for the Houston Rockets and on the league calendar is the draft. Unless you’re the Golden State Warriors or Cleveland Cavaliers fighting for the title, every team in the association is preparing to welcome the next wave of NBA talents.

Despite losing their first round pick in the disappointing trade with the Denver Nuggets, there is some hope that the Houston Rockets could come away with a steal in this year’s draft.

When it’s time for the Rockets to make their selection with the 37th pick, Darren Yuvan of the Dream Shake considers Maryland’s forward Robert Carter Jr. as a nice steal for the Rockets.

"The redshirted junior had a fine season for the Terps this past year, averaging 12.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks on 55.4 percent shooting from the field, including 33.3 percent from downtown (on 76 attempts) and 74 percent from the free throw line. He was particularly effective as a pick-and-pop guy, knocking down 62.9 percent of his two-point shots."

Although in my opinion Saint Joseph’s guard DeAndre Bembry would be a better pick, Carter seems like a realistic possibility for Houston. With Terrence Jones‘ and Dwight Howard‘s career likely over in Houston, perhaps it would be in the Rockets best interest to draft a big.

However, it does not matter who Houston draft or sign this offseason. Their number one goal of the summer should be getting James Harden some help.

A year ago after he led the Rockets to the Western Conference Finals, many considered Harden a top three player in the league. Once he failed to build off of last year’s success, many considered The Beard an enigma to his team.

With the embarrassment the Rockets faced this season, it’s safe to say that next year will be better in Houston. Unfortunately, they may have to do it without their All-Star center Dwight Howard.

Despite him publicly critical statements over the past month, rumors have it that Howard may consider a return to the Rockets if his free agency market is not strong. However, as teams continue to enter the Superman Sweepstakes, his return to Clutch City seems less likely.

With the news that the Portland Trail Blazers will target Howard this summer, Dan Marang of the Blazersedge believes that Portland is the next best place for Superman to land.

"275-pound Yes, LaMarcus was fantastic in the pick-and-roll – particularly the pop – but he was not a threat to roll to the rim and dunk on an entire group of five at once. That is something totally unto itself. Howard, even at 30 years old, still possesses elite level athleticism that dictates teams pay him serious attention anytime he starts moving that 6-foot-10, the body through the lane."

On a more cheery note, the Rockets announced they are preparing for their annual Rockets Power Dancer auditions.

"Open auditions are closed to the public, family and friends. Preliminary auditions will consist a series of 2-3 eliminations that will include: freestyle, stylized choreography and hip-hop choreography. . We recommend that you bring food and drink to keep your energy up and hydrated between rounds. Also bring items to freshen up between rounds. Finalists will be chosen and announced at the end of the day"

Visit rockets.com for full details.

Get ready Red Nation, the Rockets most anticipated summer is right around the corner!

Next: Rockets Year In Review: Trevor Ariza

Next: Houston Rockets Fan Poll of the Week

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