Houston Rockets: 10 possible replacements for Christian Wood

Unless you’ve been under a rock for the last 72 hours, you likely know that Houston Rockets star big man Christian Wood suffered a significant ankle injury on Thursday night. But this isn’t just your run in the mill ankle injury, as Wood previously injured the same ankle earlier in the season, which makes this injury more concerning.

The Rockets released the official diagnosis for Wood’s injury on Friday, following the results of his MRI. What wasn’t included in the diagnosis what exactly how long one can expect Wood to be out, as they simply stated that he will be re-evaluated on a weekly basis.

10 players the Houston Rockets should consider signing with Christian Wood out

One could argue that the Rockets were in dire need of another big man prior to Wood’s injury, so it seems like a no-brainer that they will sign someone to help replace the production lost with Wood out of the lineup. We previously provided a list of big men that the Rockets could use, although several of those players have since been signed and the Rockets passed on each of those candidates.

With that being the case, we’ll provide a new batch of players that should warrant consideration by Rockets general manager Rafael Stone. Let’s get started.

Rockets: Players that could replace Christian Wood –10. Ivan Rabb

After being a McDonald’s All-American and a top-five ranked high school prospect in the nation, Ivan Rabb decided to attend the University of California in Berkeley, and the move paid off for the 6-foot-10 forward. Rabb was named Pac-12 All-Freshman and Second-Team All Pac-12 in his first season with the Golden Bears, posting averages of 17.5 points and 11.9 rebounds, while making 61.5 percent of his shots.

Rabb followed that up with a First-Team All Pac-12 selection in his second season in 2016-17, averaging 17.2 points and 12.8 rebounds. Rabb was selected by the Orlando Magic in the second round of the 2017 NBA Draft but was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies almost immediately after getting drafted.

Rabb lasted two seasons with the Grizzlies and didn’t get much playing time in Memphis, but posted averages of 14 points and 11 rebounds per 36 minutes, while making 56.6 percent of his shots. In year two, Rabb had nearly identical averages as his first NBA season, as he averaged 14.2 points and 10.3 rebounds per 36, adding 2.7 assists as well.

The 24-year-old forward has played extensively in the G-League over the last three seasons and has impressed, as outlined below:

• 2017-18: 15.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.7 blocks
• 2018-19: 20.5 points, 8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.8 blocks
• 2019-20: 16.5 points, 12.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.2 blocks

Rabb has been wildly efficient, as outlined by his true shooting percentages:

• 2017-18: 61.5 percent
• 2018-19: 61.6 percent
• 2019-20: 60.7 percent

Rabb has a 7-foot-2 wingspan, which allows him to alter shots at the rim, which is a skillset that could come in handy for the Rockets.

Ivan Rabb protects the paint for the @memgrizz. #NBAPreseason pic.twitter.com/25PcpEbN6H

— NBA (@NBA) October 7, 2018

Rabb was released by the New York Knicks in January of 2020 and is playing in the G-League, making him available for the Houston Rockets (or anyone, for that matter) to sign. With his potential and is age, he’d make for a worthy replacement for Christian Wood.

Next: No. 9

Rockets: Players that could replace Christian Wood — 9. Tyson Chandler

So I know what you’re thinking upon seeing the name Tyson Chandler so I’ll beat you to the punch. Yes, Chandler is old (in basketball years), as he turned 38 in October.

No, he’s not the same player that won Defensive Player of the Year in 2011-12, and he’s also not the player that made three All-Defensive teams. However, he is still the same player that LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers were pursuing in 2018-19, as they knew he was still capable of providing valuable contributions, even at a later stage of his career.

Chandler played with the Rockets last season, averaging 1.3 blocks and one steal per 36 minutes, marking the first time he held such averages since the aforementioned season in which he won the Defensive Player of the Year. In addition, Chandler made 77.8 percent of his shots, which is a career-best by a whopping ten percent, which he had during the same season that he took home the trophy for the league’s top defensive player.

Chandler obviously couldn’t be relied on to start, but he could provide 12-18 minutes of efficient play on both ends of the court while Wood is out. In addition, Chandler’s veteran presence could work wonders on a Rockets team that possesses more youth than we’ve seen in recent memory, and especially for rookie Jae’Sean Tate.

Chandler took on the role of a player’s coach last season for the Rockets, which he explained during the league’s hiatus. “My presence, especially with this team, is a lot in the locker room; a lot of the day-to-day things, a lot in practice.”

Former Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni added to that, stating, “We rely on him to talk us through things.”

D’Antoni added that Chandler was the consummate professional, which was on display on several occasions last season. This was especially the case when the Rockets opted to go with the small ball strategy, which saw him play just nine minutes through the final 31 games of the season.

Chandler could provide a steady veteran presence for Christian Wood even after he returns from his injury, as he could provide tutelage to Wood on how to continue to work on his craft, both on and off the court, as he lasted 19 years in the league, which not many players can say.

Although Chandler hasn’t been signed to this point, there should be very little doubt about his conditioning and ability to contribute right away, and if there is, he eased those with a simple quote: “I’m right here and I’m ready.”

Next: No. 8

Rockets: Players that could replace Christian Wood — 8. Thon Maker

Although Thon Maker was a lottery pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, he’s played sparingly thus far in his NBA career, as he’s failed to crack the 20 minute threshold through five seasons. Maker is still just 23-years-old, so there’s still room for growth for the 7-foot center.

Maker has the athleticism to get out in transition and run, which could be beneficial alongside John Wall, who could possibly still be the fastest player in the league going coast to coast. With a 7-foot-3 wingspan, Maker has the tools to be an elite shot blocker, and he’s been one in spurts and sequences, and especially during the 2018 postseason.

Thon Maker protects the rim and finishes with 5 blocks in the 1st half! #FearTheDeer #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/v3GY6X0nDZ

— NBA (@NBA) April 21, 2018

Maker is a good enough 3-point shooter for defenses to regret leaving him open, as he holds a career 32.7 percent shooting clip from three. This would be useful in Rockets coach Stephen Silas’ offense that is predicated on ball movement, not to mention how useful this skill could be from a spacing standpoint.

Maker has also made some big shots in his career, including even some from long-range.

Thon Maker FOR THE WIN. pic.twitter.com/1j48NGJbVs

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 23, 2019

Maker was on pace for his best overall season to date this year with the Cleveland Cavaliers, as he was averaging 14.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per 36 minutes, but became a casualty of the James Harden trade to the Brooklyn Nets, former Brooklyn Nets center Jarrett Allen was dealt to Cleveland.

This gave the Cavs a trio of Andre Drummond, Allen, and Maker at the center position, and with Maker having signed an Exhibit 10 deal with Cleveland, he was the odd man out, as he was released on January 14th. Houston Rockets general manager Rafael Stone has been known to make stellar moves and signing Maker would be another one.

Next: No. 7

Rockets: Players that could replace Christian Wood — 7. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

At just 26-years-old, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson still oozes with potential and can be very productive for this Rockets team. Hollis-Jefferson was signed by the Minnesota Timberwolves at the start of the season but was released after the preseason concluded, although he played fairly well, posting averages of 7.7 points on just 11.7 minutes per game.

At 6-foot-6, RHJ can operate as a small ball five and possesses the versatility to play either forward spot, which is his natural position. Through three preseason games this season RHJ flashed offensive efficiency, as he made 88.9 percent of his shots, which would figure to increase alongside a pure point guard like John Wall, which RHJ has never played alongside.

RHJ isn’t a 3-point shooter by any stretch of the imagination, which isn’t exactly optimal from a floor spacing perspective, but his defensive tenacity would fit in perfectly for a Rockets team that prides itself on clamping down opponents. Over the last four seasons, RHJ has averaged 1.98 defensive win shares, which is an estimate of how many wins a player contributed due to their defense.

Just last season RHJ averaged two defensive win shares, which is higher than former Rockets forward Robert Covington, who averaged 1.2 defensive win shares in Houston last season. It’s also nearly equal to that of Paul George (2.3) and Houston Rockets fan favorite P.J. Tucker (2.4).

RHJ possesses a unique skillset, in that he has a 7-foot-2 wingspan and spent time last season defending each position on the court. In addition, RHJ finished inside of the top-25 in small forwards in 2019-20 in Defensive Real Plus Minus, despite playing a minimal role on the Raptors.

We’re also not far removed from RHJ’s 2017-18 campaign, in which he averaged 13.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, while posting a player efficiency rating of 16.9, which is better than the league average of 15, and posting true shooting splits of 54.8 percent.

Not bad for someone who could be added off the scrap heaps, right?

Next: No. 6

Rockets: Players that could replace Christian Wood — 6. Omari Spellman

It’s been quite the journey for Omari Spellman, although he’s only three years removed from his lone season at Villanova, in which he was named the Big East Rookie of the Year, after averaging 10.9 points and eight rebounds per game. Spellman became a first-round pick in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks and posted averages of 12.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per 36 minutes.

Spellman was dealt to the Golden State Warriors at the conclusion of the season and played even better in year two, as he averaged 15 points and 8.9 rebounds per 36, while making 39.1 percent of his threes, compared to 34.4 percent of his treys as a rookie. Spellman was dealt to the Minnesota Timberwolves at the trade deadline, in a deal that sent Andrew Wiggins to the Dubs, and never played for the Wolves, as he was immediately assigned to the G-League’s Iowa Wolves, where he shined.

The 6-foot-8, 253-pound center averaged 19.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, while making 40.7 percent from 3-point range, on 7.7 attempts per game. This followed up a 2018-19 G-League campaign in which Spellman averaged 16.3 points, 12.3 rebounds, and four assists.

Spellman was dealt to the New York Knicks before the 2020-21 season started, making two consecutive offseasons in which he was dealt somewhere different, and was subsequently released. With Spellman’s ability to knock down the 3-pointer and his ability to help on the glass, the Houston Rockets would be wise to call him during this time of need.

Next: No. 5

Rockets: Players that could replace Christian Wood — 5. Dragan Bender

Dragan Bender was thrust into the NBA with high expectations, as he was drafted with the fourth overall pick of the 2016 NBA Draft as an international prospect. Bender joined the league at age 19, which made it highly likely that he was going to be a project, as he transitioned to the NBA style of play.

The 7-foot big man who joined the rebuilding Phoenix Suns, struggled in year one of his NBA career, as he found it to be difficult to simply make shots as a rookie. Ditto was the case in 2017-18, with the exception being that he shot 36.6 percent from deep, on 3.9 heaves per game, which remains a career-high in attempts for him.

Bender followed that up with his best season to that point in 2018-19, posting averages of 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per 36, in his final season with the Suns. Bender spent the 2019-20 season with the Milwaukee Bucks and Golden State Warriors, offering a better glimpse of his all-around skillset, averaging 13.5 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per 36 minutes.

Bender’s improved play which made sense, as he had gotten adjusted to the league following three seasons of playing in the NBA. Bender has become a steady 3-point shooter over the years, as he made 34.9 percent of his threes last season on nearly three attempts per game.

The 23-year-old received a significant amount of playing time in the G-League during the 2019-20 season and used it as a job interview, as he averaged 20.5 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.7 blocks, while making 38.4 percent of his threes and 50.4 percent of his shots.

Bender remains a free agent, and his ability to put the ball on the floor would be a tremendous value on a Rockets team that lacks playmakers and facilitators, and his size and improved shooting ability should warrant serious consideration by the Houston Rockets front office.

Next: No. 4

Rockets: Players that could replace Christian Wood — 4. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

In the eyes of many, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has had an underwhelming NBA career, and especially considering his draft position. After helping to lead the Kentucky Wildcats to a national title, MKG was selected by the Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets) with the second pick of the 2012 NBA Draft, behind only Anthony Davis and ahead of future stars like Bradley Beal and Damian Lillard.

MKG was coming off of a season in Lexington in which he averaged 11.9 points and 7.4 rebounds, while being named a Second-Team All-American, and was viewed as a player who could change the culture in Charlotte, with his work ethic and high motor. Unfortunately for MKG, Charlotte hardly sniffed the playoffs, as they went 256-318 through his first seven seasons.

Kidd-Gilchrist was bought out in 2019-20 and joined the Dallas Mavericks, although he didn’t exactly get much playing time there. In Houston, MKG could re-unite with Houston Rockets coach Stephen Silas, who was on the coaching staff during MKG’s lone season with the Mavs, and he could be thrust into a small ball center role.

MKG isn’t exactly a scoring threat, but he can contribute in that department, as evident by the 62 game stretch in which he played from 2014-16, in which he averaged 11.1 points while making 47.3 percent of his shots (and 42.9 percent of his threes, albeit on a very small sample size). MKG’s high motor and hustle would fit in well with P.J. Tucker and Jae’Sean Tate, who are all hustle, and especially on the defensive end.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist hustles back for the chase-down block!#NBAPreseason pic.twitter.com/qWUV3hR9VN

— NBA (@NBA) October 9, 2018

Although MKG has already been in the league for nine years, he’s still just 27-years-old and could contribute for a Houston Rockets team in need of more depth, not to mention that it would pair him with Rockets coach Stephen Silas, who coached MKG for six seasons in Charlotte and is very familiar with his skillset and how to utilize him best.

Next: No. 3

Rockets: Players that could replace Christian Wood — 3. Wilson Chandler

At 6-foot-8, Wilson Chandler possesses the size and skills to provide valuable contributions for the Houston Rockets. Chandler could thrive as a small-ball center and could fill in for Wood, providing a missing spark for the team offensively.

Chandler has lasted 10 seasons in the league, posting averages of 12.5 points and 5.3 rebounds, while making 34.1 percent of his threes. Although Chandler’s 3-point clip is a touch below the NBA’s average, he’s proven to be able to get hot from deep, as he previously made 41.3 percent from three during the 2012-13 season.

Chandler isn’t going to provide much more than scoring and 3-point shooting, but with his track record and shooting history, that shouldn’t be an issue. Chandler would thrive in the type of role that the Houston Rockets would ask him to play, as he’d be expected to play 15-20 minutes per game, which would suit him well.

Chandler last played for the 2019-20 Brooklyn Nets, but wasn’t called upon to play much, as he played just 21 minutes per game, which could be similar to the workload he would have in Houston. With the 33-year-old available on the scrap heaps, the Houston Rockets would be wise to give him a call.

Next: No. 2

Rockets: Players that could replace Christian Wood — 2. Kenneth Faried

Although Kenneth Faried led the NCAA in rebounds in each of his final two seasons at Morehead State, The Manimal fell outside of the draft lottery in the 2011 NBA Draft, before being selected with the 22nd pick by the Denver Nuggets.

Faried instantly provided value as a rookie during the 2011-12 lockout-shortened season, posting averages of 10.2 points on 58.6 percent from the floor, while nabbing 7.7 rebounds in just 22.5 minutes of gameplay. What followed in the subsequent seasons was The Manimal’s dominance on the boards, as he finished within the top-20 in rebounds for three consecutive seasons from 2012-15.

Faried also continued to post double figures in the scoring department, despite taking no more than 10 shots per game, as he averaged 11.5 points, 13.7 points, and 12.6 points during that span. The 6-foot-8 big man’s minutes dwindled with the Denver Nuggets for the following three seasons, before he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets prior to the start of the 2018-19 season.

Faried was bought out after just 12 games in Brooklyn, as he was clearly not a part of then coach Kenny Atkinson’s rotation, which was evident by Faried’s 9.8 minutes per night. The Rockets, who had just received word of Clint Capela‘s injury diagnosis of his thumb injury, signed Faried for a fairly low cost, which was a move that paid off.

Faried averaged 12.9 points and 8.2 rebounds, with 3.3 coming on the offensive end, which were both second behind only Capela. Faried racked up 12 double-doubles in just 25 games with the Rockets and helped the Rockets overcome an 11-14 start to finish with the fourth seed in the Western Conference.

Faried was strangely deemed unplayable during the postseason, and failed to come to terms with the franchise in the offseason, and eventually bolted to play overseas in China. With Faried’s proven ability to step in following an injury, which is what the Houston Rockets find themselves dealing with yet again, he’d be worth a call.

Next: No. 1

Rockets: Players that could replace Christian Wood — 1. Ersan Ilyasova

Fresh off of the 2019-20 season in which Ersan Ilyasova was in his 12th season in the NBA, the 6-foot-9 power forward continued to flash his consistency from long-range, as he made 36.5 percent of his threes, while providing vital shooting for the Milwaukee Bucks on the second unit. Ilvasova had hovered around there for the last several years, but hadn’t actually made that high of a clip since the 2015-16 season in which he made 37.1 percent from deep.

Ilyasova played just 15.7 minutes per game in Milwaukee, and posted averages of 15.1 points and 11 rebounds per 36, posting true shooting splits of 58.9 percent, which was a career best. Ilyasova also made the 20th-most threes among players with less than 1000 minutes, proving he can still shoot, even at the age of 32-years-old.

On a Rockets offense that has been pass-friendly, Ilyasova would yield a ton of looks from three, and his catch-and-shoot long-range shooting numbers should make Houston Rockets fans salivate.

• 2019-20: 38.1 percent
• 2018-19: 36.6 percent
• 2017-18: 38.9 percent
• 2016-17: 38.5 percent
• 2015-16: 38.2 percent
• 2014-15: 38.9 percent

I could go on, but you get the point.

Ilyasova is a career 36.5 percent long-range shooter and could still cash in on those opportunities. Ilyasova has career averages of 10.3 points and 5.7 rebounds, and could thrive in a limited role as a temporary fill-in for Wood.