The Houston Rockets 5 biggest needs as the trade deadline approaches

Houston Rockets’ need #5: Power forward/ Center

In the wake of Christian Wood’s ankle injury, it has become abundantly clear that the Rockets need another quality center or power forward. DeMarcus Cousins has had his moments but his overall stat line has been simply brutal.

Cousins has shot 34.7-percent from the field, 31.9-percent from 3-point range, and, most concerning, 38.2-percent on 2-pointers. Those numbers simply won’t cut it and his lack of finishing touch around the rim has rendered him to a back-up, at best.

The Rockets should be aggressive targeting a center or power forward that can handle the back-up duties and play next to Christian Wood when he’s healthy. The beauty of Wood’s ascent in Houston has been that he is comfortable playing on the perimeter which would allow him to play next to a traditional rim running big.

The Rockets have the league’s second-best defensive rating without a traditional rim-protecting center. The addition of a real rim protector could help the Rockets claim the top spot by season’s end.

The financial realities of the pandemic have made teams squeamish about adding salary but traditional centers and power forwards have seen their value plummet in recent years. There will be a low-cost option available to the Rockets and they should be aggressive pursuing their options.

Next: Need #4