Houston Rockets: 5 possible DeMarcus Cousins replacements

Houston Rockets DeMarcus Cousins replacement #5: Kenny Wooten

The Houston Rockets don’t need to look far to find a younger, smaller, and faster center. Kenny Wooten has been patrolling the paint for the Rockets’ G-League affiliate the Rio Grande Vipers and could be ready for his first NBA action.

Wooten was a human highlight reel last season while playing for the New York Knicks’ G-League affiliate. In only 24.9 minutes a game, Wooten averaged 3.6 blocks and an absurd block-percentage of 13.1-percent.

To give some perspective, the NBA’s current block-percentage leader, Myles Turner, is only clocking in at 9.6-percent. Wooten hasn’t been nearly as good this season in the G-League but he has the potential to be a difference-maker on the defensive end.

Wooten is not some slow-footed behemoth that dominates the paint with sheer size. He stands a modest 6’8 but his combination of length, timing, and burst make him an impact defensive player in the paint and on the perimeter.

The same athleticism that allows Wooten to make an impact on defense also leads to highlight-reel dunks. The Rockets might want Wooten to get more seasoned in the G-League, but his potential as a younger, smaller, and faster center is exactly what the Rockets say they are looking for.

Next: #4