Houston Rockets: Top-5 2022 free agent centers 

Houston Rockets Free Agent Center #3 Gorgui Dieng 

Of all the centers on this list, Gorgui Dieng is the oldest and probably the least talented. So why is he third? Because the Rockets hopefully have their center of the future in Alperen Sengun, and Dieng won’t demand or threaten those minutes. Dieng is 32 and has come off the bench in 389 of his 597 career games. He knows he’s a backup center, and that’s what the Rockets need. 

Dieng may be a backup, but he isn’t a scrub. Over the past three seasons, he shot 39% from 3-point range on 2.0 attempts a game. His finishing around the rim is weak for a center, but he can credibly score from the mid-range. In reality, his shot chart looks far more like a guard’s than a center’s. 

Dieng could be a solid frontcourt pairing with Usman Garuba, who is still developing as a shooter, and could potentially play with Sengun. Defensively, Dieng is solid but unspectacular. 

He is coming off a $4 million contract with the Hawks, so coming to terms with the Rockets shouldn’t break the bank. In just about every facet, Dieng is a great fit for the Rockets. He’s cheap, he won’t require a long-term deal, he won’t step on the young guys' toes, and he can still play at a reasonably high level. Sometimes the best moves are the least exciting.