Ranking 7 former Ime Udoka players the Rockets could trade for

Former Udoka players No. 3: Jarrett Allen

For every player thus far we have tried to make the theory of the case for why they could be available. Jarrett Allen has become an All-Star player for the Cleveland Cavaliers after he was acquired from the Brooklyn Nets, where he and Ime Udoka were together for the start of the 2020-21 season.

Why would Cleveland trade him, then? The answer lies in the fit of Allen with Evan Mobley, the young phenom at power forward. The two have thrived together defensively, but the Cavs' offense has been strangled in their first playoff series together due to a lack of spacing. It's possible that at some point the Cavs decide they need to break up their two bigs in order to build a more versatile roster.

If they do, the Rockets should jump at the chance to add an impact two-way center in the middle. Aleperen Sengun has plenty of offensive upside, but his archetype is also unproven at the highest levels. If the Rockets are going to build a contender, they either need a rim protector at the 5 or they need Sengun to be an MVP candidate.

Allen represents a much more proven path to success. He is one of the league's best rim protectors, witht he foot speed to switch on the perimeter and guard in space. On offense he is an excellent finisher on the roll and has great touch. Adding Allen would catapult the Rockets' defense and help jumpstart their path towards the playoffs.