Rockets smart to show interest in young free agent

The Rockets may like what they have invested in their young core but that doesn't mean they need to sit on their hands in free agency.

There is a lot to be excited about with this young Rockets team. Numerous lottery picks and a core that is built around Jalen Green and Jabari Smith should be enough to convince anyone that this team will be worth watching for years to come.

But the roster doesn't stop at these two players. Houston has been investing picks to round out their forwards and center roles, but that doesn't mean that guys won't get moved around more in 2022 or that the depth is sufficient as it stands.

There are going to be several players moving into news roles and positions as the team tries to clear space for a young group of starters, and while there is plenty to be excited about in Alperen Sengun and some upside in Usman Garuba, the Rockets would be wise to find another center.

This report from Kelly Iko of the Athletic shows that the Rockets have the right idea on this front.

Even if the Rockets think that Sengun is going to be an All-Star in 2022, going into the season with one center and some of the question marks in Garuba is not a great look. And, while it might be a hard pill to swallow, expecting Sengun to be an easy hit is dangerous so early into his career.

The Rockets need bodies competing every week to make sure the best lineup is on the court at every point, and signing players like Mo Bamba is the best way to keep that competition up.

Bamba projects to be a much better center, especially defensively, than Garuba, and being able to use him as the backup to Sengun would free Garuba up to backup Jabari Smith if the Rockets want to make the most of their players.

This might be a difficult deal for the Rockets to pull off, but it is nice to see that they are at least putting some thought into it.

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