Rockets could sign defensive Eurobasket standout- but they'll have to wait

As the Houston Rockets have made a number of moves this offseason, their main mission has been to give the team the depth it needs to compete.

Yet, as they approach the start of the season, the team is too close to the first apron to fill their final roster spot, and, as defensive EuroBasket standout Isaac Bonga gets renewed attention from NBA teams, the Rockets will need to wait until next offseason to make a run at what could potentially be an ideal addition for this roster.

Bonga, 25, was integral in Germany's run to the EuroBasket championship, and, as a developing 3-and-D wing, a return to the NBA via Houston could be a serendipitous marriage of the two parties' interests.

Isaac Bonga could be the perfect addition for the Rockets next offseason

Through four NBA seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards and Toronto Raptors, Bonga's game never quite materialized. While he did average only 13.1 minutes per game across his NBA career, his statistical averages still sat an an underwhelming 3.1 points, 0.5 rebounds and 0.3 assists.

Moreover, as a 6'8" wing with a 3-and-D archetype, his poor mark of 30% from beyond the arc in those four seasons ultimately led him back to Europe.

Yet, in this EuroBasket tournament, Bonga has put his growth on full display for the world. Through nine games with Germany he averaged 9.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists, shooting 62.1% from the field and 45.2% from 3-point range.

Moreover, his stellar defense on both the perimeter and the interior throughout the tournament were acknowledged when he was recognized as the tournament's best defender following Germany's defeat of Turkiye in the final.

According to NBA Insider Marc Stein, Bonga had already received revived interest from NBA suitors prior to his EuroBasket performance, but a lack of concrete offers caused him to commit to return to Serbian club Partizan Belgrade for the 2025-26 season.

As it stands, this could be the perfect set of circumstances for Houston to bring in the burgeoning young wing. As of now, they only have eight contracts on the books for the 2026-27 season, and, prior to extensions for Durant and Tari Eason, they have roughly $68 million of wiggle room between them and the first apron.

Moreover, their biggest need currently stands squarely in their backcourt. Behind veteran guard Fred VanVleet, they do not currently have any reliable perimeter shooters or proven ball-handlers. While Bonga would not necessarily become the team's floor general for their bench unit, his defensive nose for the ball would fit seamlessly into the Rockets' current structure.

Therefore, while Houston is likely to lie dormant for now, fans of the team should keep an eye on the potential availability of Bonga next offseason.