The Houston Rockets' Targets in This NBA Offseason

With the potential starters of the free agency rapidly dwindling to a few measly role players, and bench warmers, it looks like a trade may be what the doctor ordered for this ailing franchise.

Using the recently acquired injury exception, and with a few potential trade partners for all-star Tracy McGrady, there are various options Daryl Morey and crew can pursue in the hope of restocking the roster for the upcoming season.

However, the Rockets backcourt is in no need of repair, the front court needs a serious makeover.

The sickeningly unathletic Luis Scola has a refined post game and some excellent rebounding potential, but there has to be someone better out there who can alternate between the 4 and 5.

And if so, they are almost definitely not in the free agency, so this franchise may look to trade.

Using figures from the ever helpful Wikipedia web site, I have compiled a brief list of trade partners this offseason.

Hakim Warrick

With the newly drafted Hasheem Thabeet almost certainly replacing Marc Gasol at the 5, Hakim Warrick would likely suffer the downgrade to role player.

At 6'9" he is definitley not undersized for a PF, and boasts an amazing 7'2" wingspan and 38" vertical leap. One cant help but feel he is a huge upgrade to Luis Scola.

With equal rebounding skills and post game moves, it is on the defensive end where Hakim outshines his Argentine counterpart.

Averaging 1 steal, 1 block and 7.6 rebounds for his career, and a startling 21 ppg this season, I do believe this youthful PF has a future with the Rockets.

He would need to bulk up, however, to relish more authority at the post.

Houston would get: Hakim Warrick

Memphis would get: Luis Scola, Second round draft pick 2010.

Theo Ratliff

At the ripe old age of 36, and with an impending retirement from the league, Theo is an unrestricted free agent this year and may be hoping to shine one last time in the NBA.

Just shy of seven feet (6'11") Theo is a consistent defensive threat averaging a stellar career average of 2.5 blocks a game, and could provide a cheap relief at the center position.

Think of him as a temporary replacement, until (if ever) Yao returns.

Eddy Curry

The possessor of a lethal post game the 6'11 285lb center, is all but undersized and could post consistent, but not spectacular, numbers such as 15ppg 6rpg 1bpg on 56 percent shooting.

However, his recent injury troubles may hamper an investigation in this pick.

Nene

Possibly the most agile big man in the league, Nene is developing into one of the NBA's elite centers, and would be a perfect addition to the Rockets' roster.

With the correct guidance, Nene could easily average 20ppg and improvement on his current stat, 15ppg. He is disruptive on the defensive end, capable of averaging a steal and two blocks next season, with enough playing time.

Houston would get: Nene, second round draft pick 2010.

Denver would get: Tracy McGrady, Chuck Hayes.

When Yao returns Nene could easily play the four, giving Houston one of the most potent froncourts in the league.