Center Dilemma: Houston Should Look to the LA Clippers For Help

Looking at the rosters of the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers, you would think speculation of a trade was imminent.

However, no news out of either city has leaked. I thought I could bring to light a few situations that could bring in a replacement for Yao Ming.

The first one that comes to mind is Deandre Jordan. A second-round pick in '08, the 7-foot center has an incredibly high ceiling.

Due to the rule that forced high school students to attend college for one season before entering the NBA, DeAndre Jordan enrolled at Texas A&M.

His time spent in Aggieland was unsuccessful, overrated, and downright unpleasant. He lost his starting job to Brian Davis and entered the '08 NBA Draft on potential alone.

Amazingly, he got drafted by the Clippers. He did not allow himself to develop. As we've seen with Dwight Howard, it takes some time to acclimate yourself to the NBA. Jordan could have used the extra season in college.

If you need reassurance of this, just look at how successful Blake Griffin was during his second year at Oklahoma. The result? He was picked No. 1 overall.

All that being said, Jordan could be a cheap replacement for Yao until he returns to action.

In Jordan's injury plagued season, he had a brief stint as a starter in late January. In 10 games in which he started and saw significant playing time, he averaged 9.6 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks.

It is questionable whether such numbers would hold throughout an entire season, but is it not worth it to try?

Let's face it, Yao is going to miss a large portion of next season. Getting a replacement is a top priority.

Another player Houston could look at is Marcus Camby. Camby is not a threat offensively, but he has been one of the most dominant defensive players in the NBA the last three years.

With a roster packed with talented centers, the Clippers may be willing to part with a player of such talent for the right price.

Houston would probably have to trade Tracy McGrady in a deal for Camby. With money committed towards Chris Kaman, Baron Davis, Zach Randolph, and now Blake Griffin, the Clippers may not like that option.

The only way a trade works from a salary perspective is McGrady for Camby and Davis, which is not happening. It sounds nice for the Rockets, but it would never happen.

So Camby could be a very solid addition to the Rockets, but a deal would be difficult to come by.

If I had my choice, DeAndre Jordan would be the guy to go after. If not simply giving up cash considerations, the Rockets would have to just give up one of their younger players such as Joey Dorsey or James White.

Either way, they should be shopping for a center to replace Yao for the short term.