5 Dream Targets For Houston Rockets In 2017 NBA Free Agency

Serge Ibaka, PF, Toronto Raptors

Sticking with the defensive theme here, the Rockets could use some more lock-down talent in the front court. Ryan Anderson is an excellent stretch-4, but isn’t exactly what you’d consider a plus defender. His strengths lie on the offensive end of the floor.

Finding a dominant defensive power forward this offseason wouldn’t be the worst idea. As mentioned, the Rockets have struggled at times to keep opponents from putting big points on the board.

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Luckily, they happen to have a deadly offense (currently ranked second in points per game) that evens things out.

Imagine what a force in the paint like Serge Ibaka could do for this team. While he’s been a bit inconsistent over the last couple of years, there’s no denying he’s a tremendous talent when he gets his act together.

It wasn’t long ago he was considered an intimidating interior defender for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Maybe a trip to Houston would allow him to return to his defensive-minded game. Over the last couple of years, he’s developed more of an offensive attack, but has seen his defensive production decline.

With the Rockets already boasting plenty of scoring power, Ibaka could assume the rim protector role he once shined in.