Houston Rockets: Complete 2017 offseason grades

Re-signing Nene

Early on in free agency, it was reported that Houston re-signed Nene to a four-year, $15 million contract. However, due to the new over-38 rule in the CBA, that contract wouldn’t be allowed, thus putting Nene back on the open market.

However, the two sides quickly agreed to a reduced three-year, $11 milion deal that will see the Brazilian big man in Houston for what are most likely his final years in the league.

Nene was very good for the Rockets last season, playing 67 games and averaging 9.1 points and 4.2 rebounds in 18 minutes per game. The Rockets carefully planned when to rest Nene and limited his minutes, which allowed him to be more productive in his smaller role.

Last season, Nene posted his highest Player Efficiency Rating (18.9) and win shares (4.1) since 2010-11. More importantly, Nene turned things on in the first round of the playoffs, averaging 13.6 points and 6.6 rebounds per game in the five-game series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. And we can’t forget Nene’s incredible 28-point, 10-rebound game against the Thunder in Game 4:

At a little over $3 million per season, this is a good value signing for the Rockets. Nene is the perfect veteran big to back up Clint Capela, and provides Houston with leadership and toughness. Although he can only play a limited amount of minutes and games, Nene proved last season that he can still be a key role player for Houston.

Grade: A-