Houston Rockets: Top 3 buyout targets to consider signing

2. Enes Kanter

Prior to recently falling out of favor in the New York Knicks‘ rotation, Enes Kanter was once considered by most basketball experts as a frontrunner candidate to capture the Sixth Man of the Year award during his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Kanter — who was selected with the third overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft — produced solid numbers this season despite receiving limited playing time in the Big Apple, averaging 14.5 points and 10.5 rebounds in just 26.5 minutes per game. He was waived by the Knicks on Feb. 7.

"“Since he’s been coming off the bench, he’s [been one of the] best players in the league coming off the bench,” former teammate Russell Westbrook once told reporters when asked about Kanter. “He does things at a high level that nobody can do consistently…I think that’s important.”"

Although Kanter is likely to draw suitors that can provide him with more playing time than the Rockets due to his offensive repertoire, the 26-year-old center might be the big man Clutch City desperately needs for added reinforcement on the glass.

Despite the recent resurgence of Kenneth Faried over the last several games, Houston currently ranks near the bottom in almost every rebounding category. Kanter’s motor, combined with Faried and Clint Capela, would provide the Rockets with one of the game’s deepest frontcourts heading into the homestretch of the season.

In addition to adding another piece that has some familiarity playing with James Harden, Kanter could possibly be the latest big man who benefits from the Beard’s playmaking ability down in H-Town.