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Houston Rockets: Playing buy or sell with 2019 free agents

By Suraj Sukumar

HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 25 : Kenneth Faried #35 of the Houston Rockets looks on during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on February 25, 2019 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 25 : Kenneth Faried #35 of the Houston Rockets looks on during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on February 25, 2019 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images /

Iman Shumpert

The NBA free agency pool is deep this year, but the Rockets are in need of specific pieces if they home to continue with their current squad. At the right price, Iman Shumpert could be a good option. While his numbers suggest he is at his worst right now, he averaged a career-low in minutes per game. If the Rockets can find a better way to utilize him while unleashing their offensive weapons, there could be some balance to the force in Houston.

The Rockets are in need of elite defense and versatile scoring options. The scoring needs to come from the frontcourt, but good defensive players on the perimeter who are also able to work down low are key when the games matter.

Iman Shumpert may not be the offensive player he showed earlier on in his career, but teams are willing to buy into his defense. He has a proven track record at the NBA level and it’s his abilities as a defensive player that continues to get him paid.

Of all the available candidates, Shumpert seems like a good option in terms of price, experience and ability. The real question will be how much can he get on the open market since that will help the Rockets decide who they should target more.

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The Rockets’ biggest goal will be to find talent that can help compliment their current core better, and it looks like depth will be the most important. Shumpert could be a solid starter at the three-spot, giving the Rockets some time and space to figure out the rest of their rotation.

Verdict: Buy

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