Houston Rockets: Complete 2019 offseason grades

Signing Tyson Chandler

In a move that was made just hours following the surprising Russell Westbrook trade, the Houston Rockets sought to get back on the phone lines to fill the void at the backup center slot, signing veteran big man Tyson Chandler to a one-year deal on July 12.

Chandler — who is set to join his eighth organization in his 19-year career — displayed signs of being an effective presence in limited minutes off the bench during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers last season, shooting 60.9 percent from the field in just 16.4 minutes per game through 48 appearances.

Although the addition of Chandler onto a roster might not hold as much luster as it did the previous decade, acquiring the longtime NBA journeyman could actually manifest into being a valuable addition for the Rockets in more ways than just one.

Despite failing to produce double figures in both points and rebounds per game for the second straight year, the former All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year has shown that he can still be a steady presence within an offense as a pick-and-roll threat.

He can also be an elder statesman alongside his new teammates in the locker room.

In addition to a sufficient rim protector when asked to step into the line of fire, as the man who boasts the third-highest field goal percentage in NBA history, has continued playing a pivotal omnipresence in helping his teams garner wins with his clutch interior defense and rebounding late down the stretch.

"“He’s huge,” Lakers forward LeBron James told reporters when discussing the impact that Chandler had on the team during the earlier part of season following his arrival last year. “We had a spot that needed some reassurance, and for us to be able to get Tyson in the fashion that we got him and to be able to implement him right away…is great.”"

Should this be the case, then maybe there is a strong chance that the Rockets have found their Nene replacement in Chandler at a lower cost.

A more athletic center behind Clint Capela — and a former NBA champion — who can emerge as the official voice of reason within Houston’s fort to help Capela, Westbrook and Harden deal with the necessary bumps and adversity in which they will face on the path towards a championship.

In conjunction with providing Mike D’Antoni and the Rockets coaching staff with a valuable relay messenger in uniform, as Chandler’s presence will more certainly be welcomed by a head coach that shares history with him dating back to their days with the New York Knicks.

Even if it may have come a decade late for Westbrook and Harden’s own liking.

Grade: B-