Houston Rockets: 5 small-ball players to target in free agency

If the Houston Rockets intend to keep their small-ball approach next season, there are a few free agent targets they should take a flyer on.

After a second-round defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Houston Rockets have been making headlines frequently this offseason.

First, it was head coach Mike D’Antoni parting ways with the team, followed by long-time general manager Daryl Morey stepping down. With James Harden and Russell Westbrook both on the books for over $40 million each next season, the team is strapped financially, on top of having no draft capital heading into this offseason.

All of those factors put together leave newly appointed general manager Rafael Stone in a colossal predicament for a team that could use a roster revamping this offseason. On the bright side, Stone will have the mid-level exception worth $9.3 million and the $3.6 million bi-annual exception at his disposal in free agency. These could get be useful in enticing some free agent targets, but the biggest question is what Houston’s identity is going to be next season.

The Rockets fully embraced small-ball earlier this season, and although it worked great some nights, it made them more vulnerable than ever on others. With D’Antoni gone and the team searching for a new coach, Houston could very well throw away their small-ball identity entirely. Given how well their dynamic backcourt played in that system, however, it would also be feasible to believe the next head coach might inherit that style of play.

If the organization goes with the latter, they are going to need floor spacers along with some defensive-minded players that can contribute to winning now. With that being said, here are five free agents that could be of service this offseason for the small-ball Houston Rockets.