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Houston Rockets: 3 young free agents that fit their timeline

By Nick Swanson

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 10: Kevin Porter Jr. #3 of the Houston Rockets walks out on court during player introductions prior to the game against the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center on April 10, 2021 in San Francisco, California. 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. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 10: Kevin Porter Jr. #3 of the Houston Rockets walks out on court during player introductions prior to the game against the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center on April 10, 2021 in San Francisco, California. 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. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /
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Houston Rockets Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Rockets Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

Houston Rockets free-agent target No. 2: Jarrett Allen – C

Jarrett Allen to Houston is something many were expecting at the beginning of the season. When the news of Harden getting traded to the Brooklyn Nets broke, it was all but set in stone that the former Texas Longhorn would be making his return to the Lone Star state. But then, it wasn’t. Allen was shipped off to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the four-team deal.

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At only 23 years old, the near-7-footer is already one of the better pure back-to-the-basket centers in the NBA. Allen is a dominant presence in the paint and has a lethal short jump shot. He’s an underrated shot blocker and is a very good rebounder. He’s got the look and the playstyle of a late 90s, early 2000s, paint beast of a center and with time he could be the next dominant center.

With Christian Wood’s build and playstyle being more of a four instead of a five, the acquisition of Allen would allow Wood to bounce back to his natural position. The young corps of whoever the Rockets decide to trot out to run point for them next season, Kevin Porter Jr., Jae’Sean Tate, Christian Wood and Jarrett Allen is a formidable opponent. Not only could that team actually go on and win games within a couple of seasons, but that could end up being the most fun team in the NBA, from a fan’s perspective.

With the state of the Rockets how it is now, Allen could only them improve and continue to work their way back through the post-Harden rebuild.

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