Dwight Howard and Al Horford (Photo : Getty Images)
The Houston Rockets are expected to make a splash in the offseason after a dismal season and they may have locked on their free agent targets.
In the latest projections regarding free agency, Al Horford is said to be on the way to Texas, specifically to Houston. The Rockets have set the Atlanta Hawks' center-forward as top priority according to Sean Deveney of Sporting News.
"A person familiar with the organization told Sporting News that landing Hawks star Al Horford is the Rockets' top-line goal in free agency, and Ryan Anderson also would be a possibility," Deveney said.
Horford's ability to play either starting frontline position will sit well with the Rockets who are likely to lose their power forwards Terrence Jones and Donatas Motiejunas along with star center Dwight Howard.
With the hiring of Mike D'Antoni as the new head coach, the Rockets are likely to employ a fast-paced offense. Horford could take a similar role that Amare Stoudemire had with the Phoenix Suns, the peak of D'Antoni's coaching career.
In a list of predictions from Bleacher Report, writer Grant Hughes supported Deveney when he called Houston as the "perfect home" for Horford.
"Horford is everything Howard isn't: a true professional with multiple offensive skills, a reliable jumper, keen passing intellect and the ability to excel on offense away from the basket," Hughes said. "It's hard to imagine a center who would open up the middle of the floor for James Harden more effectively than Horford."
It is logical for Houston to pursue Horford as offense remains their priority. The Rockets also have a young defensive center in Clint Capela.
There is also another target identified as a possible fit in Houston. The Miami Heat have a lot of issues to address and are most likely to let small forward Luol Deng walk this offseason. The Heat's loss could be the Rockets' gain.
"Deng would be a nice fit as an undersized 4 who could space the floor in Houston, and his professionalism would be sorely needed there," Hughes wrote.
Al Horford and Luol Deng are true professionals who have not been known for offcourt issues and divisive behavior. For the Houston Rockets, acquiring talent is not enough after their horrendous season. These two players, if the predictions hold true would give the team a much-needed culture change.
