Los Angeles Lakers: Top 5 free agent destinations for Nick Young
By Tony Thai
Houston Rockets
Something about Young playing under Mike D’Antoni’s system just sounds right. Now with Chris Paul, the Rockets are looking to add more pieces to help them contend with Golden State.
Last season, the Rockets finished third in the West, going 55-27 in the regular season. Their playoff run got cut short after losing to the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Western Conference Semi-Finals.
In an experiment, D’Antoni had James Harden run the point last season and he had his best season of his career. The team was filled with three-point shooters and all of them excelled under D’Antoni. By trading for Paul, the Rockets sent Lou Williams to the Clippers. Young could fill the hole left by his former teammate and be a great fit under D’Antoni’s shooter-friendly system.
The Rockets might not be done making moves yet. To make any big moves, in addition to Young, Houston will have to get rid of Ryan Anderson’s and/or Eric Gordon’s contract. Even then, Young will likely have to take less money to play for the Rockets but this a contender team that Young seeks.
It is unsure how well Paul will fight with Harden but the team will be one of the top contenders for next year. Either way, the Rockets should be an attractive destination for Young when he hits free agency.