We knew going into the 2013 NBA Free Agency period that the Houston Rockets aimed to be major players. Many believe they are the top choice for free agent center Dwight Howard who appears ready to leave the Los Angeles Lakers.
According to Kurt Helin from NBC Sports, the Rockets are looking at adding another piece to their front court to play alongside Howard:
Report: Rockets trying to land Dwight Howard AND Josh Smith http://t.co/R1XdLyBrGJ
— Kurt Helin (@basketballtalk) July 3, 2013
If the Rockets are able to land Howard along with Josh Smith, they could immediately become the favorites in the Western Conference. The San Antonio Spurs aren’t getting younger, Russell Westbrook is coming off a major knee surgery, the Los Angeles Clippers just can’t seem to get over the hump, the Golden State Warriors still need another piece or two and the Dallas Mavericks will have lost out on their top choice this summer.
There’s always the Memphis Grizzlies, but with Howard and Smith at their best I believe they would overpower Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph down low. The strength and athleticism these two would bring to Houston could be something incredible to watch.
Howard is said to have left Los Angeles for a couple of days to think over his decision as he has now met with the major teams involved in the race for his services. We will most likely find out on July 10th, the rumored date Howard has been said to come forth with his final decision.
Will he and Smith join James Harden in Houston? Things are looking quite promising for the Rockets at the moment, I can tell you that much.
Ryan Heckman is a Senior NBA Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ryanmheckman, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
