In late April, new Rockets coach Ime Udoka referenced wanting to add “different types of bigs” in his introductory press conference. While third-year center Alperen Sengun offers strong value and versatility on offense, he’s somewhat limited on defense.
Flush with financial room beneath the NBA’s 2023-24 salary cap, that could explain Houston’s flirtation with veteran Milwaukee center Brook Lopez in recent weeks. However, many of the latest reports suggest Lopez may ultimately return to the Bucks
If that happens, who might be a backup plan for Rockets general manager Rafael Stone once the 2023 free agency negotiating window officially opens on Friday at 5 p.m. Central?
Per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Toronto’s Jakob Poeltl could be an option. Known for his defense, the 27-year-old, 7-foot-1 center averaged 12.5 points (62.9% FG), 9.1 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 26.5 minutes with the Raptors and San Antonio Spurs last season. Scotto reports Poeltl is expected to receive a deal near $20 million annually, which is in the ballpark of the rumored Lopez bid.
With the start of free agency under 24 hours away, other known Houston targets include Raptors guard Fred VanVleet; Memphis wing Dillon Brooks; and perhaps Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma.
As of late Thursday, here’s where things appear to stand.