What the Houston Rockets Can do Over Offseason to Become a 55-Plus Win Team Next Season

Mar 28, 2013; Washington, D.C., USA; Indiana Hoosiers forward Cody Zeller (40) drives against Syracuse Orange center Baye Keita (12) during the first half of the semifinals of the East regional of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at the Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Any Other 4/5-men Outside Noel?

If not, the best options for that shot blocker will be Cody Zeller, Kelly Olynyk and Alex Len. All three are projected to go top-10.  Rudy Gobert of France is much harder to project.

Olynyk at this point is the most realistic target, but after the Adam Morrison disaster, it will be surprising to see the Gonzaga center go that high.

Many GMs are realizing the fools gold that MVC talent is.   Zeller would be Morey’s dream with the Dallas pick, or the Raptors if it falls out of the protected range.  Zeller has the offensive skill set and length to flourish in Houston’s offense.

The lack of shot blocking makes Noel a better option to be sure, but it isn’t enough to give the edge to Olynyk over Zeller or Len.  Len is the third best option, if not only because his frame appears to be the best to turn into a 5-man’s body.

Gobert would be another long-fence bound windup, but he’s said to be a very athletic freak of nature and is a legitimate 7-foot-1.  It’s very early to project Gobert’s draft position until he comes over and works out for NBA teams, too.