Houston Rockets Rumors: 3 Free Agent centers that the Rockets could sign

The Houston Rockets entered the 2019 postseason in a fragile state. The team had just been eliminated from the postseason by the Golden State Warriors for the fourth time in five seasons, and there were significant locker room issues between Chris Paul and James Harden.

Multiple reports suggested that the entire roster was available if the right offer came along, however, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s demise handed the franchise a lifeline. After allowing Paul George to leave for Los Angeles, the Thunder quickly sent Russell Westbrook to Houston, providing Harden with a bonafide second-star. Meanwhile, the trade also allowed the Rockets to solve their locker room issues as Chris Paul and his huge contract were sent to Oklahoma City.

Houston's successful off-season has renewed hope that the team can finally win a title, although the current roster still lacks depth, and a backup center should be a priority. With plenty of veteran free agent guard still available, the Rockets should have no issues solving their center shortage, and here are three of the most likely options.

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#3 Joakim Noah

Joakim Noah spent the 18-19 season with the Memphis Grizzlies

Back in February of 2014, Joakim Noah was coming off a second straight All-Star appearance and the-then 29-year-old would later that year be named to the All-NBA First Team. However, the league has changed hugely in the ensuing half a decade, and Noah is now battling to save his NBA career.

Persistent injury issues have resulted in Noah playing in just over a third of all regular-season games over the past four years, and his limited offensive skillset has also seen other players preferred.

However, the defensive side of Noah's game remains strong, and the 34-year-old should be able to provide the Rockets with at least one season of productive performances from the reserve unit.

#2 Amir Johnson

Amir Johnson reached the playoffs with the Philadelphia 76ers

Amir Johnson was selected as a late second-round pick back in the 2005 NBA draft, and the versatile big has defied expectations to feature in over 800 regular-season games. Over his career, Johnson has averaged 7.0 points and 5.4 rebounds in 21.1 minutes per game and is coming off a season in which he performed well for the Philadelphia 76ers.

In a limited role, Johnson offered an impact at both ends of the court and continued to show that he can knock down wide-open three-point attempts. Johnson would provide Mike D’Antoni with a big who can stretch the floor at times, and his wealth of playoff experience would also be a boost. At 32, Johnson has the potential to play at least a couple of seasons for the Rockets and is a strong candidate to add depth to the roster.

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#1 Marcin Gortat

Marcin Gortat was solid during his time with the Los Angeles Clippers

Marcin Gortat is regarded as somewhat of a relic in the modern NBA, although it is worth remembering that the center averaged a double-double just two seasons ago. Gortat accomplished the feat while playing for a Washington Wizards side that still had title aspirations, and the veteran big would make an impact at both ends of the court.

Admittedly, Gortat has not played since being waived by the Los Angeles Clippers ahead of the trade deadline, although the Polish star managed to average 5 0 points and 5.6 rebounds over 43 regular-season appearances for the LA franchise.

At 35, Gortat’s career is nearing the end, although he could solve Mike D’Antoni’s center shortage for at least the upcoming 19-20 season. A reserve role averaging 10-15 minutes per night makes sense, and Gortat's competitive attitude could prove to be a decisive factor for a team hoping to contend.