Rockets' Options: The Power Forward

[BwareDWare94]

Houston's gaping hole in their lineup is currently at the power forward position. I'm going to outline several candidates, 3 who are on the roster and one free agent that I think Houston should consider signing. I'll also add a potential 4 on Houston's roster who, quite simply, isn't a 4.
 
The Leading Candidate: Greg Smith

 
Smith is a beast in the physical sense, but he's not consistent enough scoring the ball for me to be confident with him starting at the 4 for 82 games. McHale loves him, as would anyone who watches him play, but he needs to be close to the basket to be effective offensively, and that doesn't work with Dwight Howard
 
The Should-Start Candidate: Terrence Jones

 
Jones is not only an athletic slasher, he's got a decent outside shot, and like Smith, plays very capable defense. Based on his skill set, he fits best with Dwight Howard because he'll be able to spot up but also slash to the bucket when attention is paid to Howard. With these two on the floor, Houston could have their own version of Lob City.
 
The Highest Potential Candidate: Donatas Motiejunas

 
Motiejunas is so full of potential that this might be Houston's best option in the long term. He can shoot. He's another 7 footer. He can rebound, but his defense leaves much to be desired. Hopefully, DMo has been taking lessons from Kelvin Sampson in the offseason. If his defense is improved, even slightly, he could run away with the competition in training camp and preseason. If not, he'll find himself riding the pine like he did going into the playoffs last year. He has to learn to play defense.
 
The Free Agent Candidate: Elton Brand

 
If Houston decides to look into the free agent market, Brand would be able to stretch the floor just enough to keep Howard comfortable. With his jump shot, Brand could rediscover himself a bit in Houston, and could provide the leadership that Houston's team so obviously lacked last season, the leadership that Howard himself simply won't provide.
 
The Unsuspected Candidate: Chandler Parsons

 
Parsons started at the 4 in the playoffs last year as soon as Houston realized how much Francisco Garcia was able to pester Durant defensively. If Houston wants to mould itself according to Orlando's Finals appearance with Dwight, the lineup would have to be 1. Beverly (because he SHOULD start ahead of Lin) 2. Harden 3. Garcia 4. Parsons 5. Howard. While I don't think this is likely, it is certainly a possibility if none of these true Power Forward scenarios plays out.
 
Let me know what y'all think.
 
 
 

 

[Giantmetfan07]

I like Greg Smith more but as you said, in terms of the best person to space the floor with Dwight it would have to be Terrence Jones. 

 

[Hurricane Season]

Parsons at the 4 would be incredible offensively. 

 

[BwareDWare94]

Parsons at the 4 would be incredible offensively. 

 
It works out perfectly because Harden is built like a bull so he can defend stretch fours, leaving Parsons to chase a perimeter player while allowing James to not run around so much.

 

[PG24]

I'm a big fan of Terrence Jones and what I saw in the Summer League games. He's gotten stronger and developed a much better all-around game. He may not be ready to start every day for an NBA team, but he's close. I'd give him a shot and see if he can prove himself during the preseason. He's the best option if he is ready mentally to be an NBA starter.