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Chris Bosh to the Rockets?

Image (1) nba_bosh1.jpg for post 127

Chris Bosh had a stellar season for the Toronto Raptors. Despite his contributions, the Raptors were unable to hold to the eighth playoff spot in the East when Bosh missed the last few games of the season due to injury. Bosh is a free agent next summer. Given Bosh’s individual success without a playoff series victory to call his own, there’s a lot of speculation that Bosh will go the Pau Gasol route this summer and find himself as the second option/option 1b on a team ready to become a serious contender.

Miami, New York (along with LeBron, of course), Los Angeles, and Chicago have all been mentioned as possible destinations for Bosh. Today, ESPN’s Marc Stein mentioned the possibility that Bosh could be playing for Houston next season. From the article:

The Rockets’ No. 1 free-agent target? Sources say it’s still Bosh, who earlier this season said the idea of playing in his hometown of Dallas holds limited appeal ... but hasn’t said anything to suggest that he wouldn’t play somewhere else in his home state.

If the Raptors and Bosh reach the expected conclusion that it’s time for an amicable divorce, Houston has amassed an enticing cache of sign-and-trade assets. One source, offering one small example, says that the Raptors are intrigued by young forward Jordan Hill, whom the Rockets extracted from the Knicks in the Tracy McGrady three-way deal in February.

This is obviously all speculation at this point. But it is intriguing speculation. Imagine a Yao/Bosh frontcourt if Yao is healthy next season. Bosh can move without the ball, make open jumpers, and get to the rim easily if the defense isn’t loading up on him, which will make double-teaming Yao in the post much more difficult. When Bosh initiates the offense by taking his man off the dribble, Yao’s excellent mid-range touch can keep the floor spaced for him. And remember, Kevin Martin is going to start quarters off by crashing into people and getting the Rockets in the bonus. Assuming Martin is healthy.

The Rockets are a well-coached team that got the most out of their roster on their way to a 42-40 record. What they need is more firepower. Bosh would certainly provide that. Trying to keep up with all the rumors, speculation, and possible player movements this summer will be maddening. Imagining what teams could look like after all these potentially franchise-altering moves, however, can be a lot of fun.