The Rockets missed out on a major free agent acquisition this summer, but it appears as though they’ve succeeded in securing a more than serviceable player who was far less expensive.
Chris Bosh was reportedly nearing the finish line on a four-year max deal to go to Houston, which had the Rockets pulling the trigger on a trade to send Jeremy Lin to the Lakers in order to clear the necessary cap space to make it happen.
But in the wake of losing LeBron James, the Heat came hard at Bosh with a five-year max contract that was an offer ultimately too good for him to pass up.
Houston was, however, able to add some significant talent to the roster.
From Sam Amick of USA Today:
Ariza had somewhat of a breakout season in Washington last year, posting numbers that were his best since (somewhat ironically) last playing for the Rockets back in the 2009-10 season. He averaged 14.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game, while shooting 40.7 percent from three-point distance.
Ariza’s first stint in Houston was ill-fated, because the Rockets gave Ariza a generous contract that came with it the expectations of being one of the team’s primary scorers. It didn’t work out, and he was dealt after just one season.
This time around, there will be no such pressure. Ariza will be asked to defend and compliment the primary Rockets players like Dwight Howard and James Harden, and should be a nice talent upgrade for the price.