5 free agency destinations for Andre Drummond

The Houston Rockets have an undeniable track record of dominant big men in the Space City. From Moses Malone to Ralph Sampson to Hakeem Olajuwon to Yao Ming to Dwight Howard to some extent, besides with the Los Angeles Lakers, where else in the NBA have star centers thrived more than in Houston?

The obvious friction that exists between Howard and All-Star shooting guard James Harden will absolutely cause Howard to opt out of his five-year deal with the Rockets three years early to get away from his difficult Houston teammate.

Since Houston would then have an obvious void at center for general manager Daryl Morey to fill, might the Rockets replace Howard with a young and better version of what they originally thought they could get out of him in Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond.

Drummond is coming off his first All-Star season with the Pistons at 22 years old. He’s a defensive stalwart both in blocking shots and dominating other big men in the paint for rebounds. Morey, the most analytical general manager in the NBA, would certainly jump at the opportunity to sign the biggest double-double machine in the NBA in Drummond.

Drummond would emerge as the other All-Star to play alongside Harden. Drummond isn’t as aloof as Howard and he could be the perfect All-Star big man the Rockets would need to build a championship contender under in the next few years.

Houston will, however, have to find a long-term solution at head coach, whether that is removing the interim tag from J.B. Bickerstaff or bringing in somebody else to replace the departed Kevin McHale this summer.

Next: 1. Detroit Pistons