NBA Free Agency 2017: 5 offseason needs for the Houston Rockets

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Apr 24, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) controls a ball as Toronto Raptors forward PJ Tucker (2) defends during the second quarter in game five of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Get better defensively overall

While we are at it, let’s address another vital area in need of improvement in Houston, overall defense. I know that the word “defense” doesn’t exactly fit into Mike D’Antoni’s vocabulary but there has to be some sort of compromise.

Houston was in the middle of the pack in terms of defensive efficiency but were the eighth-worst team in average opponent shooting percentage. They also were in the bottom-10 in blocks per game, which could also be tied into their issues in the previous slide. They also had issues in getting back on defense, ranking in the bottom-five in opponent fast break points per game.

Maybe drafting someone at the wing who can help? Maybe looking for a P.J. Tucker type player who can get down and dirty defensively. How about just signing Tucker?

Next: Every NBA team's greatest playoff moment

Yes they did some things well like force turnovers and got some steals but will need to focus on improving defensively if they are going to be able to hang in there with the big boys of the league.

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