Fansided

Which impending NBA free agents could have contributed in the Conference Finals?

By Ti Windisch

MIAMI, FL - APRIL 11: Wayne Ellington #2 of the Miami Heat shoots the ball against the Toronto Raptors on April 11, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - APRIL 11: Wayne Ellington #2 of the Miami Heat shoots the ball against the Toronto Raptors on April 11, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – MAY 20: Trevor Ariza #1 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball against the Golden State Warriors during Game Three of the Western Conference Finals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 20, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – MAY 20: Trevor Ariza #1 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball against the Golden State Warriors during Game Three of the Western Conference Finals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 20, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Trevor Ariza

It’s pretty easy to predict that Trevor Ariza could be a factor in a deep playoff run, because he is currently doing just that for the Houston Rockets. Ariza may not be one of the three or four most important Rockets, but his defensive versatility has really helped Houston as long as he’s been there.

Ariza posted 11.7 points per game this past season while shooting 41.2 percent from the field and nailing 36.8 percent of his 3-point shots. His defense is probably Ariza’s biggest strength though, as his mix of size and speed allows him to switch just about any screen he wants to.

The Rockets would certainly love to keep Ariza, but that could be difficult with both Chris Paul and Clint Capela needing new contracts this summer. As great as he is at playing his role, Houston is not making a title run without one or both of Paul and Capela. They’re two of the Rockets’ big three.

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Whether he ends up staying or going, expect Ariza to continue to impact really important basketball games. He may not be the biggest name in the world, but Trevor Ariza helps good teams get even better, and that’s incredibly valuable in a seven-game series.

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