The Houston Rockets used to be a heavyweight in the Western Conference with arguably the best center in the league in Chinese import Yao Ming. Over the past few years, this team has suffered a steady decline with multiple injuries and no interest from big-name free agents.

Even though the Rockets have had trouble keeping their superstars like Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming healthy, they have had some promising young players come up through the franchise and some solid veterans.

Arguably their best player of the last two seasons has been point guard Aaron Brooks. Despite not getting any comparisons to the best players at his position like Chris Paul, Deron Williams or Steve Nash, Brooks is a very good player with a promising future in this league.

Unfortunately, Brooks is now headed to Phoenix after being traded to the Suns to be Nash’s replacement when the two-time NBA MVP decides to call it quits. Along with Brook being traded to the Phoenix Suns, the Houston Rockets also traded arguably their best defensive players Shane Battier to the Memphis Grizzlies.

In return for the Brooks, the Rockets will receive point guard Goran Dragic and young forward DeMarre Carroll. In exchange for the Battier, the Grizzlies have sent former second overall pick center Hasheem Thabeet.

With the Yao Ming most likely being on his way out in Houston as he might be forced to retire with yet another foot injury, the Rockets will look to make Thabeet their next great center. The best addition to this team in my opinion is Goran Dragic. No longer playing in the shadow of one of the best point guards to ever play this game, Dragic will get an opportunity to make a name for himself with the Rockets.

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