The Houston Rockets have been widely [expected to target a guard](https://spacecityscoop.com/rockets-must-avoid-trae-young-temptation-as-trade-speculation-begins-to-mount-again) on the trade market this year. If the Celtics are sellers at this year's deadline, they may want to look at one of their big men instead. Neemis Queta could be the perfect acquisition for Houston
It sounds counterintuitive. The Rockets have Alperen Sengun, Steven Adams and Clint Capela. It's perhaps the deepest center rotation in the NBA. Why would they acquire another big man?
Let's find out.
Rockets may need to replace veteran bigs
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If Adams could play more consistently, this would be a moot point. He can't, and when he's on the injury report, the [Rockets feel his absence.](https://spacecityscoop.com/rockets-steven-adams-problem-grows-even-worse-in-embarrassing-loss-to-jazz)
That was never more apparent than it was in the Rockets' last contest against the Jazz. They lost to a basement-dwelling team 133-125. The Rockets uncharacteristically lost the rebounding battle 50-46.
More minutes for Clint Capela could have solved the problem. Unfortunately, Ime Udoka didn't seem to trust him. Capela saw 9 minutes of action in this contest.
That's what leads us to Queta.
Rockets need reliable center play
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The Rockets' identity is largely built around big man play. They want to dominate opponents on the offensive glass.
Capela is part of that strategy. His 26.5% Offensive Rebounding Percentage would lead the NBA if he met the minutes played threshold. That's the problem - he doesn't, and neither does Adams.
Queta does. His 14.9% Offensive Rebounding Percentage is far less impressive, but it ranks fifth in the NBA. When you play substantial minutes, it becomes more difficult to have statistical anomalies like Capela's percentage.
So, why doesn't Udoka trust Capela? It could be his 54.3% field goal shooting. It's a fine mark, but for a player who almost exclusively produces open dunks, it's mediocre. Queta's 64.5% shooting is more in line with what you want from a lob specialist.
Do the Rockets need to go get this guy?
Rockets should keep an open mind to another big
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It doesn't have to be Queta. If the Celtics are playing him big minutes to bolster his trade value, they may ask for too much.
More broadly, the Rockets arguably have a center problem. Capela has lost a step on offense, and Adams is unreliable. The answer would seemingly be to replace Capela in the rotation and keep Adams fresh for the postseason.
It's not imperative. Houston shouldn't overreact to one bad loss in a back-to-back. Still, it's worth considering. If it becomes apparent that the Rockets will struggle without Adams throughout the year, it's a problem considering how often they'll be without Adams.
Neemas Queta could be the unexpected solution.