I have the Rockets tentative starting line-up in place:
Manu/Harden/W. Chandler/Nene/Hawes.
Any thoughts on what I should prioritize from here. About $25 mil left to spend.
Pretty solid 2-5. Not sure Ginobili can defend the PG position. I'd definitely go for a real PG. You might consider starting Manu at the 2, Harden at the 3 and bringing Chandler off the bench. Just my two cents.
Yes, I would be worried about PG defense too. I don't think Manu is up to defending the PG position for any prolonged length of time at this stage in his career. When he was younger, definitely. Harden can't defend PGs either.
So that would be a priority for me. Finding a point guard. Having Harden and Manu, with their PG-skills, make it very easy to slot in just about anyone in that PG position. So you will have the pick of the bunch.
I would bring Ginobili off the bench and keep W.Chandler as a starter because of Chandler's defensive ability at SF. Ginobili will give you one hell of a game changer off the bench.
I would also target a talented backup forward for when Hawes goes out and Nene slides to the center position. Either a PF to play alongside Nene. Or a SF with W.Chandler sliding over to PF. Someone who can give you more quickness defensively and has a jump shot.
I think with those two pieces you will have a rock solid 7 man rotation. From there, just situational substitutes.