Poll: Mo Pete, DerMarr, or Darius? Which one would you choose?

[rocketsfan34]

Which of the three would you go with if you had to choose one? The experienced clutch player(Mo Pete), the big shooting guard(DerMarr), or young do it all high schooler(Darius). Each has his strengths and weakness.

Morris Peterson may not be as talented as the other two but is the senior and has the experience and is clutch.

DerMarr is one of the few 6'9" guards. Not to mention a good shooter. Would create massive matchup problems with height not to mention keep defense honest by stretching defense with him standing at three point line. However isn't as much of flyer as the other two.

Darius the high school do it all. May not be as good of a 3 point shooter as other two. However, he is young and it does have its drawback as he lacks the experience Peterson has. But still very complete in other parts of his game as shown in McDonald's game.

So, on draft day, cuz of lack of big men(martin and mihm will be gone by time we pick) which SF would you go with?

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[This message has been edited by rocketsfan34 (edited March 31, 2000).]

[UT Baller]

I would have to say go for Johnson. Mo Peterson is a good player, and I wouldn't argue with the pick, but I think that Johnson has a higher ceiling. Miles needs to develop an outside game for me to even consider him, but if Gerald Wallace was on the board for our pick I would choose him over all three.

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[4chuckie]

Mo Pete- you know what you're getting. DeMarr proved nothing at Cincy, he had his chance to step up in the Dance w/ no Kenyon and he wasn't able to step up his game. He may have a higher ceiling, but ceilings are potential and potentials are very rarely reached.
Honestly I don't know the HSer (Darius). Some of them have worked out (Kobe & Garnett) but others never make it off the pine in the NBA.

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[DrNuegebauer]

You gotta go for Peterson ! He's improved every year he's played and shows a desire to work hard on and off the court to improve his game - we NEED someone with that work ethic !
Don't forget we might get Phillies/ Detroits or Orlando's(?) first round pick, so we could still land the high schooler !
But we really need big man help, so maybe with a late first rounder we could get Etan Thomas ?

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[Da Man]

Hey if you want Francis to drive and kick it out to Dermarr for the 3, wouldn't you rather have Francis kick it out to Mo Pete instead. He is the much better shooter.

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[rocketsfan34]

Ya...both are good shooters, however I feel DerMarr can do more if the shot ain't there if help rotates than Peterson. If Miles was there, don't think that penetrate-kickout concept would work as he needs to be more consistent in outside shot.

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[sir scarvajal]

Maybe we will get lucky in the lottery and be in position to get KMart, Fizer or Mihm with a top 3 pick. Maybe Haywood, Battier and Swift will change their minds too so we wouldn't need to get lucky for one of these six guys because we would have earned one of them outright.

Mo Pete is a safe pick, and not a bad pick. But the last thing we need is another swing player (I'll bet Mo is really 6' 6"). I want a guy preferably 6' 8" or taller who can play a regular 3, 4 or 5. Demarr would be a project, but he has great talent and maybe he could become a true 3 so I would be OK with it. I would go with talent (e.g., HSchlr, Johnson) over refinement (Mo) if our pick is a 5 or 6.



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[gr8-1]

utballer, what do u like so much about wallace ? nothing seemed to stand out about him, but it was only one game.

rf34, i say roll the dice. i would go with miles, he reminds me too much of KG to not give him a chance. He really is very athletic, and seemed to defend rice well when he wanted to.

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[DrNuegebauer]

Don't be deceived into thinking that Peterson's not a talented player. He certainly is and he certainly can shoot from the outside - and even better, he knows how to adapt his game to circumstances. Look at the beginning of the season while Cleaves was out, Peterson took over as the man and controlled the game. When Cleaves came back he let Cleaves take control and just made himself available. He works hard off the ball to get open and can drive and create. Plus he finishes well on the break and importantly has game smarts. He won't try and force things. Sure he's only 6'7", but So is Bryon Russell.. and he's a true SF. In fact most SF's are about 6'7". Luckily Peterson has good hops so he can play above his height... it's not SF where the rockets struggle for height anyway, it's at the PF position, we NEED a defensive stopper in there, someone who can send shots back - I'm a big fan of Kenny Thomas, but he's no shotblocker, and he's too small. Maybe he can be adapted to play some SF minutes when we want a big lineup on the floor ?

Anyway, DeMarr Johnson has looked good and drafting him would be nice, I don't think it's safer to draft Peterson, it's just BETTER because Peterson is a BETTER player.
And on Darius Miles, I'm pretty sure he will be around mid to late first round of the draft. Sure Kobe and KG and Bender went early, but they all had jumpshots - Miles doesn't and he'll slide a little.

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[sir scarvajal]

If Mo Pete is really 6' 7" and 220, then yes maybe he can be a true 3. If he looks like he is really better suited for the three than SA--who is undersized for this position at a pretty solidly built 6' 6", then I become more interested in Mo for Rockets. I'll wait for the unbiased tape measure and an eval by Rudy/Carrol and the gang to get a sense if Mo is trully better suited for the 3 than SA.

But the most important thing is not for us to draft the best player right now (after all then the 6' 8"--we will see about this # too--Fizer is by far the best after Martin), but rather we should draft who will be the best player for the Rockets. I havn't seen enough of Demarr to know, but I am just saying I would go with talent over polish--especially if we draft on a position we are already loaded--i.e., another primarily shooting guard. In my personal opinion, I don't see much room for Mo Pete to get that much better than he already is. I don't think we are talking about MJ, Carter, or Kobe-level talent in a swing players body. If he measures out a long 6' 7" (possible but doubtfull) and looks like the next Micheal Finley, then I will say lets go for it however.


[This message has been edited by sir scarvajal (edited March 31, 2000).]

[rocketsfan34]

Exactly, Peterson is the senior and is more experienced. He is obviously better NOW. What happens 3 or 4 years later when DerMarr and Miles get NBA experience also? Then Peterson may not be the better player then.

Miles might slide, but not more than a few spots, still late lotto at worst. No way he falls all the way to late first. He may not have the best outside game, but everything else is up to par, and his potential alone merits a top 10 pick.

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[NIKEstrad]

well, never say never on high schoolers. Need we be reminded of a certain high schooler from the Houston area, that was a "sure" first rounder, who suddenly became a second rounder, all alone in the draft room?

We could perhaps get Miles at the Detroit/Orlando pick (both just after lottery, I think right now 14 and 15) if he doesn't have a tremendous workout for other teams/camps. He isn't even a sure bet to come out yet.

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[rocketsfan34]

Well so far he hasn't passed his college entrance test...

What makes you think Orlando or Detroit will give us their pick? 14-15?! http://bbs.clutchcity.net/ubb/confused.gif

Haven't you heard the rumors they are thinking of trading for a 30th pick to give us? That would mean late first.

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[This message has been edited by rocketsfan34 (edited March 31, 2000).]

[UT Baller]

great one-
From what I have heard Wallace is 6'7'' and around 215 which is already big enough physically to play the 3. Add his handles and a decent shot and I think that this would have to be our guy.

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[NIKEstrad]

No, haven't heard that. 30th though, would be 2nd round anyhow.

Should Detroit make the playoffs, they likely would. I heard the pick has to be this year or next. And they wouldn't take the chance of losing Hill, and then being a lottery team. Orlando might, because don't they already have 3 or 4 1st round picks? Teams don't like going in with too many guaranteed rookie contracts they're stuck with for 3-4 years, so they trade them.

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[rocketsfan34]

Anyways, what my point was Detriot was trying to trade for a very late first rounder so they can screw us over. They can give us any first round pick they have. Why give us their Mid first rounder? Instead, trade for a very low first and then give us that so they can get the better of the deal as we gave them a 18th pick or Turskcan.

Orlando on the other hand has like a whole bunch of picks. They can pick and choose and give us a very ****ty one. I still can't believe they got the warriors pick.

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[NIKEstrad]

Can't the Warriors trade for a pick down, kind of like your scenario?

Also, just checked-Orlando's lowest pick is in fact their own, which right now is #14. Their others are the Golden State one, and Denver's.

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[rocketsfan34]

No cuz the stupid Warriors traded a unprotected pick. We traded for a conditional pick meaning any first within 3 years. That's the difference.

Orlando also has sun's pick I believe, from Penny trade.

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[This message has been edited by rocketsfan34 (edited March 31, 2000).]

[Nolen]

You guys might remember a few short quotes from Rudy about how this pick will be the highest he's ever had. Also spoke about how the Rockets will be looking for someone who can step in/start after an adjustment period. In other words, someone who can help now.

I really doubt we will get a high-schooler with our lottery pick. Think of even the best players who have come from high school- Kobe, Garnett, Mcgrady- it took them YEARS before they were playing really well. For both Kobe and Garnett, I would say it wasn't until their third season in the NBA until they were really turning heads. Same for Tracy. It is a long time before they contribute consistently, and that's IF they pan out at all.
I say get someone who will actually help us next year, or trade the pick. I don't want to be trying to rebuild like the Clippers and other lotto teams do. Always trying to get the best young talent, and wait for that bright future. And wait. And wait. Toronto and Sacramento got the right idea. Put in the right veterans with your badass young guns, and win games.

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[No Worries]

Morris Peterson is the player who can step in and contribute right away. Problem is that he is a 2 and we already have Shandon Anderson and Catino (if he re-signs).

DerMarr Johnson is not ready for the NBA imo. He would have been better served by staying in college and developing his game. DerMarr did not step up his game at the Big Dance. Next year at Cinci, he would have been more of a go-to guy since KM is gone and we could see if he is ready to carry that load. If the Rocks draft him, they will expect him to play the 3, which may not be his best pro position.

I would much rather get a 4/5.

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[This message has been edited by No Worries (edited March 31, 2000).]

[NIKEstrad]

What about Mike Miller? I heard he's going to announce he's coming out after the Final 4. He'd make a nice Small Forward. He's a sophomore, so he still has more potential, but more polished than a high schooler.

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[Francis3]

I think the first thing we need to look at is a player that can bring post up moves for us. I prefer a pf but if we dont have any good ones left I would have to go with Dermarr Johnson. He is athletic and can play ball. Reminds me of tracy mcgrady but better.

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President of the Moochie Norris FAN CLUB

[rocketsfan34]

Like I said before, cuz of lack of big men we will be forced to get a SF. No way we pick Jason Collier before these 3. On draft day it will come down these 3. The high schooler will not be available at mid first. From his McDonald's game, he will be top 10.

Your right that Mo Pete is ready to step in and experienced. That's his benefit. But his ceiling is nothing compared to DerMarr or Miles.

DerMarr may not be able to carry the load, but isn't that what's Francis suppose to do? DerMarr can be a great compliment, after Francis penetrates, can pass it out to him for a 3.

Miles may not have the outside like other two but he's a legit 3 unlike other 2. You're right potential is very risky, but look at McGrady, Kobe, Garnett when it pays off.

The responses are interesting, it seems most want to go with the safe pick instead of roll the dice.

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[gr8-1]

francis3, im not sure if dermarr is better then mcgrady. mcgrady is a good defender, though he may not have johnson's shot.

rf34, i hope the pistons and magic dont trade down just to screw us, it doesnt make sense becuz they would end up benefitting the team with the 30th pick (lakers). why would they help the lakers to screw us ? or, would the lakers give them a player also ? im sure that a franchise would trade down just to screw us.

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[Azim da Dream]

Mo Pete has been impressing me all tournement long, but man, after tonights game he has me sold. He not only posesses the the type of athleticism and energy that would fits this Rocket team to a tee, but he is outstanding in moving without the ball and hits the clutch shots. Granted, a college game is a college game, but we cannot overlook this guy. My only worry is that his recent play is going to get too much attention and he might be drated before we have the chance.

Azim da Dream

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True champions do not take their failures to heart and never let success go to their heads.

[Supermac34]

Ok...ok...there's a big argument out there about whether or not you should take the best player overall, or the best player available. I believe that in basketball, more than any other sport, you take the best player available at the spot your picking, not necessarily the player you need the most. The Rockets have done this before...both with Horry and Cassell. It ususally turns out to work to the team's advantage because in the NBA you can adjust your lineups to let the talent play. Just look at Portland...they have a ton of talent at every position...seems to work for them so far.

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[Supermac34]

That last post came out funny...what I meant to say its best to take the best player available...not the best player at a particular position you need. Even if you have a bunch of guards...if a guard is the best player at your pick...take him.

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[TeXaSalsa]

Id go with Mo Peterson. Mo Peterson is a better OVERALL player. dermarr plays good D at the 2 but is so skinny he could likely get lit up at the 3 where we need him to defend. mo peterson at least can defend some 3s. Mo Peterson needs to work on his slashing/driving game. but he is good at posting up and is an excellent shooter.

another vital stat- mo peterson rebounds extremely well. he averages about 6.5-7 RBs per game. that is excellent for a 3. mo peterson i think could play the 2 when we needed him but we would need him to play the 3.

i wouldnt risk a pick on a high schooler. theres about a 25% chance they will develop into a player, about a 5% chance they will be a superstar. maybe he might turn out to be one, but i still wouldnt risk a pick .

mo peterson isnt just a safe pick he is an excellent one

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--TEX

[DaneB]

I think that Peterson fits our team the best so we should pack in the talent in our PG-SF positions. Then we look towards Free agency to fulfill our PF needs. Anybody know of any good PFs coming out that might be lured in with our 4.5 million exemption?

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The clock is winding down, and Scottie has the ball, Cato is sprinting towards him, Pippen shoots and here comes Cato. Man did you see that block?!!! Ouch it hit Scottie right between the legs. ITS FINAL!! THE ROCKETS ARE THE CHAMPIONS OF Y2K!!!

[sir scarvajal]

Mo Pete is a great college player but ask yourself what he would do that Shandon doesn't. I think Mo is a better offesnively, but Shandon isn't bad in this department and is the better individual defender. Think about switching them, I'll bet Shandon would get at least the 16 PPG & 6 rpg if he was on that MSU team and Peterson wasn't. As I said before I think Shandon has a lot of trouble guarding 3's, I don't see why Peterson wouldn't either, and think he is more suited for the 2.

Still, I think Mo Pete will be a good pro, maybe better than Shandon, he will probably be a similar player to Paul Pierce or Rip Hamilton. Nice players, would be especially nice if we needed another swingman, but I am looking for either more of an impact player at one of our strong positions, or a player comparable talented--even if less refined-- whose is bigger. Let's get out the tape measure (for height and swingspan) and the scale before assuming Mo Pete can play the NBA 3 regularly.


[This message has been edited by sir scarvajal (edited April 03, 2000).]

[HOOP-T]

I don't think we need any of the three mentioned. I definitely don't think we spend a top 6 pick on any of those three either. Frontcourt help is our main need, and I would say you go big.....Fizer, Martin, or another talented PF or C. Not sure where we will be picking, but it is a mute point until we know.

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HOOP-T

Hey Shaq, Acme called, and they want their bricks back!

[Azim da Dream]

sir scarv,
just imagining two Shandons running around and doing just about anything brings a smile to my face. IMHO, Anderson has easily been our most consistent player this year, and the fact that he gives it his 110% every night is a rarity in todays NBA. I also think (i could easily be wrong) that Peterson is an inch or two taller, yet still has time to bulk up. If he can play the NBA three, then I see no problem whatsoever in having another Shandon Anderson on this team. I honestly don't think we need a superstar of Grant Hillesque proportions for this team to succeed in years to come, just a few major (but not a superstar) pieces to the puzzle and most of all, suffering through challenging obstacles, dealing with adversity and celebrating after hurdling those obstacles. That is what a team is all about.

Azim da Dream

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True champions do not take their failures to heart and never let success go to their heads.

[sir scarvajal]

On two draft sites I have looked at (one is Mr. Roc Fan's BTW), both list Mo Pete's height at 6' 6", with his weight on one at 210 and the other at 215. If this is correct, he is very similar physically as SA, unless he has extra long arms for his size (e.g., like Brand???). I will say Finley at 6' 7" and 215 doesn't seem too undersized for the three, and he does pull 6.5 rebounds down. Maybe that inch of height or long arms (does Finley have them??) mean a big difference, because I don't see SA or Mo Pete matching up against threes as well as Finley can. I would be curious if others think Finley can guard bigger player than SA can, or is it just my perception?????

I wouldn't mind having two SA's running around either. But in my opinion we are talking about the best draft position we will earn for a while, and I want to add a new dimension to the team with this pick. Now instead of Mo Pete, I would prefer to #1) add a bigger low post player comparable to Mo in talent; #2) if there isn't anybody that fits option #1, trade down to get two players--one bigger guy like Etan, Collier, Mottola or Ken Johnson plus find another poor mans Mo Pete in Arceneaux, Carrawell or Desmond Mason if you want.

I have just think a lot of posters are caught up in the fact MSU is the best team rather than judging their individual players on their talents. If MSU loses tonight (which they could, Florida is the deepest team they have played), though it won't reflect much about Mo Pete's talent, you will see so much less excitment here about Mo and even less for Mateen (which someone else suggested we draft with our pick, which I think is a little crazy). Remember people thought Scottie Thurman and Thomas Hill were pro quality players after their great college play and championship runs. Likewise, Rip Hamilton (who I thought really was going to be quite a pro player and was very high on, now I think I was wrong about him) has been much less effective than many players drafted after he was.

[This message has been edited by sir scarvajal (edited April 03, 2000).]

[outlaw]

You forgot to mention Miles Simon. Who would've thought Michael Dickerson would be the better pro 2 guard back in 1996?

OK, I'm gonna change my mind and say draft a 4 first, then a 3, and then a 5.

If we pick #7-#10, I would pick Alton Ford if he comes out. He has a muscular NBA body at 260lbs and 6'9. Plus he wants to play here. He threw a very nice lob pass in the McDonalds game. Chris Monter says he runs well at 4.5/40 so our running game would still be intact.

Chris Carrawell might not be as good a shooter as Morris Peterson, but they are comparable in most other areas. I think he would be available in the mid-teens, where (hopefully) Detroit will give us their pick. I like him more than Mason or Arceneaux as an NBA 3.

Finally with our(or Vancouver's) second rounder I'd take a legit 7-footer like Joel Pryzbilla, Mamadou N'Diyae or Jason Collier.

[TeXaSalsa]

Outlaw
Carrawell would be a good pick at detroit's pick if we dont get Mo Peterson.

Alton Ford is commited to UH. he wont enter the draft

Pryzbilla? yah right id take a foreigner before i took that goofy oaf

N'Diaye would be a great pick in the 2nd round but if we could ( though i have a feeling LA will get him) Jabari Smith-- Shaq is gonna say hes from LSU and we need a backup Center

id like to see us get mo peterson at the lottery pick and then IF detroit gives us there pick etan thomas from syracuse.



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--TEX

[Da Man]

Actually, Alton Ford has been sending feelers about entering the draft. I would not be very high on drafting him though. He's a long ways from providing any sort of help at the next level. Needs to refine his game and provide definition to his moves.

Joel Pryzbilla is gone by the mid 1st round. The pros love 7 foot shot blockers which he is.

Um...I don't understand why people aren't giving Rip Hamilton a chance. He gets inconsistent playing time on a chaotic Wizards team. People were quick to rake on Jamison last year and I told them to be patient. Be patient with Rip. Good Lord, not even a year has gone by and people are calling him a bust.

I thought it was pretty obvious that Miles Simon wasn't going to be much in the NBA. The guy was an average athlete with a streaky shot and funny as hell looking release (not to mention barely any elevation on the shot). He was a good ball handler and a suspect defender. Was undersized with a sleight build and had a finesse game(relying on a lot of floaters in the lane). He was designed for the college game, not the pro game.


Oh yeah, I think someone mentioned Dermarr Johnson was a good defender at the 2 and not the 3. Dermarr is not a good defender at either position at this point.

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[This message has been edited by Da Man (edited April 03, 2000).]

[DrNuegebauer]

In my mind there's 2 scenarios I'd like to see pan out on draft day:

1) (I'm with TexasSalsa here) We take Peterson with our pick, then with Detroits OR Phillies pick we take Etan Thomas and then with a late first round (via Orlando form Phoenix?) we take Jabari Smith. I think that'd solve a few problems for us in our weakest areas, Smith'd be a nice insurance policy for Olajuwon's health and a year of bench warming certainly wouldn't hurt him to get adjusted to the NBA.

2) We take Peterson with our pick, and then make a trade for Kenyon Martin. Not a straight up trade, we send Kenny Thomas along for the ride - I think the clippers might go for that, Kenny's certainly played damn well of late, and Peterson's riding a high from the tourney - it'd help them fill 2 positions... maybe we could even send a future first rounder with that deal. Then with our middle first rounders we take Mike Miller and then Jabari Smith with our late pick. I like this scenario better, but can't see as much chance of this one panning out as the first one (for obvious reasons) - but one can only dream!!

Alton Ford is NOT keen to go to UH since drexler retired, hence he's considering entering the draft, BUT even should he enter the draft I think he'll be a late second rounder... we could snap him up then. Also Darius Miles will probably go late first round, worth drafting him on potential - maybe put him on the Thomas Hamilton diet for a couple of weeks to get him to some sort of playing weight!!!

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[No Worries]

I think Mo Pete will make a solid pro but ...

I'm with sir scarvajal and think Mo Pete is most likely a pro 2, with a roughly similar game as Shandon. In particular, I don't see Mo Pete becoming an all star. Given that the Rocks hopefully won't have another lottery anytime soon, they should maybe take a chance on a flyer, like high schooler Darius Miles. Of course, drafting a high schooler may guarantee another lottery selection next year.

I was impressed with Mo Pete's character. His team needed him to step up in the second half and he did so in a big way. If the Rocks don't think they can keep Catino, Mo Pete would be a solid choice.


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[rocketsfan34]

If Cat is gone, Eddie House would be my choice. Both are so similar in the sense, they both can penetrate and love to shoot. That also has its drawback as he's a shoot-first PG.

Also, Darius Miles's coach stated how last year, Miles didn't step up, but this year he has taken more of a leader role. He is a defensive stud, but I think he might have Cato-itis. He loves to block shots. That has me worried.

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[Da Man]

rf34; From the information I've gathered on him and from what I've seen, he has the capability to be a defensive stud...that is a perimeter oriented defensive stud. Where he is best is guarding the 1, 2, and 3 positions. He is not going to be a good shot blocker. Maybe a block a game. Block and a half at most. But don't expect Tracy McGrady like numbers in the block category.

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[sir scarvajal]

I am not that down on Rip, but he has been disappointing. I noticed he has been contributing more lately, it is just Marion, Maggete, Posey, Griffen & Artest have made more of an impact this year. I had just thought him and Wally were polished enough to make a major impacts right away, Wally has adjusted a little better. I do remember Ray Allen wasn't quite as effective as Kerry Kittles was their first year, but now it isn't even close the other way around, so I am still hopeful for Rip.

I was watching Mo very closely last night. I still don't think he will be a great pro. Most of his shots came of screens, not breaking his guy down 1 on 1. On the other hand he handles OK and made a nice play on the break in passing to Bell. I do want a small forward who can make those kinds of plays. My major question with him is still whether he is bigger or longer than Shandon.


[This message has been edited by sir scarvajal (edited April 04, 2000).]

[Azim da Dream]

sir scarv,
I see your point in that you have doubts whether Mo Pete can effectively guard the SF's in the NBA. According to various sites, he is about 6"7" and 215lbs. That may be slightly small for an NBA 3, but I don't think its anything to fret about. He does possess long arms, and that may be a bigger factor. Even if he is too small for that position, there is always room for adjustments. Did the Rockets not start Mario Ellie at the 3 occasionally during their second championship run and more often in the insueing seasons? Mario is no more than 6"5" if that, and did a great job defending against the leagues best 3s and 2s. There are many other starting SF's in the game who either as big or smaller than Peterson (ie. K.Gill, V.Carter, L.Spreewell,etc) Sure, Clyde often guarded the bigger 3s, and Robert Horry was always there, but thats what adjustments are about. We could play Carlos Rogers, Anderson, or Kenny Thomas on players giving Peterson - or any other player we choose to draft - match-up problems.

I'm not advocating Houston should with out a doubt draft Peterson. Maybe Fizer or probably Martin are better picks, but I don't think a couple inches here or pounds there should stop us from drafting a very good player with infinite potential. We should let Rudy T and co. take care of that.

Azim da Dream

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True champions do not take their failures to heart and never let success go to their heads.

[sir scarvajal]

I guess I see Mo Pete as a great (college) player who is very close to reaching his potential, rather than a good player with "infinite" potential. I did not see Mo blowing by or breaking down guys the way Carter, Finley or Ray Allen could because of blinding athleticism (note, he shoots better than all but Allen coming out of college). Though not bad in these departments, he didn't seem phenomenally quick nor a phenomenal ball handler either. I did really like the lay-up he set up Bell on the break for, this was a good skill he showed. Also, his shots were also mainly coming off picks, and I didn't see a tremendous middle range scoring instincts of say Rip Hamilton for instance. As I said he reminds me a lot of Paul Pierce or Shandon Anderson. Nice players, but nothing that really adds another dimension given the swing players we already have. While I agree the MSU web cite lists him at 6' 7", two other scouting cites list him at 6' 6"--which I trust a little more.

Not to rely so much on physique, but I will be a lot more exited about him if he really measures out to 6' 7" and has spider arms. If he is closer to Finley in physical attributes--than he is to Shandon--than I am all for him with a 5-8 pick.

As far as the small ball issue, the problem isn't with a 6'6" small forward, but it is when you are undersized at virtually all positions and don't have a 96' Hakeem cleaning up others messes. That is why I want to add a SF with significantly more size than Shandon, or a PF with more height and/or hops than KT, or a true center (then Cato moves to the 4 and we are good size again). Individually were are not too small, but collectively we are too small and we will pay for it on the glass and in terms of interior defense.

**sorry for being less than original, I re-read my previous posts and see myself really repeated myself. Other thoughts of what I may be missing would be appreciated.

[This message has been edited by sir scarvajal (edited April 04, 2000).]

[aelliott]

I've gotta agree with sir scarvajal on Peterson. When I watch Peterson, the first person that comes to mind is Ed O'Bannon.

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[DrNuegebauer]

D.Miles could be a great defender - he's got quickness and instinct for blocking the shot, but there's NO WAY we take him with the lottery pick.. c'mon he's the 3rd ranked high school prospect entering the draft so why on earth would we need to take him in the lottery ?? IF we were to consider taking him then it'd be with a late first round pick. Say all you want about him "not being there late first round" or whatever, fact is he won't go in the lottery. He weighs 190 lbs and has no jumper, that equals project, will he ever put on weight ? Will he ever learn to shoot ? Well I'd certainly be willing to gamble on it, as I'm sure several GM's out there will be too, but not with a lottery pick.
Darius Miles isn't going in the lottery. Don't believe me? Wait and see.

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[triplebogey]

I'm not sure on the Ed O'bannon and Morris Peterson comparison. O'bannon was a college power forward who needed to convert to a NBA small forward. Peterson is strictly a perimeter player who has shown much better perimeter skills and instincts than O'bannon. I like Peterson, but I don't think that he's the best pick under all circumstances. If the Rockets pick up a starting PF in free agency, then I think that the Rockets need to look at being good immediately. I'd take Peterson in that instance. Mo Pete is most capable of the 3 to help the team now. However, if the Rockets don't make any significant moves in free agency and only pick up marginal starters/backups, then I'd go with one of the other two. Which one of those depends on when the Rockets pick. I'd take Johnson with a mid lotto pick and Darius Miles with a late lotto pick. Miles doesn't shoot well, as evidences by the McDonald's and Nike Hoop Summit games. Johnson is more attractive to me because that would give the Rockets someone who can consistently hit the outside shot. I'm trying to imagine a lineup of Francis, Shandon, Miles in the perimeter and I don't like it. It would be exciting on the break, but in the half-court set it would be ugly.

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[rocketsfan34]

DaMan

The reason I think Miles might have Cato-itis is I read an article somewhere(I'm trying to find the link, its off some rivals.com site) Miles values blocking shots more than scoring baskets. I mean that might not be a bad thing, but still that could lead to what Cato has- no defense, just waiting for blocks. At least its nice to know at least some players like defense more than offense.

Sir Scarvajal:

I understand why you think Mo Pete might not be able to do 1 on 1 very well. But he does have a quick first step. The reason I think Mo Pete's 1 on 1 ability was not shown was becuase he's the Spartans #1 option. The opposing teams stop Peterson first, not Cleaves. Cleaves runs the offense, but isn't the first option. That's why a lot of his shots came off screens. The other team is trying to stop Peterson from touching the ball.

I still don't understand the Shandon comparison. Do you want the Rockets to draft another Shandon? Mo Pete is not close to the defender Shandon is but he's a much better scorer. If you want someone very similar to Shandon, its Pete Mickeal. Top notch defender, same height(6'6"), can score a variety of ways but just not very good in one specific category.

DrNuegeBauer:

c'mon he's the 3rd ranked high school prospect entering the draft so why on earth would we need to take him in the lottery ??

Exactly who's rankings are they? Have you seen Miles actually play? You seem like you're basing your analysis of Miles from some draft site, not from actually scouting him. Plus, does it really matter if he's the third best high school prospect if he's the best player we can pick at our spot?

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Check out the best source for draft info.

Draftsource.net (http://www.draftsource.net)

[This message has been edited by rocketsfan34 (edited April 04, 2000).]

[Da Man]

To back up Rocketsfan34, Elton Brand was ranked about number 15 coming out of high school. Tracy McGrady was ranked #3 too after the likes of Chris Burgess. Johnathan Bender was ranked as low as 25. The rankings coming out of high school are based on how well they might do in college. The pro prospects of a high school player differs a great deal.

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[aelliott]

triplebogey,

I wasn't really trying to compare the games of O'Bannon and Peterson. What I was refering to is the fact that both were solid college players whose draft stock rose because of their team's run to the NCAA title.

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