PG: Aaron Brooks | Kyle Lowry SG: Jermaine Taylor | Von Wafer SF: Chase Budinger | James White PF: Luis Scola | Carl Landry CN: Amare Stoudemire | Joey Dorsey Aaron Brooks has already proven his meddle while JT and Chase Budinger are two of the most efficient and ready to contribute players in this years draft. Jermaine plays larger than he looks with his impressive 6'8.25 wingspan, and managed to put up shooting numbers just decimal places under those of Stephen Curry's. [stats] Although he didn't play in the strongest of programs, he was definitely making these shots while draped in first rate defense as he was no doubt getting all the attention whenever the ball was in his hands. Draftexpress also reports he is one of the most efficient players, turning the ball over just 0.13 times per possession (and he gets ALOT of usage at UCF). While he shows good court vision, his passing game is a work in progress, since it's apparent he wasn't working on, or progressing, in that department while at UCF. Whose to say he couldn't develop a more polished passing game like another 6'4 guard selected in the 2nd round, Gilbert Arenas (Arenas averaged just 2.3 assists in college). Chase Budinger is a jack of all trades. A young Brent Barry would be a very good comparison, which might be a good thing or a bad thing depending on the way you see it. If his defense is less than bearable, we still have James White and Von Wafer, who capable defenders in their own rights. What we can't deny is that Morey is targeting athletes who understand their limitations and know how to play within their means. Any athlete can try mightily to attack the rim only to fail because they don't fully understand how to utilize their natural abilities a la Stromile Swift. James White could be like Desmond Mason and Von Wafer like Tony Allen. I know I'm rendering best case scenario's, but for the little that Les paid, it costs us very little to be hopeful. The focus is clearly on the near-term... still, it's nice to know that Daryl Morey is also prudently building the Rockets future.
I seriously doubt Morey expects 2 second rounders to become starters. This time last year, you could have said Donte Greene and Joey Dorsey would have been future starters. A year later? Not so much. If we ever have that lineup going into a season, it means Morey has given up and we're all doomed.
We do? Brooks- 1st round Tracy-1st or of your considering Artest hes 1st too Battier-1st Scola- 2nd Yao- 1st did i miss someone?
I was considering Brooks. I forgot he was drafted 28th instead of the 31st. He's not that far from the 2nd round.
When was the last time the Rockets drafted a 2nd rounder who became a starter? Cuttino Mobley? That was what, 11 years ago? The draft is incredibly hit or miss. Moreso in the 2nd round. You can't bank on 2nd rounders becoming starters. You hope they become solid bench players and are pleasantly surprised if they become something more. The chances of getting 2 legit starters from the 2nd round of the same draft (one purported to be weak) are extremely slim.
Just to let you know, Von Wafer isn't really a strong defensive player. At least he wasn't until he came to the Rockets organization. The Rockets have a few very good defense-oriented players. Your roster is missing most of them. Luis Scola, Carl Landry, and Joey Dorsey are probably the best shots at D against tough teams, and even they're not that great. Hayes, Yao, Battier, Artest, all of them are missing which are critical players at tough times when we need a stop against an unstoppable team. If we were to go with your roster, we'd have to make sure to outscore the game before the 3rd quarter every single game. If your roster is the answer to this offseason, I'd say we need a replacement GM.