http://www.nba.com/media/rockets/6.5.09_Sam_Podcast.mp3 Talks about a bunch of different stuff.. most interesting was the talk about the draft and how even though they don't have a pick now (though they expect to) they still feel that there is value in getting in touch with people that aren't available to them now, but will likely be in the NBA for a long time.. his example was Hasheem Thabeet. Don't have time to do a full recap but there is some good stuff in there if yall have time to listen.
This is a key point that many people, myself included, tend to forget. Just because you can't get a guy in the draft, doesn't mean you shouldn't reach out to him and make him feel valued. Three or four years down the line when he's opting out to test the free agent market, you have that personal connection in your back pocket. Thanks for the link, by the way. Listening now.
i wonder what it would take to get thabeet...he'd be a good fit at the 4 and 5....we have nothing OKC could use more than Thabeet, not sure hwat we could give memphis....it would be very tough to pull that off
Well if we make a play for Washington's fifth pick, we would be in a great position to snag Rubio or Thabeet. Most teams in the top five are willing to move thier picks for a decent price. From what I have read, Rubio is being a pain in the ass about where he will and won't play.
Yeah, apparently he would to prefer to stay in europe then play for Memphis. maybe sac, dont see Okc taking him because they already have westbrook.
I'm also glad that he came out to mention our need to get a backup center since Deke's retirement. He clearly said we can't by with our lack of size. I'm glad that some more people are coming around to that fact. The two home wins against the Lakers and the limited minutes that Deke got this year gave the wrong impression to some, that we could get by with what we have. The 40 point loss in Game 5 and the 19 point loss in Game 7 exposed our lack of size and athleticism in the frontcourt. Intangibles are important, but they can't cover for our weaknesses.
Would like to see the rockets get a veteran 4/5 and a project 5 or 4/5. Size and athletism should be the priority.
I dont see Thabeet getting past OKC at the third pick, all they are lacking is a center. Memphis may even take him, they are lacking some size at the 4 spot, may just use thabeet at center and gasol at PF or vice versa.
Hinkie on buying a lottery pick: "picks in the lottery or near there... cash alone won't do it, will have to trade players of real value to get that high". For example, "Ray Allen... for no.5 pick a few years ago.". On a backup C: "we could use more depth... especially at the 5... those are sort of obvious positions of need for us.".
Does anyone get the impressing that Sam Hinkie rarely even smiles? He sounds extremely serious... Kobe-Bryant-in-NBA-Finals-serious.
