<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>OFFICIAL: Trail Blazers Acquire Thomas Robinson (<a href="https://twitter.com/Trobinson0">@Trobinson0</a>) From The <a href="https://twitter.com/HoustonRockets">@HoustonRockets</a> | <a href="http://t.co/NA6BFuYUYx">http://t.co/NA6BFuYUYx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23RipCity&src=hash">#RipCity</a></p>— Trail Blazers (@pdxtrailblazers) <a href="https://twitter.com/pdxtrailblazers/statuses/355008396832940033">July 10, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> PORTLAND, Ore. (July 10, 2013) – The Portland Trail Blazers have acquired forward Thomas Robinson from the Houston Rockets in exchange for the NBA rights to Kostas Papnikolaou and Marko Todorovic along with two future second round picks, it was announced today by General Manager Neil Olshey. Robinson, 22, is entering his second NBA season after averaging 4.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 15.1 minutes in 70 games with Sacramento (51 games) and Houston (19 games) in 2012-13. “Thomas is a dynamic young big man with tremendous upside,” said Olshey. “He is an elite athlete and brings a unique set of physical tools to our roster. He has the potential to be one of the best young power forwards in the league and his development will be a priority for us.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Trail Blazers announce trade for Thomas Robinson, first step in Rockets moves today. Royce White trade next. Then Canaan signing.</p>— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jonathan_Feigen/statuses/355012023710527488">July 10, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Yup, I am serious. If we have trades in principal to open up cap space, couldn't we sign him today? Or are we waiting for something else like the results from his physical?
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Rockets officially trade Thomas Robinson to Portland for Papanikolaou, Todorovic and 2 picks <a href="http://t.co/sm10xoemzg">http://t.co/sm10xoemzg</a> <a href="http://t.co/DCCVwch6U0">pic.twitter.com/DCCVwch6U0</a></p>— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) <a href="https://twitter.com/HoustonRockets/statuses/355036578986463234">July 10, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
While you were throwing silly against the wall the fluidity of Atlanta/Milwaukee/Toronto 1s (and sort of 1s) makes me wonder if a move just might leap out of the left corner and slam down?
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>After much confusion, seems we FINALLY have some clarity on the two 2nd rounders Rockets received in the T-Rob trade: <a href="http://t.co/y3lhpycxXW">http://t.co/y3lhpycxXW</a></p>— David Weiner (@BimaThug) <a href="https://twitter.com/BimaThug/statuses/372543730429222912">August 28, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Rockets will receive (via Portland): (1) the *lesser* of Minnesota's 2015 2nd rounder or Denver's 2015 2nd rounder and...</p>— David Weiner (@BimaThug) <a href="https://twitter.com/BimaThug/statuses/372544349051310080">August 28, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>(2) Portland's 2017 2nd round pick, unless SAC does *not* receive NYK's 2016 2nd rd pick (protected 31-37) via Blazers, ...</p>— David Weiner (@BimaThug) <a href="https://twitter.com/BimaThug/statuses/372545197085057024">August 28, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>...in which case SAC will get Portland's 2017 2nd round pick, and Houston will instead receive Portland's 2018 2nd round pick. Clear enough?</p>— David Weiner (@BimaThug) <a href="https://twitter.com/BimaThug/statuses/372545587641856000">August 28, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Those draft picks confusing enough for ya? Bottom line is the Rockets get a late 2nd round pick in 2015 and a late 2nd round pick in 2017. At those draft positions you're probably more likely to get a Euro-stash type of player like Furkan Aldemir rather than a solid college prospect that drops like Isiah Canaan. Right now, definitely the best asset back in the trade is probably Kostas Papanikolaou. FYI, Kostas P. has a Million dollar NBA buyout next Summer that Morey shouldn't have a problem spending if he thinks Kostas could be a player in the NBA. Point is, the Rockets might actually get to see this guy play at some point if he's not traded again sometime this year. As a player, I like the way this guy looks a lot. Tons of versatility in his game, great size to play the 3, Lefty shooting ability, has decent athleticism, and seems to put a decent amount of effort on the defensive end. To me, seems like a player somewhere between Gordon Hayward & Omri Casspi.
They need to create flow charts for all these conditional picks in trades. Someone needs to make an app for that sort of things. Maybe Morey has a bunch of iPads when he negotiates for draft picks. Morey: You don't understand what I'm talking? Here, just hit those buttons on this Pad and voila it's all there!
