Gosh those were some dark times. I'd hype myself up year in and year out that we'd hit on a young star in the summer league.
Ran the simulation 5 straight times on tankathon and I kid you not, every time the rockets lose the pick to OKC it’s going to happen. I’m ready for it
That happened to me on more than one occasion, recently. A month ago, I was getting Jalen Green with the 4th pick. I'm ready for the 18th, 23rd, and the 24th pick.
Best scenario = Cade, Chris Duarte, Charles Bassey (blocks and rebounds) Worst scenario = Cameron Thomas, Zaire Williams, Bassey (yeah I like the role he can bring bigger Clint)
I have something similar to your best case: Cade Cunningham / Jared Butler / Bassey. Duarte being one of my fall back options. I kinda expect Dallas to enter the 1st round and try to leapfrog us for Bassey since Bassey is one of the few semi-big (235 pounds) that somewhat shoots 3's (30%) and decent with FT's. WCS and Boban may be leaving Mavs this off season..... and Cuban knows we need a bigger Big......actually every NBA GM knows this.
i’m all in for drafting a big man. Rockets really need size and Bassey is not a bad choice. We had good luck with his fellow Nigerian once.
QUOTE="COMPAQ CENTER, post: 13556793, member: 1730"]i’m all in for drafting a big man. Rockets really need size and Bassey is not a bad choice. We had good luck with his fellow Nigerian once.[/QUOTE] Other big man that I would consider at # 24 is neemias queta http://www.tankathon.com/players/neemias-queta
Other big man that I would consider at # 24 is neemias queta http://www.tankathon.com/players/neemias-queta[/QUOTE] Queta seems slow to me. Go for the BPA instead of him. I like Bassey. His energy is infectious.
I like Duarte more because of his size, but Butler is a hell of a player. Im starting to get a small man crush on Bassey.
I agree he does seem slow, but Rockets desperately need to improve their defense. He can anchor the defense, rebound, block shots and Pass the ball. maybe we can trade down and take him in the second round or better yet if he goes undrafted.
I want to take Ibo Badji from Senegal as a two way player. He is long, has good size and athleticism. He is a natural shot blocker. Queta should be called up as a summer league player. Day'Ron Sharpe isn't as good as Bassey, but he might be worth having a look at. I would choose a BPA over him eg Scottie Lewis or the more experienced Duarte.
I like the height of Duarte as well. I feel Butler gives me a taller more athletic and younger version of Augustin. All the qualities that we love in Augustin: *Good court vision *Ability to pass lobs. If Wall can't do it, Wood deserves a lob passer.... especially if "No Cade" *Step Back 3 *Catch-n-Shoot 3 *Uses glass tremendously well from left or right hand. *Shields the shooting hand well by use of body. *Good in PnR. *Has the floater mastered. *Passes well from different angles, speed, accuracy. *Better than a stage defender, quick hands, anticipation, leaping ability. *Smart, doesn't dunk much; but can. Looks to absorb contact and get the shot off.... and does it well. Allows the Rockets to move on from both Bradley and Augustin. Roster at PG: #Wall...........Butler / Khyri Thomas # unfortunately probably can't move and he won't accept minimal buyout. But Duarte and others can fill this role if no Butler. Imho. I have several 2nd rounders in mind as well if the Rockets could trade current contracts for 2nd Rd picks (or buy some).
