Yeah, it looks like we're stuck with the Magic first round pick this year. As of right now it is the 23rd pick, but we can root for Denver, who is just half a game behind Orlando, to pass them so it is the 22nd pick. We'll definitely be taking advantage of our right to swap picks with the Clippers in the 2nd round. I do see a chance of Detroit passing them and making the pick better, but I could see the Clippers passing Milwaukee to make the pick worse as well. Right now we need to root for (only based on bettering our draft picks, not making the playoffs): To help the Orlando first round pick: Orlando to lose Denver to win To help the Clippers pick swap: Clippers to lose Detroit to win Milwaukee to win Charlotte to win Golden State to win As of right now, it looks like the best case scenario is: Denver passes Orlando, which would give us the 22nd pick (good possibility). Detroit passes the Clippers, which would give us the 7th pick in the second round (not likely). As of right now, the most likely scenario is: I think it's about 70/30, 70% chance we get the 23rd pick and a 30% chance we get the 22nd pick. Neither team has much to play for at the moment since they're all but locked into their current playoff positions. Orlando has a pretty easy schedule (MIL, @CHA, CHI, @PHI, IND). Denver has a fairly hard one (OKC, @DAL, @OKC, MIN, GS, @UTA), but the tougher games are pretty much meaningless for the opposing teams. The season series is tied 1-1, so the next tie-breaker would be conference record, which is going to go to Orlando. Basically Denver needs to win 2 more games than Orlando through the rest of the regular season. The Clippers have a tough schedule remaining (@MEM, @OKC, @DAL, @HOU, MEM), so I don't see them passing Milwaukee or Charlotte to worsen the pick. Detroit has a very easy schedule (@WAS, NJ, MIL, @CHA, CLE, @PHI), so it could be possible that Detroit passes the Clippers to bump the pick up 1 spot. The bad thing is that Detroit is already 3.5 games back, so it could/will still be a challenge. My prediction: #14 pick (our own) #23 pick (from Orlando) #38 pick (from the Clippers) Pugs
Thanks for the follow-up! Since the draft seems to be weaker this year, I wouldn't mind the Rockets trying to offer picks for a dangling all-star like Danny Granger. But if nothing else, I like the arsenal of picks they have been able to amass.
mark Jimmer off the list of potential draftee for the Rockets. I read somewhere after the Brooks trade that they will use their pick on him if he's still there when they pick.
I'd gladly mark Jimmer off the list for the Rockets...his ceiling in the NBA is a role player coming off the bench.
Morey will make a genius move with the #14 and #23 picks. There are too many hidden gems within the range of both those picks. Rest assured that he will find them.
Why do we want to draft a chucking 1/2 tweener (ala slightly bigger Brooks with even worse PG skills) with 0 star potential...
Thanks for the overview OP. Repped. I can't see us keeping all three of those picks. My guess is Morey will package the #14 pick and a player and trade for an upgrade at center or small forward.
It sure stings that we won't be able to take advaantage of the Knicks pick swap. We have a better record than they do and will probably finish the year 3or 4 games better than them, but cecause we are in the highly competive West, we are considered "lottery". If the Knicks would have fallen out of the playoffs, we would have jumped a few places up. If we make the playoffs, we can use the swap but unlikely.
don't count on it. Size is what sells in the NBA draft. I'll be giddy if team high in the lotto go after small guards. Knight will be drafted before Kemba based on physical gifts and potential alone. Kemba Walker=Ty Lawson in draft, Count it.
With those three picks, I expect at least one first rounder, and maybe two picks overall to be traded for higher picks in 2013 or 14. -With 15 roster spots available you have these people committed next year already- PG- Lowry, Dragic SG - Martin, Lee, Williams SF - Budinger PF - Scola, Patterson, Hill C - Thabeet, Miller -Expiring Contracts very likely resigned - PF- Chuck C- Yao -Thats 13 roster spots filled. 2 Left for Rookies, or free agent signings -With the Rockets cap space they likely will try and sign a quality free agent as well. Most likely leaving the Rockets with one roster spot for a rookie. I wouldn't rule out a trade of some sort to get Williams and potentially Hill off of the roster, but there probably wont be too many takers. -However if they can trade their picks back to 2013 when that draft should have more quality players, and they should have alot more flexibility with at least 3 players coming off the books that offseason.
