Quick question... Is there a reason we couldnt groom Rivers into the same mold as Westbrook. Westbrook played shooting guard in college as well and was converted to PG. Rivers would then be a 6'5 pointguard with ball handling skills and explosiveness. The only thing he would have to work on really is his court vision and defense. Then draft Terrence Ross with the 16th pick. Dragic/Rivers or reverse the two Martin/CLee or move Ross to the 2 if we trade martin Parsons/Ross DMo/Patterson Camby/Dalembert
Also at 6'4 6'5 it shouldn't be too hard for him to lock up PG's with the speed that he has. I think its our best bet to mold him as our PG and Ross as our SG.
I can't see Rivers being available at 14. I know a lot of the mocks have him going "around" that area at the moment, but keep watching, he'll be off the board before 14th pick for sure. He "measured up" which was one of the red flags against him. A 6'5 freshman who can get his own shot, score, and has long range.... Not to mention he's athletic, and quick. I think he will 'fill out' a bit over the next couple of seasons. Quite weak at the moment, but will add some muscle [[that's not a lock though - so probably the main concern on him?]]
Of course his agent said the last lotto pick is a good fit. He would have said it if any team was at #14. Rivers is on the lotto bubble and his agent is driven by money.
Austin Rivers is likely among the cheaters at the combine testing: http://bbs.clutchfans.com/showpost.php?p=6911605&postcount=173
Find someone from any of the past years who has the height (in shoes) of least 6'5'' with wingspan at least 6'7'' who has a standing reach of 8'0.5'' or below.
http://tracking.si.com/2012/06/12/austin-rivers-new-orleans-hornets-nba-draft/ not sure if somebody posted this
And preferably white! Meyers Leonard / Tyler Zeller, come on down! You're the next contestant on "Why Did I Ever Let Morey Talk Me Into Marcus Morris?"
Austin Rivers agent has since thought otherwise. Must have talked to Morey/the Rockets FO. I'm kidding! Kinda, sorta, maybe, maybe not. ; )
Cleveland??? They're sure as hell not going to take him at #4. Hmmm... Wondering if the Rockets would be interested in moving one of their picks to Cleveland in exchange for #24 and either/both of #33 and/or #34. That's a lot of picks, though. Better yet . . . #14 and #16 for #4???
I could see them going after their early 2nd round picks. Less money, non guaranteed, and Morey usually knows how to scout the talent fairly well.
It all depends on where the Rockets are dividing up their "tiers" on their draft board. Most mock drafts seem to indicate that there is a clear drop-off after the first 18-19 picks (meaning the Rockets would likely be able to get two pretty good players at #14 and #16), so the Rockets would risk dropping down a tier or two if they traded back using either pick. However, if the Rockets have, say, a clear-cut top 15 players, with a substantial drop-off after that (and the draft plays out that way), perhaps they look to move the #16 pick. I doubt that is the case, though. Frankly, the Rockets HAVE to make some moves to clear up roster spots if they're going to add even MORE talented young players to this team. As it stands now, they're looking at having THREE good prospects added to this team next year, and Marcus Morris wasn't even able to get PT last season. Something's gotta give.
Even if the Rockets had a cleat cut top 15 tier, other teams may not rank players the same and it's pretty likely one of their top 15 would drop to 16. Who knows, though... perhaps they really like, say, Marquis Teague and think the Kentucky freshman has very high potential, but knowing that he's likely to be available still at 24, they might as well get another asset in the bargain rather than just drafting him at 16. I agree with you about the "something's gotta give," but it may not happen on draft night. They have all summer, and probably even beyond, to sort out the roster. Morey's tendency has been to not make a deal rather than make a deal that he doesn't like.
There are rumblings that Rivers got a promisedin the top 10. Oh well. This will make me less angry compared to if we had a chance to pick him and pass him up.
