It sounds like the Rockets are going to make moves to try to acquire 2 top 10 picks, presumably to flip to Orlando for Dwight Howard. However, if the Dwight trade doesn't materialize, we could still do well for ourselves by drafting 2 cornerstone players for our future. So, 2-part question assuming we get 2 picks between #5-10: 1. Which 2 players would you want to build around? 2. Which 2 players do you think the Rockets would draft?
Since we're making huge assumptions (2 picks in the top 10?), why don't we just assume we get FIVE picks in the TOP 5?
So i like Beal better than anyone in the draft except Anthony Davis; but he's most likely gone unless Houston trades up to #2. I'm gonna assume Houston trades with Sac-town, and gets the 5th pick. In that case, i really like Barnes (who may or may not still be around at #5). I also like the upside of Drummund, but have no idea about his personality and passion for the game, so if Houston takes him, I'd assume they did their homework, and he would be another corner-stone type player to build around. So Barnes or Drummund at #5. Later in the top 10 I would grab Myers Leonard or John Henson. You can never have enough bigs, and I think both of these two players will develop into great NBA centers. 7 footers are at a premium, so if you can find one that has a chance to be really good in the back of the top 10, you do it. Later in the draft I like Jeremy Lamb, Mo Harkless, and Royce White. In the 2nd round I like Doron Lamb and Machado.
If as the reports indicate those picks are the 5th and 8th picks then this is what I would want: 5th Pick: Andre Drummond With Dalembert probably used as part of the trade to aquire the picks and Camby most likely resigned for 1 final year, we need size. D-Mo while a 7 footer is going to be a 4 in this leauge. Drummond has the size and strength to be a legit starting center in the NBA. He is raw, no doubt. But he is athletic and mobile so we don't have to worry about drafting a stiff. From a mechanics standpoint, his shot is fine so its just a matter of practice for Drummond to develop that 12-16 foot jumper. His post offense is his weakness as he doesn't look comfotable in the post. I could imagine being as big as Drummond is with his size he never had to learn how to play in the post as he probably just got the ball and blew by his defender for dunk after dunk. A post game is something that he most certaintly can pick up and depending on the level of post game he develops will determine if he is just a starting center, or a top starting center. Didn't even mention defense because he can rebound and block with the best of them from the time he enters the leauge. 8th Pick: Dion Waiters After center, our next biggest need is at the 2. Chances are Martin would be moved along if we draft two top players which would signify a youth shift. With that Lee would still be on board, but he would only be a starter for a year or 2 and then transition back to a 6th man type. In Waiters we get the guy in this draft with the best potential all around game for any wing in this draft. Offensively there is no flaw and defensively he has the tools to be a shut down type guy (didn't get to show it off at Syracuse cause of there zone). Just a potentially leathal player who will not go top 5 because he didn't have as much playing time as the other top prospect.
I think Drummond is the perfect high ceiling swing for the fences type of player that teams like the Wizards, Kings, Bobcats, etc. can no longer afford to try for. He makes perfect sense if the Rockets can get the #5 or #6 pick. If they somehow end up with another top 10 pick then it becomes BPA. #8 seems like the obvious pick they would get from Toronto. You would have to think that Lillard has a shot at getting drafted here by Houston, or even Henson. With the Rockets you really have no idea who they project in the 5 to 15 range. Its a toss up, but I wouldn't be shocked if there was someone that is much lower on the draft boards that they are really high on that this pick would become a surprise.
If we do get 5 and 8 Drummond Lamb If we stay put 14 and 16 Leonard Jones III Won't be upset with Lillard, Waiters, Rivers.
If Houston trades for Dwight Howard they need insurance in case Dwight does not agree to an extension. so 5th pick Drummond which likely goes to Orlando 8th pick Meyers Leonard. No matter what happens you have at least a long term servicable center and the 2 best centers in the draft which if the Dwight Howard trade falls through gives you other trade options.
I'll play along. 1st pick Drummond or MKG if he's there. MKG is more of a safer bet and could be a possible all-star later on. Drummond though has a small chance to be a franchise changer over time or he could turn out to be a poor mans DeAndre Jordan. 2nd pick depends on who we draft first. I'd say Dion Waiters if we get Drummonds and either Henson or Leonard if we draft MKG.
This would be lovely if it could happen.... Would wanna keep both. Screw trading that! We've seen the absolute WORST at C in Kelvin Cato, so as long as Drummond isnt that bad.....we're good. lol
MKG is a freak. He runs the floor, defends 3 positions, finishes at the rim, has a reasonable jump shot, he posts smaller players and blows by larger players, finishes with contact . . . He would be the best player on the Rockets in short order
