big star in europe will not come to nba to be a bench warmer most international draftee end up never coming to nba anyway
While I know the majority of the posts in this thread are tongue-in-cheek, I don't get the pessimism from those who are serious. Despite what Morey said in his press conference (that he THOUGHT Gentile COULD possibly help this team next year), there was nothing even remotely resembling a "promise" of a rotation spot. And I also doubt that Gentile would have actually been a serious contributor on an NBA contender next season. Better to allow him to develop overseas--at no cost to the Rockets--and (maybe) eventually come over as a better player. Also, WTF does anyone care about this being a "wasted" pick? The pick was acquired for straight cash money that the Rockets would not have been able to use after June 30, anyway! It literally cost the Rockets NOTHING other than some cash out of Les Alexander's pocket. The same was true of Llull (although it was a lot more cash). Even if neither Gentile nor Llull ever comes over, it's not like it cost the Rockets any other assets. Meanwhile, the DRAFT RIGHTS to those players can be used as trade assets, wheresas the cash is unavailable to be used above a limited annual amount. This is a GOOD thing. And anyone saying otherwise is just kidding themselves.
This shouldn't be a surprise to anybody-- least of all Morey. Morey does his homework on draft prospects and is likely well aware of the likelihood of Gentile choosing to stay in Europe. This likelihood also factored into the decision-making of other teams, too, and may even be why he is available as a late 2nd rounder in the first place. Gentile's draft rights in an asset whether he chooses to come over right away or not. Like Furkan Aldemir, Genitle can be traded to achieve a goal (in Aldemir's case, getting Philly to take Royce White's contract in order to open cap room for Dwight Howard) even before he plans on coming over.
My view is, if you're going to buy a pick then might as well use it on someone you have actually made contact with and has shown interest in playing in the NBA. If Morey can move this pick in a deal then it is no longer "wasted" in my view. In one of the deepest drafts in years, there are still players on the board who could potentially contribute. We took a gamble with the pick, if he changes his mind he could be a solid player.
