Does the Pelicans pick really matter to you at this point of the season?

Would rather see Pels vs GSW, at least there is a small chance Anthony Davis can go HAM and beat GS, than to get the 14th pick instead of 15th.

If at least Davis can tire out the Warriors a little (extend the series/play great), maybe the Warriors can lay an egg in the 2nd round.

Warriors are the 1 team in the West, I think the Rockets have very little chance against, it's just one of those bad matchups (like Rockets vs Sonics back in the 90s)

 

No, we are trying to win a championship, could care less about a freaking draft pick. We lost Asik anyway, Morey didn't do a good job there so anything we get is a bonus.

 

Sure it matters, although it's way down the list right now. Having a 14th pick is clearly better than a 18-19th pick.

 

I've always assigned a lower value to that pick that the consensus opinion here from the start. When we did the trade, I figured the Pelicans were a bubble team and the pick was mid-teens, and that has borne out. Now, we're looking at #14 if OKC makes the playoffs and #18 if the Pelicans make it. Given our success so far I don't think we need mid-teen help like I had thought we did. Still, it's a nice luxury to have, and I expect we'll trade it for some useful veteran help.

 

I thought the pick has to be between 4-14 for us to get it. One of those guaranteed lottery pick deals.

If that's the case, if isn't conveyed this year I don't see when it will. New Orleans isn't getting worse.

 

Exactly. At this stage, I wouldn't hesitate at all if there's another chance for the Rockets to beat OKC again.

 

I stand corrected it's top 3, 20-30 protected.

So yeah we'll get it this year.

 

thats why i wanted the pick this year.... anthony davis is only gonna get better, and the pels had a bunch of injuries this year.. its amazing to me okc couldnt hold on to that final playoff spot

 

Depends on how we play in the playoffs. If we can make the WCF and then turn around and have a lottery pick that would be great. It's hard to improve winning teams and that would be additional help

 

nop have never been healthy to date with that team and okc is actually pretty terrible. they have a horrible mix of players right now and its not surprising they are struggling to be a playoff team.

 

That's correct.

Per RealGM, the pick is protected for selections 1-3 and 20-30 from 2015 through 2020.

If not conveyed a first rounder by 2020, it'll then becomes two 2nd rounders.

 

Probably better having it be 15th than risk losing it by the Pels moving up in the lottery.

 

Why wouldn't we care about this pick?

The playoffs for us are obviously much, much, much more important. That should be where all of our focus goes toward. And we won't play the 8th seed no matter what happens. I guess, selfishly, I would rather watch a matchup between Russell Westbrook and Steph Curry. But I don't think either NOP or OKC would offer up much of a fight against the Warriors. I would guess that Golden State would beat either one in 5 games.

But for the Rockets, yes, it would be better if the Pelicans missed the playoffs. Does it make that much of a difference? No, not really. If they missed the playoffs we would have the 14th pick. If they made the playoffs we would be around 18-20ish. Not too much of a difference. But it is a difference still.

 

As long as we get it this year I don't care where it lands...now if them making the playoffs puts it at risk of not being in the top 20, then I would want them to miss out.

 

I think w/ Morey as the GM, we've been conditioned to view the pick as an asset; as such, Rockets fans as a collective likely want the best possible asset in our possession, as possible. So, to answer your question, yes I do care, but more about what it means in terms of future return, as opposed to impact on the current team.

 

Of course it matters.

At this point in the season, obviously I'm more focused on the Rockets' own playoff situation, but I would still rather the Rockets get the 14th pick than the 19th pick.

 

Advantages of Pelicans making the playoffs:

1) Every team in our division is in the postseason. That can only help Harden's case for MVP should we hang on and win the Southwest.

2) The Warriors will at least have to sweat their first round series. The Thunder are completely falling apart and Westbrook looks spent. Davis would at the very least be a tough cover for Bogut.

3) New Orleans getting the 8th seed could require them to beat either Memphis or San Antonio in their 5 remaining games. That helps the Rockets.

Disadvantages of Pelicans making the playoffs:

1) The pick drops from 14th to 18th or 19th. That obviously isn't a good thing for the Rockets' offseason plans.

2) The Pelicans get valuable playoff experience, making them even more formidable next season. You think the Western Conference and Southwest Division are bad this year? Imagine an older, wiser New Orleans next season coupled with a healthier, deeper OKC squad.

 

The Pelicans might beat the Warriors. Hell, I am going to go out on a limb and say they will beat the Warriors. OKC has almost no chance against the Warriors, but the Pelicans could do it if coached well.

Therefore I want the Pelicans in the playoffs. Morey will find gold wherever we draft.