"The Rocket Guy" mentions that the Knicks have already called Houston about their pick; also there is mention of Kevin Garrnet as being tradeable. ROCKETS LAND TOP DRAFT PICK - New York is on the Phone . . . By: The Rocket Guy May 19 2002 The Houston Rockets have defied the odds once again, landing the top pick in the 2002 NBA Draft in spite of having fewer ping pong balls that 4 other NBA teams. The Rockets' 8.9 % chance of landing the top pick gained an extra 90.1 percent thanks to Steve Francis' "lucky suit," and now the Rockets have their work cut out for them as they make sure they use the pick in the best way possible. Nearly every NBA genius has cemented China's Yao Ming's name into the top slot of this year's lottery, but is that the best move for the Rockets? Picking Ming would certainly be the safe move, risking absolutely no second guessing from the press corp, but there are some question marks surrounding Ming that might make it worth while to consider trading his draft rights for an established NBA player. Hear that ringing sound? It's Houston General Manager Carroll Dawson's home phone. The New York Knicks contracted with the FBI to get CD's home phone number and even talked the Timberwolves into splitting the cost. So what your call? The Knicks have made no secret of the fact that they would like to have Ming in their starting rotation next season, and they would have no problem giving up Marcus Camby or Latrell Sprewell to land him. Meanwhile, the Wolves are just about ready to admit that Kevin Garnett is not a franchise player (something Garnett never claimed to be), so the Rockets could send the pick to Minnesota in exchange for KG. Camby and Garnett are certainly ready-made antidotes for the woes that have been plaguing the Rockets over the last two years. But are the Rockets hurting themselves by not taking Ming? Is there someone else that could help the Rockets more than a 7-footer who likes to shoot threes? These are all questions that will have to be studied and addressed over the next month. What a nice problem to have!
KG? Don't be stupid. Houston would be wise to trade the pick, IMO for an established NBA player/lower pick. Ming needs the ball to be effective, and you already have three of those guys in Taylor, Mobley, and Francis.
Hmmm.... Anyway, there's not a player on the Knicks I'd want. But yes, Kevin Garnett does address a few problems...
Well Im sure if the Rockets even considered Spree and Camby, it would also involve their pick as well. The we could trade Ming and some rice for two established players and a possibly Butler or an European player. Francis Mobley Spree/Pick Griffin Camby Not too bad...
Don't be stupid, it's only KG... only one of the best power fowards in the entire league... only one of the most versatile players in the entire league.. Fact is, KG is not selfish, team player - LOVES rudy. Why not take him?? #1 and maybe Mo Taylor or Glen Rice, depending on who'd they take - get rid of one of our fat contracts... KG is the real deal. He is MOST DEF. worth the #1
whoa man, Garnett as a Rocket?!?!? That would be so damn SWEEEEEEET!!!! His athleticism, size/strength, hunger & agression, and power to the hoop are exactly what the rockets need. or is it just a pipedream? I can say one thing, for sure: I have strong confidence in the ability of the Rockets' staff to make an excellent choice with this pick. -- droxford
The Knicks don't have even one player that is worth the # 1 pick. If the Knicks are just offering their own players, just hang up the phone. Take Ming and build with him.
i rather have garnett. but it'll come at a big price (we'll be over the cap), but i think it'll be worth it. cato garnett griffin cat francis
Well if the rockets do go for KG, he better learn to shoot the 3 a little bit better. Most likely if we were to get him, we would set him up at the 3, Rudy loves missmatches, and have him shoot threes all day. Then again, this is KG...
If I'm CD, I would tell the Knicks, "Don't call us, we'll call you." If I'm CD, I would tell the T-Wolves, "Let's talk!" However, I would take this talk with a grain of salt. If I'm not mistaken, the Rocket Guy is a source that is looked upon with disdain around here.
That article doesn't say anything about the Knicks or the T-Wolves contacting the Rockets already. I'm wouldn't doubt the Knicks will be in touch, but unless Minnesota is willing to take on Rice and likely Cato, I don't see anything happening with them no matter how awesome KG in the pinstripes sounds.
Adding Spree and Camby to our team............? NOT FOR THE #1! They too are players that have to have the ball in their hands to be effective. Spre has team player and character issues and Camby is injury prone, and rarely plays as big as he is. Our line-up would never work with Steve, Cat, Spre, Mo-T, and Camby. No chemestry, no defense, no inside pressence, etc. Plus, if we trade the pick, we need a young player to add to our mix of youthful stars. KG on the other hand would be an intriguing offer for the #1 and even plus our #15. I do it in a heartbeat. He can be our 2nd or 3rd scoring threat, which would help his game tremendously in the post, and on the perimeter. Francis / Mooch Mobley / Casey Jacobsen at #38 Garnett / Rice / T-Mo Griffin / Mo-T / KT Cato / Collier
what bs. the rocks cannot just simply send over the #1 for KG, they have to match his contract, which is what? 25 mill or something? We'd have to send them Mo, Rice, AND Cato + the nuimber 1 to make the numbers work. I doubt they'd be willing to take on those contracts. NY on the other hand would eat bad contracts in a second. if Minnesota would be willing to trade KG for Spree, Camby and either Weatherspoon or Kurt Thomas(or is he a FA?) then maybe we could do a 3 way and end up with KG + the number 7 maybe. I just don't think Minny would trade KG for Spree and company, let alone our contract fodder. bs rumor.
how did Chicago trade Brand for the #1?? does it have to be less than 12 mil?? On the NY issue... Camby/Spree/#7 for #1 looks good... #7 can be Butler, or we could get a 5.. either way.. not bad.. don't you love having the #1?
