Ok, I am not the brightest when it comes to the draft. But I do know how to read...barely. And from what I read, I think we are about to make a mistake. So, my question to you guys is this. Why are we so in love with this Dermarr Johnson guy? He doesn't play the position that we desperately need right now. He comes from a program that has never sent a big time player to the NBA. He has the reputation as a bad defender. All because he is a shooter? Then why are we looking to resign Mobley to a big contract? So that he can be the highest paid 6th man in the league? I don't get it. Why not Moiso? Isn't the presence of a power forward a bigger need for the Rockets than a small forward? Don't we need someone to grow into the position to take on Duncan, Garnett, Wallace, and torture the Lakers at the 4? Why not play Kenny Thomas at the 3 spot? He can shoot. He can drive the lane. He is 6'8, 220lbs and that means he can easily post up most other small forwards at his spot with no problems. He is very strong and has the moves to make them pay down low. No question. And if the opposing team decides to insert a quicker player there, we can then bring Cuttino in there to negate that move. I think drafting anything but a big body inside will be a mistake. I just don't see the big deal with Johnson. But, I don't get the big bucks to make these decisions. I just think if Moiso is there and we pass on him, we might end up paying for it later. Thats my humble opinion. ------------------ I Want To Thank God For Making Me A Rocketfan
The Rockets will draft a rebounder/defensive PF or C IMHO. (unless they trade Kenny or Cato) Also, there was one player I remember coming out of Cincinnati who made an impact on the NBA. Oscar Robertson. ------------------
Pick the best player available....no question. If he doesn't fit, you must acquit. Trade him and get a free agent that can help us down low. I am not a big fan of Dermarr Johnson or his game, but he could have a big upside if he develops his body and his defense. I am not completely sold on Moiso either. But considering what we have to work with at 9, he may be the best alternative. I would really like to have Mike Miller. He has much more polished skills and is more versatile than either of the previously mentioned players. ------------------ HOOP-T ------------------
I disagree with the notion of drafting the best available player. Draft to fill a need or set up a trade, otherwise trade down so you won't be stuck with someone you don't truly need and have to pay him too much. ------------------ Kobe ain't Jordan, unless you listen to NBC.
DerMarr Johnson is not a shooting guard. He is a small forward that played the 2 in college. The Rockets have a gaping hole at the 3 even if Williams stays. Johnson sacrificed a ton of his game to play in the confines of the offense at Cinncinati. Moiso reminds me of Carlos Rogers or Robert Horry. Very good athlete with some offensive skills but a rather lazy guy who's defense should be a lot better for his size and athleticism. ------------------ "No one gets out ALIVE!" SaveOurRockets.com
I love Kenny Thomas, but I don't think he's been 220 pounds since junior high. He's listed at 260. I don't think Kenny at small forward would be a good idea. ------------------
Jeff, If this was not the case, Moiso would be a top 5 pick. I think we all have to realize that the players available at the 9th pick will have flaws keeping them from being a top 5 pick. IMO, DJ flaws are that he did not step up at the Big Dance, after KM went down. I also have questions about whether he can play the 3 day in and day out in the NBA. He is so damn skinny and it is not a sure bet that he will bulk up as he get older. His worst case scenario is that he is too thin and not strong enough to defense and bang with NBA 3s and secondly that he is not quick enough to guard NBA 2s. In no way is the Rocket's pick a no brainer. ------------------
A draft analyst noted that, in the past, Houston selected players that fit their system -- which is consistent with Houston wanting to keep Francis and Mobley together. For Houston, it's about chemistry. Who will fit the current guard-oriented system? A SF who can handle the ball and has range. Miller? Maybe. A front-court player who can play defense and has range. Croshere?! Let's hope so.
Dermarr will have no problem playing 2, he has plenty of speed. His problem would be playing on this team, that already has 2 SGs that require minutes. ------------------ The more lefties on your team, the better. Draft Moiso. Trade Moises. Trade or bench Kenny Thomas.
For all those worried about DJ being so skinny, the same things were said about a guy up in the Northwest by the name of Quitten. He turned out well. I'm not pushing Johnson, but I definitely say don't discount him because he's skinny and light. ------------------ He who stands for nothing will fall for anything.
