We need to trade up to get the number one pick. I know the Wizards are willing and after reading what insidehoops said I am as confident as ever. Here's what they said about Griffin and the draft: Eddie Griffin, a suitable and perfectly obtainable choice for the Wizards, will almost certainly be considered, as he is widely regarded as a physical specimen with Tracy McGrady-esque athletic ability and the explosiveness of Vince Carter. However, trading down in the draft will also be in consideration for the Wizards, as they are gearing for their future, and may be better off taking lower-level players such as Brendan Haywood and Jamaal Tinsley, who made a name for themselves at their respective colleges. And we have the picks to get Haywood and Tinsley. ------------------
No intelligent GM trades away the #1 pick in the NBA draft for a few lower picks. You need to throw in proven players for the GM to bite. Kelvin Cato and Walt Williams aren't the kind of players I'm talking about either. ------------------ I refuse to use smiley's in my posts, you'll just have to figure out how serious I am on your own...
IMO, we really don't need to trade up as high as #1. Obtaining a spot from #4 through #8 will do the trick very nicely. In that range the Rockets have great flexibility as to whom they get -- perhaps Griffin (wish), Diop, Joe Johnson, Battier, Richardson -- whomever Rudy and CD think would suit the team best. However, I don't think they will mortgage the team's future by tossing in ALL the Rocket picks in the trade up. Afterall, we need some to strengthen several areas whether it be center, SF or backup shooting guard (assuming we lose Anderson). ------------------
Griffin has only had 2 off court issues, unlike Rasheed Wallace who gets a technical every other game. And whenever I watch him play he never gets angry or blows up. He's only had some minor off court problems. But if you look at C-webb, he's had even more problems than Griffin. He been caught with weed, and he's even raped a women before. I believe with the right system, he can be straightened out if he has any problems which I don't think he has. Plus he happens to be from the same city as Cuttino, Phili. I would prefer to have Griffin than Webber whos proven he can't handle pressure and lead him team. Maybe we can also take some of their player who's eating cap space, if the 5 first round picks doesn't do the trick. ------------------
I believe I heard a quote from Clippers coach Alvin Gentry saying that he felt teams could basically draft the same player from picks 2 through 10. I agree with you enhebay that the rockets won't mortgage their future to move up, there is just to much depth in this draft. ------------------
I feel there is no point to move up expect to get griffin. If we can't get high enough basically the number 1 pick, there is no point. The only player who stands out and that this team could use is griffin. If we draft a Sf at 13, someone like Jefferson, you would be losing alot of talent as compared the griffin. Jefferson doesn't have anywhere near the complete game as Eddie. Whenever I watched Jefferson on offense he struggled to make the right decisions and his jumper was broke most of the time. ------------------
Since there's all this talk about this year's draft being so deep, then who might be the breakout kids this year? I wouldn't be sure the high DPs would be great immediately, just from the top 5, I'm guessing that if Battier gets a chance and moves into any teams starting lineup, he'll be worth a bet for ROY.. ------------------ Do not harm little children!
Griffin will win ROY hands down. Battier does not have explosiveness to be a great player in the nba nor the athletic ability. He'll become one of those role players. He has some good stats, but nothing eye-popping. He's gonna be like Christain L. A great college player, but not really anything in the nba. ------------------
Ricky812, Griffin has the tools to be ROY and I'd LOVE to see us get him. However, that said, I think the real sleeper in the draft is Joe Johnson. I was in the Mike Miller camp last year and I'm in the Johnson camp this year. If we can't get Griffin, Diop (forget Curry) or Kwame Brown, then I believe this is the guy we absolutely must have because he fits so well with the rest of the roster. ------------------
Webber (and Juwan Howard) did NOT rape a woman. Charges were brought, but I believe it never came to trial. In fact, I think Webber and Howard WON a defamation suit against that woman. No doubt they were not memorizing Bible verses, but the accusation of rape was apparently false. ------------------ Time is a great teacher-- only problem is it kills all its pupils.
wasn't Sam Cassell accused of rape in Houston too? Anyway, Re: Griffin I don't think punching your teammate in the locker room is a minor issue (unless you're Vernon Maxwell). ------------------
If I had to put money on it, I'd bet Battier will win the RoY award. I don't think he'll be the best of the bunch over the long term, but most of the more talented players really aren't ready. Griffin might be - but I think he's going to have a bit of trouble adjusting when his superior athletic skills are insufficient to let him toy with the league... and his shotblocking will go down since he'll no longer be one of the big guys. Griffin is amazing though, and I'd love to have him on the Rockets. The off-court problems are frightening, but he's just too good to turn away. ------------------ A few years back on the Senate floor... Phil Gramm: "If Democrats could, they'd tax the air we breathe." Ted Kennedy (jumping up): "By God, why didn't I think of that sooner!" Boston College - NCAA Hockey National Champions 2001
Nobody is perfect. If Rudy gets a shot at him there is no way he will pass him up. ------------------ President of the Steve Francis, Jamal Crawford,Larry Hughes, and Charles Woodson fan club.
I don't think it is that big of a deal to punch your teammates in Griffin'g case. I mean if you look at his behavior on the court, it is as good as anyone. If Griffin came to the rockets a team with good chemistry, i don't think there will be any problems and playing with steve francis, one of the most unselfish young stars in the league. He's not going to punch steve for not feeding him the ball. ------------------
