Rockets haven’t drafted a player this young in the top . . . ever.

The good thing about the NBA is there is a max salary. When you pick #2 overall, you are picking a player that you expect to give a max contract to. At the end of Year 2, they will know if he is progressing at the expected level and offer him a max extension. The Rockets will be able to offer him the most money, if he doesn't accept it, you can trade him. Many players (and coaches) continue to make their home in Houston after being here. LA only has so many roster spots. And they could draft another Kobe in the next 4 years and have no need for Green. I don't think you should not draft someone based on an assumption that they will want to play somewhere else later.

 

I have posts older than these players.

 

Get used to 'em.

We're going to draft lots of them. Loads.

That is how you know you're getting older.

 

This is the modern NBA fan. Wanting one wing over another and voicing that opinion without even knowing their 3 point percentages, creating a theory of the future at least 2 years out with no evidence whatsoever, and then not wanting the clear #2 for basically no reason whatsoever.

 

I totally agree with your thoughts on KPJ. That said, he is who I’m most excited to see play next year - not the rooks. Big year in his development and if he can speed up his footwork and clean up his stroke - he could change our opinions. Year three against nba level talent. The make or break year.

 

That 13 year old you speak of just won a game today for the big three

 

Milwaukee wasn’t interested in guarding that night

KPJr was shooting 28.7% from three on 5.9 attempts a game (37-129 from deep) heading into that Bucks game, and then proceeded to hit 9-15

the 11 assists was the most impressive thing because the shooting was an absolute fluke

 

It'll be some more years, before the younger ones who idolizes Harden gets in the draft.

 

And it only took him 10 years to get to that career pinnacle. All hail Royce White!

 

Nope, just saying

 

What ?!

KPJ has already said he models his game after Harden ..... These dudes are already in the league,

 

Why wouldn’t Cade prefer to be a Mav for life or bolt HOU in 4 years to join Luka?

Why didn’t James go back to Cali?

Why is the sky blue? Why is water wet?

Why did Judas rat to the Romans while Jesus slept?

 

Yep I 100% agree OP! Because those Texas roots are why Jimmy Butler jumped at the chance to be a Rocket

 

exactly right. none of that matters. players only care about

#1 - money
#2 - role (minutes/shots = a chance at more money)
#3 - market (lifestyle, but also a chance for more money)
#4 - winning

for superstars like butler in your example, the money and role are the same everywhere. he chose the Miami lifestyle and market over joining a serious contender.

winning only matters when all else is equal. Blake got his money from Detroit so he was free to join a contender and try to win. he chose the nets over the bucks or clippers because they offered a larger role which meant a chance to earn more on his next contract.

now when you're thinking of someone like christian wood, how will he evaluate the rockets in 2 years? if they offer more money than any other team he'll stay. but do we want to be tied into that kind of contract? is he worth overpaying to keep him? will that contract tie up cap space needed for our potential top 5 picks in '21-'23? we'll see.

to OPs point when thinking of someone like Jalen Green, the money is the same. rookie scale for 4 years, then RFA (rockets will match anything), max contract extension for 4 more years. That's 8 years of team control on cap friendly money compared to player value. that's why these picks are so valuable. will he want out during that time? unlikely if the money is the same everywhere. if the rockets think green (for example, or mobley), is worth the max, no one else can pay more. If the rockets think he's not worth the max and someone else does, then he's gone. lets assume they think he's worth the max, then the money is the same. next, is the role the same everywhere? assuming he's a foundational piece here, he won't get a bigger role anywhere else. market is where it gets tricky, is his intention to one day force his way back to California? maybe, but the Houston market is large enough for endorsements and superstars have liked living in Houston. its not like this team is in Minnesota or memphis. so it really comes down to winning. if we build a contender around this pick there is no reason to leave.

and actually stone has set us up nicely to build a contender in the next 4-5 years. (shorter than most rock-bottom rebuilds).

first, tank for top 5 picks in '21-'23. we own our own picks so we have to cash in. then we owe our '24 pick to OKC so we have to be good. we've got 3 foundational pieces, albeit young. but its time to make the playoffs. wall's contract comes off the books. we can use that money to overpay some vet starters (equivalent of olynyk type guys) to complement our young core and make a playoff push. then as we're close to the playoffs the nets picks start getting good from '24-'27. cheap talent on long term deals help build depth just as we start to hit RFA with our young core. they're likely going to want to stay and win as all else is equal.

 

I doubt most NBA stars have a list of players that are heads above them.

Butler probably thinks he is one of the best players otherwise he wouldn't have made it in the NBA.

And I know to some fans, their bubble experience might have been a fluke but not to them.

There's always going to be a discrepancy of what fans want and what said stars would want.

And the path to win a ship is different to them as well.

Miami is a great franchise with a great portfolio with people who exude confidence.

You cannot do that with a franchise that has not been to the Finals once in 20 years.
Only guys like KD who already won one would consider a new adventure.

 

His assumption is that Green is more flamboyant.

 

this era is weak, but blame the likes of ESPN for calling star players who don’t win CHOKERS. Reggie Miller and the stars of the past never dealt with shaqtin a fool and the media clown then

 

Yes, but I did like his step back jumper especially on Jrue.

 

So glad morey is not drafting for us anymore