[3rd pick] Who do you want?

i'd dine at those restaurants

 

I would try a deal with Memphis 1st. Then I would do the Caruso, #11 and one future 1st in 2025 for #3. Adding Caruso to our group of vets is a plus imo.

 

I think I’ve shifted over to Castle. I am not buying the concerns about his shooting. He didn’t take a ton of attempts. He makes a fee more and his % is decent. This isn’t Jalen shooting a low % on a ton of attempts. The FT shooting is good and I think the form on the three-point shot looks very consistent.

I can see

Sengun
Smith
Castle
Cam
Amen


Being very viable in a few years. Bring in shooting/size via trades/FA.

 

While I'm absolutely for moving #3 in a deal for a veteran, and getting back a pick in the 10-12 range (Carter or Salaun)...I'm vehemently opposed to Caruso being the principle in that deal. No where close to enough...he's a good role player....that's it. You don't move off 3 for that guy and 11. They'll be much better deals to be had.

 

Agreed. It would need to be #11, Caruso and 2025 swap rights at a min.

 

No, hes just a plus in the deal. It's really to get #11 and a 1st in what is supposed to be a pretty good draft in 2025.

 

Or this. As long as we get a high 2025 1st rounder.

 

In the past 20 years, who has shot as good or better while playing as well on the defensive end as Sheppard did?

 

Never say never, but I can't imagine Sarr falling further than number 2. If he does drop, I'm sure the Rockets would be more than happy to take him.

The media narrative now seems to be Sheppard or Castle for the third pick.
But personally, I'm leaning heavily toward Clingan.

Granted it's just from watching some clips and half-games against usually much smaller competition, but I am extremely impressed by Clingan's defensive court awareness. He's not the fastest guy, but he's able to recover and switch because his response is a half step faster.
Add that to his Boban-like ability to block out the rim by standing, and you've got the makings of a defensive monster.

On the offensive side, he's a perpetual lob threat, of course. He doesn't make a ton of passes and assists, but when he does, they can be quite good, both accurate and creative.
Surprisingly, his back-to-the-basket game seems to be a weakness, and I've seen him miss layups that should be automatic for him. It won't get easier with bigger and stronger competition in the NBA, but he's got time to improve.

All this may be moot because according to Ben DuBose, he shares the same agent with Sengun, which may convince the Rockets to take him out of consideration for the third pick.

 

Clingan feels like a lock to go top two along with Saar. If he makes it to 3, the Rockets will have many suitors to trade with. If Clingan isn’t there at 3 then the rockets most likely will have to keep the pick.

 

Anybody feel like doing a 2024 Clutchfans NBA Draft??

 

I said earlier in the thread that I was assuming Risacher was gone thus going with Sheppard.

If Risacher is there for the taking, I wouldn't pass on him.

 

So 3 small forwards, a stretch 4 and an undersized offensively focused 5? Thank **** you're not the GM tbh.

 

I don't buy the shooting concerns on Castle too.
Nothing horrendous with the form. Repetition will fix everything. He can be a Jimmy Butler +.
But my top 3 for the Rockets is still :

1. SARR, the team will be so complete, especially on the defensive side. Just add 1 or 2 pure shooters.
2. Reed, nice consolation price. Backcourt set for years.
3. Stephane Risacher, wings are interchangeable. Trade Brooks earlier. Let Bari, Cam, Tari, and Risacher battle it out for the 2 forward spots. Can still trade the least compatible of the 4 for help elsewhere.

 

“What is actual position?” That is the modern-NBA way, and that’s why I like SC.

That said, at #3? Rumors persist that nearly every lotto picker below 3 wants the Klingon. Smells like trade time to me.

 

Caruso really? Another bricklayer?

 

What? How is Caruso a "brick layer?" He shot 40% from 3 last season and had a .61 TS%.

 

Last year I wanted Cam over Amen and we got lucky and got both, so the Rockets did good there. At this point, I can't decide between Sheppard, Clingan and anyone else so I think I'll be fine with whoever they choose trusting they scouted well and got the right guy.