I’ve read a lot of stuff on the BBS about these two players and how the Rox should be interested in drafting them. As a Houston fan, I would be disappointed if the Rockets selected either one of them with a lottery pick, and here’s why: Martin Let’s first look at Martin by revisiting his strengths and weaknesses as described by John Thompson and brought to our attention by rocketsfan 34. STRENGTHS - Tremendous leaper, great defensive player, good shot blocker, takes smart shots, above average rebounder, average shooter. WEAKNESSES - Poor Free Throw shooter, sometimes gets in foul trouble, not a great offensive player, poor ball handler. Somewhat small to play power forward in the NBA. You can pretty much discount that shot blocking once he gets to the NBA. As has been pointed out numerous times on the BBS, shot-blockers in the NBA come taller than 6-8. Though I have not seen him play, his description basically describes a banger playing D (small banger at that) and getting boards. Spend a lottery pick on that type of player? NO WAY! I can think of several players in the NBA I would just assume have on my team banging away at the power forward spot, including: Anthony Mason Antonio Davis Cedric Ceballos PJ Brown Ike Austin Popeye Jones Tony Massenburg Malik Rose Ben Wallace Michael Smith Were these guys lottery picks? No, they weren’t even drafted in the FIRST ROUND! In fact, two of the best Bad Boy defenders in the frontcourt weren’t first rounders either: Dennis Rodman and Bill Laimbeer. I’m not saying strong defenders in the paint fall off trees or that they are not important to a team. All I’m saying is that bangers don’t require lottery picks. I say the Rockets should only take a power forward in the first round if that guy is going to be a serious, consistent scorer in the paint. From Thompson’s description, Kenyon does not qualify. When I think of Kenyon, I think Samaki Walker (9th) or Kurt Thomas (10th). Maybe Dale Davis (11th) at the very best. Not the star PF a lot of fans including myself would like to pair Francis with and would warrant a top eight pick. I don’t know if there’s a guy in this draft who qualifies. If there was, chances are he won’t be there when we pick. Think about it : CWebb (1st), Duncan (1st), Brand (1st), McDyess (2nd pick), Rasheed Wallace (4th). Morris Morris would be a perfect fit for the team. He’d pair with Francis to contend for severa titles for several years.........................in Baltimore. Two stars from Maryland – wouldn’t that just add to the writing on the wall? Anyway, I'm sure Rudy will pick the right player anyway. That's my opinion, anyway.
No Morris in your headline but you want us to draft Morris. What's up with that????? Martin is not that bad. From where we will probably pick at #6-7, Martin's a solid choice. He fills our defensive 3/4 need. Plus, he's a great defender and basically another Rogers. I agree that Morris is a great choice, BUT he will go in the top 3. We won't be high enough to pick him. From Thompson’s description, Kenyon does not qualify. If you listen to John so much, why don't you also draft Chris Mimhs who he ranks as number 1 of his top 300 prospects?
"Though I have not seen him play" Wow! Strong statements about Martin & you haven't seen him play?? Hmmm..... Have you seen Morris play?? I'm not saying that either is the "right" pick, but why make statements if you haven't watched Martin and/or Morris play?? ------------------ Ciao!
I agree Morris will be picked before we can get him. My point on the "No Morris" thing was that I think if we got a second "future superstar" from Maryland, I feel the chances of the Rockets moving to Baltimore would be increased. I would hope not, because if Morris was on the board before we picked, he would be the obvious choice for the Rockets. My point on the "No Martin" part was not to evaluate Martin's talent, but to evaluate the Rockets' need. All I have heard about Martin is what a mean defender and rebounder he is. I have listed numerous guys who fit that bill in the NBA who went either undrafted or were drafted in the second round who would probably put up the same numbers as Martin. A second legitimate high scorer to help carry some of Francis' burden would be a lot harder to come by or even a complete 3 would be harder to come by in my opinion than a banger at the 4, which is why I say the Rockets should focus on filling those needs. Yeah, you're right I haven't seen him play. I'm no talent scout either, so my evaluation wouldn't be worth anything to begin with. John Thompson is the same guy another poster quoted in support of Martin, so that's why I quoted him. All I'm saying is that using a pick as high as the Rockets will get, a pick that winning organizations do not get very often, on an undersized defensive specialist at the 4 would not seem to be the smartest choice. Dunk: You are right about posting about players I haven't seen. I guess I just did it, because I was a little surprised about the large number of times Martin's name pops up on the board. [This message has been edited by oakdogg (edited January 12, 2000).] [This message has been edited by oakdogg (edited January 12, 2000).]
No Francis3, Martin can't play with the BIG BOYS in the NBA. He may be able to play in college, but he needs to learn how to play with the BIG BOYS in the NBA. I see him as nothing mor than a Luc Longley in the NBA cause Martin can't play with the BIG BOYS. Just joking Francis3, Martin is definitely a good player and I wouldn't mind him at all. I think the NCAA Tournament will have a lot of say in player's stock. Whoever has a great tourney is the guy who everybody's going to want the most. I think the NCAA's will be a good time to judge college talent. So I'm reserving judgement on who I want until the tourney is over.
Francis3, No NCAA player can be considered good until they actually play in the NBA. Martin has more question marks than Morris. If the rockets win the lottery, Morris is the man. If not, I don't think any college player has elevated his game above the other top players.
