If the Rockets do in fact stay in the lottery again this year, I would hope they would take a look at Drew Gooden. This guy is a great player, and can clean the boards really well. Although I like Amare Stoudemire, he will take some real time to develop, Gooden could contribute almost right away, and he is very comparable to Eddie Griffin. Even though the Rockets are logjammed at the PF position, I'd really liketo see this guy teaming up with EG in the frontcourt.
If we can get rid of Mo and KT, then I say go for it. However, he plays PF, like Eddie, and we would be grooming him to trade him later. He will be a top 5 pick when he does come out. We need a SF or C.
I agree that the Rockets could use a five, that is the most pressing need. However I think the SF is Terrence Morris. If the Rockets run an offensive and defensive scheme, going away from the usual 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 positions as what has been suspected to get mismatches in the Rockets favor then Gooden would work out well. A frontcourt of Griffin, Gooden, and fill-in the blank would be a good defense down low and in the lane. Just thinking about the draft in advance I really like Gooden, plus he has seen time at the three for Kansas. Like I said just a couple of thoughts in advance about the draft, and the Rockets needs, since I highly doubt the Rockets will be players in the trading market.
Count me among those in the Gooden camp. He would be a perfect fit for the Rocks. Fantastic athlete, hits the glass, nice all-around offensive game with a little jump hook and developing turnaround J, solid defender, an ideal NBA 4/3. A frontcourt featuring 2 well-rounded, athletic, versatile PF/SF's like Gooden and Griffin would be perfect for the Rocks. Actually, a frontcourt rotation featuring Mo, Eddie, KT, and Gooden could matchup with any in the league, and would really compensate for a deficiency at C. Look at the success (exclude this season, they have chemistry issues) Portland has had with a stable of talented PFs to compensate for the C position. A center would be great, but there just isn't much talent available, and I certainly wouldn't pass up a talent like Gooden for any of the Cs available this draft. Chris Marcus sounds like a role player. I like Gadzuric, but has he improved or would he be better at PF? And I'm just not sold on Ming. Ming sounds like a poor man's Shawn Bradley, and I have to question just how ready he is or if he'll ever be able to make an impact in the NBA.
poor man's shawn bradley, ouch!!!!!! rockets should trade the pick and kenny in my opinion for a proven big man..
DJ, Ok, poor man's Shawn Bradley was harsh . Sorry about that. By all accounts, Ming has more talent than Bradley. I just don't see him being this can't-miss prospect many are claiming him to be. I also think that Gooden will be better than Ming, short-term and long-term.
I can't see the Rockets going for him unless they're very sure Eddie will grow into a center. Eddie is most likely a 4, and possibly a 5. Gooden is a clear 4. Wouldn't want him playing the 5 unless absolutely necessary (see Mo Taylor), and can't play the 3. I like Gooden a lot. Not as much of an defensive force as Griffin. But if we're high enough to draft him (he'll go top 7 for sure IMO, barring something crazy), he doesn't fit us at all unless Griffin is a 5. Gadzuric has slipped to a late first/early second pick. He's had a long history for injuries, especially his feet. If he'll be able to stay healthy, I think he could be an excellent backup center in tandem with someone else.
I for one don't see Griffin as a center, but if he could Gooden would be the perfect compliment. I agree with view that we should trade pick and anybody short of Steve, Cat, EG, and maybe Mo and Mooch for a legit center (for Ratliffe and Dermarr Johnson?). What I think could be a steal in this draft is Vincent Yarborough (sp?) from Tennesee. He and TMo would be all we would need at the 3 for a long while.
Drew Gooden would in fact be the perfect compliment to Eddie Griffin on the Rocket's frontline. However, with Ratliff being injured this year, I think the Hawks will give him antoher year to see how he pans out. They know they have a rare commodity in Ratliff, and will give him a couple of good chances. But I think with the slow start and bust talk of DeMarr Johnson could be had for a 1st rounder.
since i havnt seen gooden play that much i will wait to pass judgement but the one time last year i did see him play i was not impressed at all..it could be just one bad game but he didnt look to have the skills or body to be productive in the nba...i dont see him having much of an nba career...please revive this thread 10 years from today...
I would let the tournament decide that. I hate teams being coronated as gods before they prove it. On Gooden, I am unsure of his NBA potential. Solid player...but unsure of lateral quickness.
