If DM the GM were to identify a prospect for the Rox to draft, and could trade up reasonably to 15 to do so, who makes the most sense for the Rox - and why? I don't follow NCAA/Int'l ball closely so I am unsure who would fit the bill - but I suggest a 2/3 would be the best to move up for.
Some people really like CDR and Kevin Love. Imo, I love to have DJ Augustin. The only thing that hurts him badly is his size, beside that exceptional in everything.
I like him too but I feel he will be gone before the 25 pick. However there might be a chance for him to drop down if his workouts go poorly.
With a 40+ inch vertical and blazing speed up and down the court, I doubt Budinger will drop because of his workouts.
i agree with dj augustin.. i think he is goin to be something special..a guy of skill, intellect, and charachter.. aaron brooks can be very good for the rockets and Dj is definetly an upgrade over brooks, and rafer
Check out the 15-25 on this one http://nbadraftinsider.blogspot.com/ It looks pretty legit (CDR and Budinger are both available in the 15-25 range as well as a number of other good talents).
OK, and thanks. The question focused on who might the Rox be targeting in the draft, to trade up for perhaps? This year's Roy or Fernandez???
If Morey can pull a rabbit out of his hat and get us a pick in the teens, I would like any of these guys. Gordon and Westbrook being my favs. Eric Gordon - NBA Comparison: Mitch Richmond Birthday: 12/25/1988 NBA Postion: Shooting Guard Class: Freshman Ht: 6-4 Wt: 220 College Team: Indiana Russell Westbrook - NBA Comparison: Rajon Rondo/Monta Ellis Birthday: 11/12/1988 NBA Postion: PG/SG Class: Sophomore Ht: 6-4 Wt: 187 College Team: UCLA Joe Alexander - NBA Comparison: Shawn Marion/Tom Gugliotta Birthday: 12/26/1986 NBA Postion: SF/PF Class: Junior Ht: 6-8 Wt: 230 College West Virginia JaVale McGee - NBA Comparison: Andrew Bynum/Patrick O’Bryant Birthday: 1/19/1988 NBA Postion: Center Class: Sophomore Ht: 7-0 Wt: 237 College Team: Nevada Nicolas Batum - NBA Comparison: Rudy Gay Birthday: 12/14/1988 NBA Postion: SG/SF Class: N/A Ht: 6-8 Wt: 210 Int Team: Le Mans Hometown: Pont l’évêque, France Chris Douglas - Roberts NBA Comparison: Julius Hodge Birthday: 1/8/1987 NBA Postion: Shooting Guard Class: Junior Ht: 6-7 Wt: 200 College Team: Memphis Danilo Gallinari - NBA Comparison: Detlef Schrempf Birthday: 8/8/1988 NBA Postion: Small Forward Class: N/A Ht: 6-9 Wt: 210 Int Team: Armani Milan Chase Budinger - NBA Comparison: Grant Hill Birthday: 5/22/1988 NBA Postion: Shooting Guard Class: Sophomore Ht: 6-7 Wt: 215 College Team: Arizona Donte Greene - NBA Comparison: Rashard Lewis/Marvin Williams Birthday: 2/21/1988 NBA Postion: Small Forward Class: Freshman Ht: 6-10 Wt: 226 College Team: Syracuse
Courtney Lee will be most likely be avaliable when the Rockets pick. He is suppose to go towards the end of the 1st round- early 2nd round. Other prospects- In alot of the mock drafts I have seen Chase Budinger is going to the Cavs at #19. If he stays in that range, I think the Rockets need to move up and get him. If he has bad workouts he might drop even more. Donte Green is a really good player but he is not ready for the NBA. I thought he should have stayed at Syracuse for another year. He is good, but will take time to develop.
Don't count on #25. I look for Morey to swap #25 for Minnesota's #31 and #34. That way he does not have a guaranteed contract to worry about while getting two players who won't be much good. Morey strikes me as being for cheap and not necessarily for good.
not sold on DJ Augustyn. He's got the quickness but lacks the size, strength, and lift to really succeed in the NBA. He was completely helpless against Derek Rose and a bigger Memphis team in the tournament. Not sure what his numbers were, but he took some awful awkward looking shots. One footed fade aways that didn't have a chance. He might be solid, but I wouldn't expect much more than that from him. I think a lottery team is going to be disappointed. If the Rockets could find an athlete who can knock down the outside shot, I'd be totally satisfied. Guys like Budinger, CDR, Rush seem to fit the mold of guys who could come in right away and be a legit roleplayer on a good team. If those guys aren't there, then take a chance on someone you can develop down the line. Nic Batum could be a guy you stash overseas for a couple years like the Spurs always seemed to do. When he's more physically mature, and more experienced, bring him over. A guy like Bill Walker could be good to have too. He might fit what the Rockets want to do, but at the least, he could be a valuable piece in a trade. He was a projected lottery pick before his injury. I don't see guys like Hibbert being any harder to obtain than a typical free agent big man. Why not just sign someone more experienced instead of developing a rookie big? Really just want a guy who can already shoot and is quick enough to defend.
The Rockets and Wolves have a deal to watch each other's workouts. The Wolves are rebuilding so a better draft choice is good for them. The Rockets like bargains so they get a 2 for 1 just six to 10 picks further down -- and they don't have a guaranteed contract to worry about. Personally, I'd rather trade up, and I'm not saying the Rockets won't try. However, failure to do so will result in this trade, which IMO is more likely than not.
