When we made the pick for Maddox, I was a bit dissapointed that we didn't take Grizzard. I just assumed that the Rocks management knew far more than I about these things, and after reading that he was a Francis clone and many say he was a lock to make the team, I thought maybe it was a good pick. I had actually been intrigued by him as a pick throughout the year. But I never expected Grizzard to drop that far. DraftNet compares Grizzard to Jalen Rose. And many posters have been saying we are looking for a backup to Cuttino. Sounds like Grizzard would have met our need better than Maddox. And then, after DocRocket said that the word from the Rockets was that Maddox probably wouldn't make the team, good grief, that seems like a mistake of a pick! I had hopes for Torres, so I'm dissappointed that the Rocks don't think he'll make the team. But if they knew that, why didn't they take Grizzard, or someone who had trade value, or future value in a Euro player? I DO hope Maddox does turn into a Francis clone, and sticks with the team. But I'm begginning to conclude we made a mistake with our pick in the second round. Juan Carlos Navarro probably would have made the team as backup to Mobely ... other interesting picks would have been Jamal Sampson, Jason Jennings, Lazaros Papadopoulos, or just trade the pick for a future draft, if we didn't think there was anyone who could play for us ... And I believe there were probably a number of teams who would have traded us something of value for that pick, in order to get Grizzard. After hearing what Doc had to say, I'm a definitely frustrated with our pick, especially after he had earlier posted that the Rockets were confident that our 2nd round pick would stick with the team ...
Well, Grizzard is a small forward coming off of an injury to his leg that hindered him during workouts. He has some upside, but would it be realized on the Rockets? Probably not. SF isn't the strongest position, but it's arguably the deepest with Rice, Nachbar, Morris, and (for now) Walt. I don't think Grizzard could slide over and play the shooting guard position, though - not quite athletic enough. Navarro is more of a point guard than shooting guard and I think has contractual obligations overseas that would prevent him from coming over for a year or two, kind of like Raul Lopez last year. Remember that as of now, anything you hear - even from Doc Rocket, one of the most respected info sources on the board - is just speculation. Things can change over the course of a long summer and they more than likely will. But, from my standpoint - there's not much that the Rockets could've done to had a better draft. Good SGs can be had in free agency for the minimum - ones who will contribute almost immediately. I'd just sit back and watch what the summer will bring. Should be an interesting one, for sure.
Tito's not doin so well in the summer leagues, but it may turn around. He was a logical pick though considering the question marks around Francis health etc... When they got Nachbar I was pretty sure Rod would not get picked up by the Rocks.
I was kinda surprised the Rocks took Maddox over Grizzard especially considering the points we already had and our need for a big 2-guard/ swingman. Grizzard is alot like Jalen in that he can swing between both the 2 and 3 spots and they both have very nice handles for their size and are good playmakers and able to fill in as point-forward/guards in a pinch. I liked Grizzard for his size and defensively he could develop into a real stopper once he gets stronger, especially with his long frame and long arms (7-foot wingspan at 6'8). Athletically Grizzard would cover the 2 without any problems on either end of the court. In terms of athleticism many consider Grizzard as one of the most athletic Tidesmen in recent history. Ask people in the know and many will tell you that Grizzard is even more athletic than former Alabama teammate and Kings player Gerald Wallace. And if you don't know who Gerald Wallace is, go watch the 2002 Dunk Contest. Of course this was all before his injury. The injury really hurt Grizzard and had he been healthy and able to workout, he most probably would have been a lock for the top 20. Personally I think Grizzard would have been a better pick than Maddox for the Rocks.
Keep in mind, this was only one game - his first game. He looked like he wanted to try and do too much too fast. Let's see if he improves over the course of the next few games.
I agree, from all I've read, Grizzard was supposed to be excellent at both SF/SG. My point was that Doc said the word was Maddox wouldn't make the team, and various posters are saying the last piece we need is a backup to Cuttino. Grizzard or Navarro seem to fit that perfectly. (Navarro is already negotiating to come over to Wizards, from what I've read ...) Here's what NBADraft.net had to say about Grizzard ... NBA Comparison: Jalen Rose Strengths: Top notch athlete with imaginative offensive game.... Very prolific scorer with the ability to handle the ball and passes well.... Can run the point in spot duty.... Shoots the ball well from behind the arc... 7-foot wing span. Weaknesses: Needs to get much stronger. Doesn't have the strength to play in the NBA yet... Defensively can be overpowered, needs to develop on the defensive end. Shot selection and decision making must improve. A wizard with the basketball. Handles the ball with more confidence than many point guards. Very polished offensive skills. Scouts are drooling over this guy. Needs to improve his shooting percentage. Has a very good outside stroke. Very adept at taking defenders off the dribble. Without the benefit of a good floor leader, often has to create shots when they're not there. Upside potential is enormous. Here's what NBADraft.net had to say about Navarro: NBA Comparison: Jason Terry J.C.Navarro. A SG with talent. His nickname is La Bomba (The Bomb), why? you only have to see his layups.His layups (Las Bombas) are famous in Spain. In this season he is more important in his club than Pau Gasol, but maybe a NBA team looks at Gasol first, then him. But, sincerely, he will be a star in Europe. Maybe in NBA? Very good player. He can shoot 2 and 3 pt with excellent range. He is a decisive player in his team, and he is the player that shoots in the last minutes in close games on his team. He plays in Sydney with Spain NT, not all the time he deserves, but he was one of the best players of NT in the Olympics. He is a good defender (better than Gasol) and eventually he defends the opponent star.Very quick in fastbreak and very good driving ability. Work hard in the field and he is a great capacity for leadership.
I was thinking about Grizzard as well, but the guy I reallywanted us to snag in the 2nd was Yarbrough
In the second round I'd prefer taking a shot on a tall PG than on a SG/SF since you can always find SG/SFs every year in the draft...
I have been watching Grizzard since his freshman year. The guy can play but I believe his injury caused him to drop. He reminds me of the smaller O'bannon brother from UCLA. I believe Grizzard can score in the NBA. I guess scouts may have him casted as a tweener.
i would have like to see luke recker. im probobly way off, but he seems like a rudy type player. he can shoot the lights out, and can play 2 positions.
Nobody else has mentioned this so I'm not sure if others are aware, but Maddox hasn't played competitive ball of any kind for the past year. Though he put his name in the draft last year, he withdrew before the cutoff date with the intention of returning to college. However he was ruled ineligible after he was found guilty of taking illegal payments from an agent. So he didn't play any college ball last season and pretty much has simply been working out on his own. Tito's stock fell as a result of both his sitting out the entire season and also his acceptance of illegal payments. There seem to be alot of moral/ethical crusaders on this board, i wonder how they feel about Maddox over this issue?
I think Maddox rust really showed. He had all the fancy dribbling moves, he kind of looked like he knew what he wanted to do in the half court set but just didn't seem sure enough on how to get it done. He looked a step slow in doing what he wanted but the skills are definitely there, just his coordination isn't. Also he seemed too excited to get passes going and ended up getting turnovers. Though he might not make the NBA, this one game in the summer league really was just more his rust from not playing than his talent level. He did rebound well and defend well, just on offense he was horrible, except in the fastbreak he scored well in the lane. I'm almost certain he is a much better player than this, I'm really looking forward to the next few games with him to see how he does. Some of the guys that sat next to me seem to know him and called out his name many times and they seem to be there just to cheer him on and I over heard them saying that he's not playing his game and he looks too nervous out there. One of them said something like Come on you can play better than that Tito.
Sherlock....you pose an interesting question. I too was really surprised (on draft night) that we drafted Tito Maddux at #38. I think Tito is going to be a good player, but I didn't expect us to take another point guard. I was further surprised that they passed on Rod Gizzard who was available when we picked. For some reason, I thought the Rockets brass was in love with Gizzard (despite his recent leg injury) as a 2/3. Here are some of my random thoughts as to why we drafted Maddux. Mabey drafting Tito Maddux was insurance against the possibility (albeit it remote) of not resigning Steve Francis. Mabey Maddux is there in case we trade Steve Francis to rebuild around Yao Ming without Steve Francis. Or mabey Maddux was drafted to give us another option at PG if Steve continues having migraines. Mabey the Rockets brass thinks that Maddux has more upside than Tierre Brown (whom I also like as a Rocket). Mabey Maddux will help us if Moochie is having an off night or gets injured (which is somewhat of a risk given his smallish stature and style of play driving inside so often). Or mabey Maddux is just going to develop his skills in practice playing everyday against Steve and Moochie, and become valuable as trade bait being a PG with some size in the future. After I thought about it for a while, drafting Maddux gives us some potential flexibility, but I was sure shocked at first. Please note that I said "mabey" before each of the above because I don't necessaily believe them to be true. I'm just randomly speculating as to why we made such a suprising draft choice. I think you asked an interesting question Sherlock, and I'm just playing Doctor Watson for you.
Gizzard is versatile,but not a great shooter and I think he also fell because of his injury.The Rockets probably took Tito in case of insurance to Steve's ongoing migraines.Even if Tito doesn't make the team this year he can be sent to Europe to improve and then come back next year.
