TJ FORD declares for draft - Should Houston be interested?

MadMonk · Apr 30, 2003

I personally think this incredible PURE point guard (and Houston native who elected to play in-state at UT) would be an excellent compliment to SF at the 2 and Yao at Center. Throw in a tough PF and you got the true start of a dynasty! Time to start thinking about putting together a package of Cat, Griffin and/or a future draft pick for a pick high enough to grab TJ?

http://espn.go.com/ncb/news/2003/0429/1546807.html

HOUSTON -- Texas sophomore All-America point guard T.J. Ford plans to make himself available for the NBA draft, according to reports Tuesday night.

Houston television station KRIV and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported that sources close to the Longhorns program said Ford would hold a news conference this week to make it official. KRIV reported the news conference would be Thursday in Austin.

"I cannot confirm that for you," Texas basketball spokesman Scott McConnell told The Associated Press on Tuesday night. "He has not informed us of any decision."

McConnell said no news conference has been scheduled "as of yet." He said nothing would be announced Tuesday night concerning a news conference or Ford's future. McConnell said the school had planned to hold a news conference for whatever decision Ford made.

"He has to go," the Star-Telegram quoted its source as saying. "He's going to be a top 10 pick. After the season he's had, he could only hurt (his standing) by staying another year."

During the season, Ford said he was "110 percent sure" he would return for his junior season, but after the season he began hinting that he might leave for the NBA.

Ford led the Longhorns to their first Final Four appearance in 56 years. He won the John R. Wooden Award and the Naismith Award, both college basketball player of the year honors.

He led the team in five statistical categories this season -- including scoring average (15.0 points) and assists (7.7). He had 10 or more assists nine times last season and 24 times over his two-year college career. His 527 assists ranks second on Texas' career list.

SamFisher · Apr 30, 2003

A PG that can't hit a jumper in Rudy's offense = beyond worthless.

francis 4 prez · Apr 30, 2003

as much as i love TJ, i ain't trading cat, griffin and/or a pick for an undersized, poor shooting point guard.

TIburon · Apr 30, 2003

He's a talent but we do not need to get any younger...

We need to add veterans(PG, PF)... Guys that will get on the floor and work... Defensive players...

We don't need to add a PG with less than average shooting ability... He will be great make no mistake about it but we aren't trying to get younger... We need experienced players on this team...

DaDakota · Apr 30, 2003

I would trade Mobley for him in a heartbeat...we would instantly be top 4 in the west.

TJ understands the game more then 95% of the players in the NBA, he will be outstanding....think a young Jason Kidd, and you have TJ.

DD

Deckard · Apr 30, 2003

I would have to pass, unless we could get him with our second round pick.

On the other hand, if he was from the University of Houston...

wizkid83 · Apr 30, 2003

OK, I go to UT, I love Ford, but if you've watched the Final Four game you realize he's not the solution to our team. Syracuse was playing a tough zone, to beat the zone, a pg should try to push the ball all the time, not only did Ford not do this on consistent basis, but he was walking the ball up the court w/ 5 min left.

He's an unselfish pg with great court vision no doubt, but his main weapon is penetrating, getting buy his defender, drawing help and then dishing to the open man, sounds familiar? That's what Steve does. What I do like is a lot of times he starts the offense off with a pass instead of the dribble but still he's really only dangerous when he penetrates and not as dangerous w/o the balls in his hand.

I love his game but his weaknesses (inconsistent shot, under size) as well as his style might not be the best for this team. This isn't saying that he isn't going to be a good pg, he's just not the solution the the Rox probs.

walls · Apr 30, 2003

I love how the UT influence on this board almost makes it look like the majority of Rockets fans want TJ Ford.

francis 4 prez · Apr 30, 2003

well it was kinda hard to push it against syracuse b/c they hit every freaking shot, even the prayers, they took and you can't do as good a job of pushing off makes. but since you go to UT, you had to have seen some of the other 30+ games we played and how he pushes the ball every opportunity he gets. i'm still not sure how much i want him. interestingly, dadakota's jkidd reference did give me a new perspective (for some reason kidd hadn't come to mind, but then again i haven't really thought about pro comparisons b/c i was still hoping he was staying) but he still doesn't have kidd's build. kidd's a pretty solidly built guy and thus can handle contact and pushing the ball with a guy right next to him better than tj will. tj should definitely be successful in the nba, with his speed and court vision, i'm just not sure if he's great for us. hell, i'm feeling some UT pride welling up, what was that trade again. maybe he is the solution. call me belgian b/c i'm waffling like crazy here.

knifejc · Apr 30, 2003

Ford is a pretty good talent, but isn't he under 6ft tall? A back court of Francis and Ford would spell disaster defensively. Besides without a 1st rd pick i don't see how they could get Ford anyway

wizkid83 · Apr 30, 2003

well it was kinda hard to push it against syracuse b/c they hit every freaking shot, even the prayers, they took and you can't do as good a job of pushing off makes. but since you go to UT, you had to have seen some of the other 30+ games we played and how he pushes the ball every opportunity he gets. i'm still not sure how much i want him. interestingly, dadakota's jkidd reference did give me a new perspective (for some reason kidd hadn't come to mind, but then again i haven't really thought about pro comparisons b/c i was still hoping he was staying) but he still doesn't have kidd's build. kidd's a pretty solidly built guy and thus can handle contact and pushing the ball with a guy right next to him better than tj will. tj should definitely be successful in the nba, with his speed and court vision, i'm just not sure if he's great for us. hell, i'm feeling some UT pride welling up, what was that trade again. maybe he is the solution. call me belgian b/c i'm waffling like crazy here.
Click to expand...

Perhaps you're right, I think I'm still bitter he's leaving, what's up with that I think the injury at Gregory of all places might've scared him enough to make this decision, this sux for us horns.

Cipherous · Apr 30, 2003

TJ ford is over rated in my opinion. He may be quick but at 5'10", you better be. I don't see him doing much against the defense of the NBA zone and defense of the NBA guards.

Shotcaller · Apr 30, 2003

Originally posted by DaDakota
I would trade Mobley for him in a heartbeat...we would instantly be top 4 in the west.

TJ understands the game more then 95% of the players in the NBA, he will be outstanding....think a young Jason Kidd, and you have TJ.

DD
Click to expand...

Yeah I would do that in a sec too......Id trade mobley in a heartbeat anyway....and francis needs to play the 2 he isnt a PG folks....

story_teller · Apr 30, 2003

With the NBA draft fast approaching, ESPN Insider is taking a look @ the top 15 players from the PG, SG, SF, PF, C spot respectively. They started with TOP 15 PGs and this seemed like the perfect thread to post what ESPN/some scouts think about the floor generals in the 2003 draft...oh, I would suggest we look toward the bottom of the list since the Rockets don't have a lottery pick (to the Grizzles) in this year's draft and any chances of a major trade to get in the lottery is HIGHLY unlikely -- so look for some potential sleepers:

Chad Ford
It's been three pretty long years since the point guard explosion of 1999 brought us Steve Francis, Baron Davis, Andre Miller and Jason Terry in the lottery.

Since then, only 11 point guards have been drafted in the first round. Only two, Jay Williams and Jamal Crawford, have been drafted in the lottery.

We spend a lot of time talking about centers being a dying species. But is the pass-first point guard also heading toward the evolutionary abyss?

"Who knows?" one prominent GM answered Insider. "Last year, I would've told you that smallish point guards were a thing of the past. Teams were obsessed with big point guards who could shoot the ball. Now, with the emergence of Earl Boykins and Tony Parker, who knows? There just isn't a protypical point guard anymore. To each their own."

This year you have your choice of the 5-foot-10, pure point from Texas or the skinny, 6-foot-3 kid from Iowa who does everything; or maybe you'd like the Nene Hilario of point guards (a Brazilian you've never heard of) or a 6-foot-6 shoot-the-lights-out combo guard from the Rick Pitino school of basketball.

Everyone has his place. With one major caveat.

"I think there's still a major fear of the tweener," the GM said. "Nothing scares a team off more than an undersized 2-guard trying to make the switch to point guard in the pros. It's already the hardest position to learn in the NBA -- and that's if you've played the position your whole life. Gilbert Arenas is a great story this year. But he's the exception not the rule."

Here's a look at what should be the best point-guard class since 1999. Tuesday we'll tackle the Top 15 shooting guards.

Note: The list includes all players seriously considering entering the 2003 draft. An asterisk (*) by a player's name indicates he is an underclassman who has officially declared.

1. T.J. Ford, Texas
The line: 5-10, 165, Sophomore
The skinny: Ford is the top point guard in college hoops despite being only 5-foot-10. He may be the fastest player in basketball, pro or college. Has an uncanny ability to see the floor and deliver it with laser-like accuracy. Call it a kind of point guard sixth sense -- the same stuff that fuels Jason Kidd's mojo. His only real weakness is his size and lack of a consistent jumper. Still, some teams feel he's the best playmaker to come out of college since Kidd. He's not for everybody, but there's almost no way he falls out of the Top 10.

2. Kirk Hinrich, Kansas
The line: 6-3, 190, Senior
The skinny: If seniors are out and young kids with 40-inch verticals are in, how does a skinny kid from Iowa sneak into the lottery? Poise. Savvy. Intelligence. A killer jumper. Surprising athleticism. Hinrich has the size, floor vision, ball handling, unselfishness and long-range jumper that scouts beg for in a point guard. While some worry about his strength and lateral quickness, most teams feel he's a lock for the mid-to-late lottery.

3. Leandrinho Barbosa, Brazil*
The line: 6-4, 220, 21 years old
The skinny: Considered the best player in Brazil. He's very long and is an explosive athlete. The thing that has scouts buzzing is the speed at which Barbosa plays for someone his size. He's constantly attacking the basket on offense, and aggressively harassing his man on defense. With his long arms (6-foot-10 wingspan) he gets an unusual amount of steals and blocks for a point guard. Only a few teams have actually been to Brazil to see Barbosa play. He averaged 29.6 ppg, 7.8 apg, 4.2 rpg, 2.6 spg and 0.8 bpg while shooting 57 percent from the field, 47 percent from beyond the arc and 85 percent from the free-throw line. Several NBA scouts who have seen him feel he could move into the late lottery with strong workouts.

4. Reece Gaines, Louisville
The line: 6-6, 205, Senior
The skinny: He's 6-6, has legitimate point-guard skills, is a great athlete and has developed into a legit 3-point marksman. Several scouts used words like "slick" and "savvy" to describe his play. If teams are convinced he can be a full-time point guard in the pros, he's got a great shot at the late lottery. If he they think he's a combo guard, he's looking at a mid-to-late first-round selection.

5. Luke Ridnour, Oregon*
The line: 6-2, 185, Junior
The skinny: Ridnour is a point guard with a flair for the dramatic. Despite his frail-looking frame, scouts say he's tough. Ridnour has great floor vision, is a natural leader and can really shoot. Still, concerns about his ability to create his own shot in the pros and his athleticism will hurt him. He's tough to gauge. Several scouts still prefer him to Hinrich and Gaines. But most feel he could be in for a Dan Dickau-like draft day drop.

6. Maurice Williams, Alabama
The line: 6-1, 183, Sophmore
The skinny: Williams is a slick point guard with all of the requisite tools. He has great ball-handling ability, superb handles and a killer crossover that helps him get the ball to the basket. Loves to drive and dish and is also solid running the pick and roll. Plays in control. Has a nice mid-range game. He's a strong floor leader. He does have his flaws, however. He gets abused at times on the defensive end. He has the strength and size to be a good defender, but hasn't shown the effort. He isn't a great athlete. He's quick, but not explosive. He needs to work on his jumper, especially his 3-ball. Scouts think he should stay in school, but they admit he's a mid- to late-first-round pick if he comes out.

7. Marcus Moore, Washington State
The line: 6-6, 208, Junior
The skinny: Size. Size. Size. Scouts love his explosiveness and claim he's a legitimate point-guard prospect, but his 35 percent shooting from the field may scare many of them off. Moore averaged 18.2 ppg, 5.4 rpg and 4.7 apg this season. He scored a career-high 42 points against Gonzaga and also had a 35-point effort against Arizona. Rumors have been circulating for a month that he's considering the draft. Will he declare? Scouts want him to stay in school under the tutelege of new head coach Dick Bennett. However, Moore is worried that his offense will suffer in Bennett's more conservative system. Right now he's looking at a mid- to late-first-round pick. That could go up or down depending on he works out.

8. Marcus Banks, UNLV
The line: 6-2, 200, Senior
The skinny: Think a poor man's Baron Davis. Banks already has an NBA body and an NBA-type game. He's strong, can get to the basket at will and already plays solid defense. He's got great court vision and can really run the break. However, he has issues. He's an inconsistent shooter from the perimeter, is turnover prone, and scouts fear he's closer to 6-0 than 6-2. He's on the late first round, early second round bubble.

9. Zoran Planinic*
The line: 6-6, 215, 21 years old
The skinny: Gets a lot of comparisons to Jiri Welsch. He plays both guard positions, but his NBA future is at the point. Unlike Welsch, he's more of a 1 than 2. He's coming off an injury, which has limited his exposure a bit. But now that he's healthy, scouts are flocking to Cibona, Croatia, to check him out. He's very thin, but teams will always take a risk on a 6-6 point guard. Should be a late first-rounder.

10. Chris Thomas, Notre Dame
The line: 6-1, 182, Sophmore
The skinny: Thomas is one of the few "true" point guards in the draft. Like Ford, he's a 2001 McDonald's All-American alum. However, that's where the comparison's end. He doesn't have the speed or the floor vision of Ford. He's a better shooter, but scouts consider him just an average athlete. He's anxious to put his name in the draft this year, but he's probably making a mistake. Scouts say he's probably a second-rounder, due in part to the unusual number of top point guards in this year's draft.

11. Troy Bell, Boston College
The line: 6-1, 183, Senior
The skinny: A gifted college scorer who is going to have to prove to scouts he's not a 2-guard trapped in a point-guard's body. He doesn't really have the size or the body to play the 2 in the NBA on consistent basis like Juan Dixon. Could be a Bobby Jackson-like spark plug off the bench, if he commits to playing good defense. He's a second-round pick.

12. Paccelis Morlende, France
The line: 6-3, 190, 21 years old
The skinny: The next Tony Parker? Morlende was actually once ranked higher than Parker in France. He's a great athlete with good size for a point guard. However, he doesn't have Parker's "knack" for running the point. Still, he's intriguing.

13. Kristaps Valters, Latvia
The line: 6-3, 185, 22 years old
The skinny: When NBA scouts start traveling to Latvia, you know there's something to his game. Valters is a good athlete who likes to drive and dish. He's got good speed and is an expert finisher around the basket. However, he's been playing in a pretty weak division in Europe. How will he fare against NBA players? There's a pretty big difference between Cleveland and Latvia, believe it or not. Someone will take a chance on him in the late first round.

14. Jermaine Boyette, Weber State
The line: 6-1, 183, Senior
The skinny: Made a name for himself in Portsmouth when he shot 70 percent from the field. Some scouts still believe he's an undersized 2, but he showed some nice court awarness at Portsmouth. If he could learn to play the point, he'd be a steal in the second round.

15. Marcus Hatten, St. Johns
The line: 6-1, 165, Senior
The skinny: Size. Size. Size. If he were 6-foot-5, he'd be a lottery pick. He's an explosive scorer who can absolutely dominate a game when he gets it going. But is he a point guard? Hatten passed up the opportunity to prove it to scouts in Portsmouth. With the new underclassmen rules in effect at Chicago, there's a chance he could get shut out there, too.
Click to expand...

KeepJuaquin · Apr 30, 2003

Reece Gaines
Marcus Moore
Zoran Planinic*

I'd like one of these....

Ford would be great too.......if he's our 2nd round pick.

I wouldn't trade anybody on our team for him except Moochie right now.

x_trepidation_x · Apr 30, 2003

We do not want TJ Ford.

Here are the reasons:
1) Ford is excellent at dribble penetration

2) his outside shot is average at best.

When you are as small as Ford is, you have to be a great shooter or an amazing athlete. Ford is neither.

Ford will most likely go in the second round. For the Rockets to pick up Ford in the first round would be a wasted pick.

PhiSlammaJamma · Apr 30, 2003

He's is quick and he can pass. So I think he's going to get people open looks. But we have a pg and we have nothing to give.

DCkid · Apr 30, 2003

If he actually falls to the second round then yes, but he won't. So, the answer is no. The last thing we need is another poor shooter. However, I would love him as a backup point guard to replace Moochie.

If we truly want to move Steve to the 2, which I'm not really sold on yet, we're going to need a bigger point guard who can guard opposing 2's and hit the outside shot when Yao kicks the ball out of a double-team. TJ Ford, while an extremely great talent, is about the exact opposite of the type of player I would want for the Rockets.

Plus, eventhough he's somewhat unselfish, he still dominates the ball like crazy. Rockets don't need anymore ball-hogs.

land_sharks · Apr 30, 2003

Where's Steve Blake? Is he not top-15? Bodes well for Franchise-posse, as he could be there in the second round.

TJ is unattainable for the Rockets (top 5 pick...no way we get him)...not that I would do it anyway. Love the kid, I concur with other posters that he is not what this team needs. I don't want to "start over" with the youth exercise (of futility) by handing the keys to our Rocket-powered vehicle to a rook.

wlm · Apr 30, 2003

I would trade Mobley, Griffin and next year's number 1 to get Ford. He reminds me of another smallish point guard who couldn't shoot when coming out of college - one who was drafted in the 80's who turned out pretty good.

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