Chat with ESPN's Andy Katz about Rockets Options & NBA Draft @2pm CST today...

http://dynamic.espn.go.com/espn/chat/chatESPN?event_id=1955

-to ESPN.com's moderated chat room. On Thursday, June 20, senior college basketball writer Andy Katz will drop by to take your NBA Draft questions in chat following the unveiling of his third NBA mock draft.
In addition to covering college basketball on a daily basis and breaking news for the site, Katz pens the "Daily Word" and "Weekly Word," popular columns covering a variety topics and issues from around the sport.

A regular analyst on College Hoops 2Night, Katz also serves as a reporter for ESPN at the Final Four and other major tournaments. He also contributes to ESPN The Magazine and ESPN Radio and provides in-studio college basketball analysis for ESPN and ESPNEWS Network, ESPN's 24-hour sports news cable network.

Prior to joining ESPN.com in November 1999, Katz served as the national basketball writer for the Fresno Bee from 1995-99. He also has had stints at the Albuquerque Journal (1990-1995) and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (1989-1990) and is a former board member for the United States Basketball Writers Association.

Katz hits chat on Thursday at 3 p.m. ET. Feel free to drop him some questions now and we'll save them for his arrival.

 

Marty: Hello Andy, Describe whether you think Yao Ming will eventually be a "Franchise" Player in the NBA for the Rockets should they draft him #1?

Andy Katz: (3:25 PM ET ) Yes they should take him. He's not a franchise player -- yet. He could be, but he's a ways away from that. The Rockets can run the risk of taking him because they're not that far off from the playoffs. They have a solid nucleus and are on the cusp of being one of the West's more competitive second-tier teams (behind Kings, Lakers, Mavs, Spurs). Yao will be more of a problem for an opposing defender than he might be defensively. Rudy T will likely help him out defensively with Kenny Thomas or Mo Taylor so he doesn't get caught in foul trouble.

 

Seth (Houston): If Nachbar is gone when the Rockets pick 15th, who will they take? They need a SF but taking the next best (Tayshaun Prince) may be a stretch. What do you think?

Andy Katz: (3:40 PM ET ) Prince. Their three choices at 15 are Nachbar, Prince or Stoudemire if all are available.

 

This is what the draft expert said earlier concerning Woods. Sounds like he might slip to mid first round:

Frank (Los Angeles):: Why has Qyntel Wood's draft status been falling? Did he have a bad work out? If Woods were to join the Lakers, is he NBA ready or is he a project? Thanks - I know you have the scoop as always!

Andy Katz: (3:18 PM ET ) There are some background questions and his X and O knowledge is lacking. That means some teams that need help immediately might back off him higher in the lottery. Someone has the fall out and the latest name is his. No word on any Lakers deals yet.

 

ok, the chat is over now. this thread can self-destruct in a few minutes for all I care. Here is the text of the Q&A session:

Chris(West Palm): Everyone was saying that the 7 foot high Italian guy was gonna go to the Suns why is he now going to Denver.

Andy Katz: (3:15 PM ET ) The Nuggets can go in a few different directions with this pick but if they want the long term approach then they'll go with Tskitishvili. They know him well and his coach was former Nuggets coach Mike D'Antoni. He might not be there for the Suns to take.

Frank (Los Angeles):: Why has Qyntel Wood's draft status been falling? Did he have a bad work out? If Woods were to join the Lakers, is he NBA ready or is he a project? Thanks - I know you have the scoop as always!

Andy Katz: (3:18 PM ET ) There are some background questions and his X and O knowledge is lacking. That means some teams that need help immediately might back off him higher in the lottery. Someone has the fall out and the latest name is his. No word on any Lakers deals yet.

Adam (Chicago): Dunleavy vs. Butler, who will be the better rookie, and who will be better long-term?

Andy Katz: (3:19 PM ET ) Butler will be the better rookie and the long term debate will be close. I might lean toward Dunleavy, only because he has more room to grow physically and with his game.

Jeff (NYC): What's the story with the Knicks? Will Wilcox be available? He seems like a perfect fit! We need some athleticism

Andy Katz: (3:21 PM ET ) I have Wilcox pegged for the Knicks. If he's there, they'll take him. You're right. He is perfect for them with his ability to get out on the break, run down the long pass and finish with authority.

Marty: Hello Andy, Describe whether you think Yao Ming will eventually be a "Franchise" Player in the NBA for the Rockets should they draft him #1?

Andy Katz: (3:25 PM ET ) Yes they should take him. He's not a franchise player -- yet. He could be, but he's a ways away from that. The Rockets can run the risk of taking him because they're not that far off from the playoffs. They have a solid nucleus and are on the cusp of being one of the West's more competitive second-tier teams (behind Kings, Lakers, Mavs, Spurs). Yao will be more of a problem for an opposing defender than he might be defensively. Rudy T will likely help him out defensively with Kenny Thomas or Mo Taylor so he doesn't get caught in foul trouble.

Billy (Va): Andy Being a Virginia fan, I am interested in hearing the latest on Roger Mason. I still don't understand why he left school early. Have you heard anything on him returning to school?

Andy Katz: (3:28 PM ET ) Yes. He stayed in the draft. Not sure why. He will likely be in the second round, barring some late movement. Maybe it will work out but he has made his NBA career a bit harder by leaving this season.

Mike (NYC): Where do you think Juan Dixon (Maryland) will go to? I know he is undersized for a two-guard, but with his heart and work ethic he should be a valuable commodity.

Andy Katz: (3:29 PM ET ) Dixon has a great shot to land with the Nets, Lakers or Kings in the first round. Everyone loves his attitude and work ethic. If he goes in the second round, don't be surprised to see him get a guaranteed contract. He will make this work. He works too hard for his career to fail now.

Ryan, Detroit: What is Marcus Taylor thinking? I haven't seen a mock draft yet with him going in the first round. His numbers at the Chicago camp were not very impressive and he's simply not ready now. Don't you think another year of college could do nothing but help him?

Andy Katz: (3:31 PM ET ) Taylor's decision baffles everyone but the Taylor family. He wasn't a stereotypical summer league kid. He wasn't coddled by the sneaker companies. He simply believes he's better than other point guards and should be in the first round. Good to be confident but the reality is no one is guaranteeing him a first-round spot. He's likely a second round player and could have cost himself potential millions by not going back to Michigan State.

Phil (Philly): John Salmons... His stock is sky rocketing? He can play the 1, 2 or 3. What position suits him best for a succesful NBA career?

Andy Katz: (3:32 PM ET ) Call him a point forward. It's a new position and one Salmons fits perfectly. He's as versatile as any player in the draft. He will be in the first round.

Phil (md): Why is Mike Dunleavy slated to go so high in the draft? I think he is overrated. Besides having a decent shot, I don't see anything else he does that is special. We are not even going to talk about his defense. (or lack thereof) I see him as another Danny Ferry. What do you think?

Andy Katz: (3:35 PM ET ) You could make the argument that he's a better shooter. But the key is he's still growing. Dunleavy could end up being like Jared Jeffries -- at least in terms of size by the time he's through. And never underestimate the network of connections. He will get a longer look because of his NBA connections.

Matt : Andy, any word on Clancy? How far has he dropped? His injury this time of the year was unfortunate, I just hope someone will realize his talent.

Andy Katz: (3:36 PM ET ) I agree. Clancy is getting a bad rap because of the knee injury. It probably took him out of the first round. He'll likely go near the top of the second and that's a shame considering he did the right thing by coming back to school and winning Pac-10 player of the year.

Mike(Greensboro, N.C.): Why do NBA scouts overlook a great college player (Shane Battier) with experience for a 3-5 year project( Kwame Brown) with no real chance of contributing in the near future?

Andy Katz: (3:38 PM ET ) Because the executives have a longer leash than the coach. Drafting on potential means the execs are off the hook and have time to wait to see if the player develops. Drafting a veteran player is good for next season but might not be for three to five years from now. That's their mentality. I don't agree. Battier would have helped the Wizards more than Brown.

AndyKisTheMan: Amare Stoudemire is telling everyone that he will win rookie of the year and that the teams that pass on him will be sorry. Do you think the is being realistic or just plain cocky?

Andy Katz: (3:39 PM ET ) Confidence. I've talked with him and he's not cocky. He didn't tell me that. He said he needs a year to get adjusted to good coaching. He said he will be ready for a breakout year in his sophomore season. So he didn't lead me to believe he thinks he'll be rookie of the year.

Seth (Houston): If Nachbar is gone when the Rockets pick 15th, who will they take? They need a SF but taking the next best (Tayshaun Prince) may be a stretch. What do you think?

Andy Katz: (3:40 PM ET ) Prince. Their three choices at 15 are Nachbar, Prince or Stoudemire if all are available.

JM - Hudson, NY: Andy, What do you think of Andy Ellis Texas Tech)? People are looking at him to go middle-late second round. Any chance the Celtics would be interested in him?

Andy Katz: (3:42 PM ET ) The Celtic s can't afford any more salaries after they resign Rodney Rogers. They already have Omar Cook sitting out with them. They might go foreign with this second round pick. Ellis is a possible second round pick, though.

Scott (Richmond): I've heard that Memphis is looking at Drew Gooden. Does this mean that they are trying to move Stromile Swift? With Battier, Gasol and Swift their need for help at the forward spot doesn't seem too pressing.

Andy Katz: (3:42 PM ET ) Yes. Swift is up for the offering. Start bidding.

FutureAndyKatzAssistant: Andy - do you need an assistant??? I'm your guy! Ok - what's Curtis Borchardt's status - is there any chance the Knicks take him, or is that too high???

Andy Katz: (3:44 PM ET ) I'll get back to you. Borchardt could go as high as 7 or as low as 18. Look for him at either 8 or 10. Knicks would only take him if Wilcox and Hilario are gone.

Alvin (Philadelphia): Lynn Greer is such an electrifying talent. Why has he been rated as only a mid-second round pick at best?

Andy Katz: (3:47 PM ET ) Greer was one of my favorite players in college last season. He loved the big shot, took contact and finished. But scouts see him as too slight and question if he can do the same in the NBA. That's why he's in the second round or not at all.

Marc: Your site is the only one I have seen that has John Salmons anywhere near the first round. Some sights (such as NBADraft.net) don't even have him being drafted. What do you know about him that the other draftniks aren't catching?

Andy Katz: (3:48 PM ET ) It's called reporting. Just call the teams and they'll tell you he's soaring. The Suns and Nuggets loved his workouts. He did well in Phily, too.

Joe (chi-town): any hope for luke recker?

Andy Katz: (3:50 PM ET ) Yes. He's still not totally out of the picture for the first round but he's likely a mid to high second round pick.

Andrew (alaksa): Whats up with Carlos Boozer? Will he join his fellow Dookies in the first round, and will he be as successful as them?

Andy Katz: (3:53 PM ET ) Yes Boozer will be in the first round, probably as high as Utah. He has worked out well of late.

Alan (Vancouver): What are the chances of the Blazers trading up for Amare Stoudamire?

Andy Katz: (3:55 PM ET ) Good. But we won't know until closer to the draft.

Ray,Annapolis: Mladen Sekularac,Do the Pistons really like this guy,and do you like this guy? Any info would be good

Andy Katz: (3:57 PM ET ) Sekularac worked out for Toronto in an audition Tuesday. They liked his quickness but found him to be too predictable. He's a questionable first round pick.

Tom(Milwaukee): Everyone is talking about the Bucks taking a PF in the first round. With Rafer Alston leaving and Greg Anthony aging, shouldn't they consider taking a PG to back up Cassel next year? Who of the big three could get traded and why?

Andy Katz: (3:59 PM ET ) The Bucks like Dan Dickau but probably not at No. 13. They will probably look at a point in the second round or through free agency (with a non drafted player).

Thanks for the questions. We might chat one more time before the draft next week.