poopsworld chat Brooks in H-Town: Joel, im hearing talks about Amare Stoudemire for T-mac, Carl Landry, and some PG. do you think that will go down tonight during the draft or later this offseason? and wouldn't the Rockets become major contenders? Joel Brigham: I do know the Rockets want to get into the lottery, so they're exploring a lot of things right now to try and do that. The Amar'e stuff may be a little too raw to stamp as a done deal at this point, so I can't really tell you whether or not that one's going down. Your guess is as good as mine there. If I hear from Bill Ingram before the end of the chat (and I might--he's in New York with Steve Kyler), I'll let you know. He's the Rocket Guy.
5:45 Update http://www.draftexpress.com/blog/Jonathan-Givony/#Live-Blogging-the-2009-NBA-Draft-3287 Plenty of Uncertainty at the Top Still With just hours to go before the NBA draft officially kicks off, there is still plenty of uncertainty regarding who is going where exactly. Oklahoma City is heavily involved in trade talks for the #3 team, but appears to be asking for too much for the rights to Ricky Rubio. Minnesota appeared to be playing it cool in regards to Rubio early on, but has emerged as a major suitor for his services this evening, which will make things very interesting leading up to the #3 pick. OKC seems to be asking for Al Jefferson right now…will they settle on Kevin Love? Right now it appears that Oklahoma City is leaning towards picking Rubio and keeping him as a trading chip to potentially use this summer. A few sources we spoke with mentioned that they still expect Rubio to end up in New York when it’s all said and done. Oklahoma City is also active in trade talk with Phoenix, with their main target appearing to be Robin Lopez. They are reportedly offering Phoenix their 2010 unprotected pick back in return for Lopez, but that seems like a very high price for the Suns to pay. Sacramento seems to be leaning towards Tyreke Evans from what we’re hearing, and may have even told him as much. If Minnesota keeps the pick, it looks very likely that they will take Jonny Flynn with one of those picks, with the other pick likely being used on James Harden. Some people think that DeMar DeRozan could be a target, but that seems far-fetched. That would leave Golden State with an interesting dilemma at 7—take Jordan Hill or Stephen Curry? It seems like they would lean towards Hill, although this is a tough one to call. At #8, we might see the unfathomable happen—Stephen Curry available to the Knicks? That would really make for an unforgettable moment in the Garden. Gerald Henderson also appears to be a target here. At #9, it appears that Toronto will take DeMar DeRozan, if he’s on the board. That would leave Milwaukee with an interesting choice between Jrue Holiday and Brandon Jennings. All indications are that Holiday has been “their guy” for weeks now since Flynn went out of their range, but Jennings has really come on strong in the last 24 hours, so we may have to wait and see. At 11, we’re hearing Terrence Williams, and at 12, Gerald Henderson. We’ll see how things play out… Calathes to Dallas? We’re receiving some indications that the Dallas Mavericks are still in hot pursuit of Greek-bound Nick Calathes with the #24 pick. Owner Mark Cuban and head coach Rick Carlisle are both fans of the big point guard, and appear to be willing to wait a year until signing him. There is a school of thought that Calathes may be able to get out of his contract with Panathinaikos and play for the Mavs this year already, possibly with a buyout, but we’re not sure of how accurate that is. This pick makes sense considering what Cuban said the other day about being able to “get the guy we like even at 24” after moving down two spots in the Portland trade. Sacramento likes Calathes at 23, but appears to be leaning in other directions, although that could change.
from PTI Kornheiser- 100% chance McGrady gets traded Wilbon- 5% chance, he said Rockets would have to get an overwhelming offer
From Sam Amick (King's reporter) Minn., NY, and Houston all trying to move in top five, meaning Kings have options to consider right now. Not sure what we're offering to get in top 5
So, it looks like we are trying to package tmac+stuf for #5 pick and quality player(s) w/overpaid contracts vs what SA, CLE & ORL did. Hum...we shall see.
Today will be a day you will always remember. 1) the rockets will get another piece for a run to a championship 2) Sadly Farrah passed away 3) Micheal Jackson may very well be next... this day will go down as one of those where when someone asks you "what you were doing when..." you will always remember where you were
I have the feeling that won't happen but who knows, DM might be under orders from Les to get something done.
Why not just buy a pick in the low 20's and nab Calathes before the Mavs' pick? Even if you have to stash him for a year, he would be a nice complement to Brooks. Everyone is clamoring for a big trade for Rubio or Ama're, but the likelihood is very slight.
POSTED: June 25 -- 6:15 p.m. ET Jennings Jennings Andy Katz: Brandon Jennings will not be coming to the draft. According to a statement from agent Bill Duffy: "Because we do not have a strong grasp of Brandon's draft position, I've advised that he and his family enjoy this day in a more private setting with the people he loves the most. Brandon Jennings will have a very illustrious career in the NBA, and at the end of the day, that is all that is important." ..thats about it
I like that idea too. In fact, if I'm Morey, I'd buy the first pick in the 2nd right now. It may be a weak draft, but there is always a surprise player, or 2, that falls out of the first.
