I would agree with Vince that we should trade up only if we could get Swift. Well, Martin, too, of course. However, should Miles somehow slip to 9, from what I've read, I would take him. Since I don't think Miles will be available at 9, I think any of Johnson, Miller, Moiso, Olumide or Tsalidis (sp.) would be a good pick. Some of those will contribute sooner than later, but long-term, I think they are all good prospects. If through trade or good fortune, we could also pick up Hightower, Harvey or Kapono, I would be tickled. ------------------
DerMarr Johnson and Darius Miles would both be good picks, but I would go with Miles because of his extremely high ceiling. Miles has that "freakish" type athleticism that is something that cannot be taught. He is all over the court on the defensive end and causes so many problems with his wingspan. Also, he has really been working in the gym on bulking up since the HS season ended and is apparently up to above 210. Also, during the McDonald's Game, the commentators were saying that Miles has a 7-0 wingspan which puts into perspective how long his arms are. A 6-9 forward with a 7-0 wingspan, that flies up and down the court, is all over the court on defense, handles the ball well, and is an explosive finisher in the open court with his incredible hops and "freakish" athleticism is a very intriguing package. Apparently the Bulls are interested in Miles, it appears he will be gone by 7th overall at the latest. Miles has already gone a long way to addressing the first weakness of his game (the bulk issue) and would then need to address the second issue, the lack of outside shot. DerMarr Johnson may or may not be available at 9. I think it all depends on what Cleveland does at 8, they could go with Johnson, Alexander or Tskalidis. As far as which player I would want at 9th. If Darius Miles is gone, I think the Rockets should go with Jerome Moiso and fill the PF spot. As much as I am intrigued with Miles, the only player that I feel that is really worth making a huge offer to move up for is Stromile Swift. ------------------ Check out the Best Source for Draft Info Draftsource.net
Why not just wait to get miles after his contract expires? It will take him 4 years to be an impact player anyways. Crappy logic, but I'm home on a Friday night ------------------ "Stranger things have happened, but none stranger than this" - Commentator after a parachutist landed in the ring of a Holyfield fight
Jeff, I agree 100%. My order out of those three would also be exactly: Johnson Moiso Miller I can see Johnson at SF if he bulked up (and Walt Williams/Matt Bullard are both injury prone and are not getting any younger). We have a more immediate need for an athletic outside shooting SF than for a second tier PF (we already have several of those). Furthermore, we don't know for sure that we can keep Cuttino Mobley (thus Johnson provides us with SG insurance if you will). I mean do you think the Utah Jazz thought they would loose Shandon Anderson last year? My point is you just never know until the fat lady sings (and she won't have sung come draft day). I agree with NIKEstrad that Cleveland picking at #8 is the wild card (they may take Johnson). I can, however, see Mihm dropping to 4 and Cleveland drafting Pryzbilla or Alexander at 8. Finally I agree that its futile to trade up in this draft unless we could be assured of getting either Swift or Mihm. Anyhow, I have more faith in the Rockets ability to spot talent than in mine, so I'll be excited no matter who we draft at number 9. ------------------
If it came between Johnson and Miles, my pick as already on record in this thread is Johnson. Moiso I just don't like as a fit for this team. Sure Moiso has some talent and could be a huge talent but odds are he will be a middle of the tier PF. But like you Swami, I too like the Rockets Scouting prowess to select talent. But my choice would be: *Miller--this guy I like because he is a good passer and when you have steve francis who is your passer and leading scorer, well then you require somebody to pass him the ball. Walt Williams will do if he can play one good season in that case I don't want Miller. Miller is no better than Walt Williams on a good day. **Johnson--Is a shooter and when you have francis and Mobley driving the ball, If Johnson could be made a sF then he would definatley keep defenses honest. And if he is anything close to Glen Rice, what's anybody arguing about, this should be the unanimous pick!! **Moiso--Even though I see him too like a Carlos Rogers clone he does have potentials to become a legitimate all-star. His game can become that good. But his defense, well now that's another story!!!!!! ON THE RECORD.....Moiso won't be a rocket, He has no defense. ------------------
