Important game tomorrow. The chances of making the playoffs vanish if the Rockets lose. If they win, the Rockets hurt their chances of getting Suns' draft pick which should be 6-8 picks higher than the Magic's draft pick. What should the Rockets do? I don't like to talk about tanking as much as the next Rockets fan, but a player like Brandon Roy isn't gonna slip to the mid 20s. Other important games to consider tomorrow: Memphis vs. LAC New Orleans vs. Denver (Denver could be 1 game behind the Magic if Orlando loses to the Lakers tomorrow) Utah vs. Philadelphia
It's probably best not to think about what the Rockets should do and just find comfort in the fact that should they lose, there is a hidden benefit.
Blow them out. Remember, the Rockets want Memphis to make the playoffs also. If Memphis doesn't make the playoffs twice in the next few years, the Memphis 1st the Rockets owns will drop 30 spots.
I guess it's win-win...unless Utah makes the playoffs. With the Rockets luck it could happen. I hadn't considered that. Morey really hedged his chances of landing a good pick out of the trades. Other things to consider: Is there anyone that sticks out in the draft? I think there are a couple that could fall to the Rockets. The Rockets can buy a late first rounder. The same can't be said about earlier picks. Do the Rockets need to two more prospects? Is there such a thing as too many? The possibility of trading up a few spots is greatly increased with Phonenix's draft pick.
Assuming that prospects declare despite the lockout, this will be a forward draft. Assuming that C-Bud and Miller cost Adelman his job (which is looking increasingly likely), we can potentially get a couple of good two-way replacements. Buying late first rounders is always hard. Trading up in the draft is always hard.
I say no. Play to make the playoffs. There's too little in terms of talent in this upcoming draft class for the Rockets to get out of anyways IMO.
It is sort of a win-win though, especially if say PHX makes it in by one game...I don't think some of you are realizing how much value those two picks can be, especially packaged together AND with a player or two...
The Lakers play Orlando tomorrow. Denver is two games behind Orlando. If Denver beats the Hornets, and the Lakers win against the Magic, the Nuggets will only be one game behind Orlando. They are the only team that has a chance of passing them in my opinion.
The problem is that if Phoenix makes it by one game, it is very likely that it will be by one game...over Memphis. Go Rockets, by blowout!
I think what he is saying is that, if Phoenix doesn't make the playoffs, we get Orlando's 1st instead, so Denver overtaking Orlando will improve that pick by one spot.
Phoenix plays Orlando today. I want Phoenix to lose, but that's a double loss in terms of the draft. Memphis losing is most important.
Injuries aside, a player with Brandon Roy's talent won't slip to #2 and might struggle to slip to #1...
It doesn't really matter what "we" think... Kyle Lowry after Spurs game: “It might sound impossible but if we get on a good run we can win nine or ten in a row. We just have to go out there and play as hard as we can.” So there you have it. Rockets won't play like losers no matter what anyone else wants.
Never underestimate the heart of a champion! - Rudy T Rockets will never back down from a challenge. Vince Carter and Hakim W. Will not combine for 60 + points If Rockets win the next 4 out 5 games they should be in great shape
Well put. I don't think the Rockets will purposely tank either...but it's it's at least nice to know that there's a consolation prize if they don't win and make the playoffs like we hope.
