I chatted with John Thompson and this is the transcript of the questions i asked. Who are the rockets targeting heavily for the draft? I know they are looking to make a deal soon, so their pick might not stay. So you are saying they will trade their pick for a player? I know they are looking hard at Kenyon Martin. Hope somehow he is available. Perhaps they are thinking of trading up? I know they really like Kenyon Martin and Chris Mimhs. Any HS players coming out? I like Gerald Wallace more now then before, I got to see him and he's really impressive. RF34, Who do you guys like in the draft? Demarr, Martin, Morris... I like Demarr probably more than anything. He has soo much skills and can be a great player in a few years. Who's better Darius or Wallace? I would say Darius and Wallace are in the same place now. Miles is very skilled, but Wallace is a high flyer and has great athletic ability. [This message has been edited by rocketsfan34 (edited February 02, 2000).]
I'm beginning to look foward to your posts, and you again have not let me down. That bit about, "I know they are looking to make a deal soon" was interesting. You should have pursued that topic further. Anyways, thanks for the dirt. Keep it up.
What's your take on Leon Smith? What team do u think he will end up with? There are many teams interested in him,, but I think San Antonio or Orlando might get him. How would it affect the Rockets' draft plans if they aquire Leon? Not much, its like aquiring a journeyman PF with a 3 year contract. They probably won't change, they'll draft as they don't have him. Have the rockets contacted any other players other than Hightower? They are getting more interested in SF then PF as the day goes on(Probably cuz of kenny). They have been looking at Motolla. SG is not as big as a priority now, but they think Hightower might be avilable. Motolla?! He's not a Rockets type of guy. He's like a Matt Bullard. I don't think we need that He's a scorer and some teams need him. I'm not as high on him now becuase he doesn't want to play defense as much now. Who would you compare Wallace or Darius too? Wallace is a high flyer like McGrady/Carter/Magette. While Miles is like Terrance Morris. Neither will have the impact Garnett or Kobe had.
Could you clarify who the rockets would their pick for? Some teams think this year's draft is 6 players deep and are trying to trade their pick. If you hurry I can ask questions.
I know Bryce Drew has been highly coveted by some teams, any word on the Rocket's status with him? Is Cuttino Mobley a keeper, or is he on the block?.
Any word on what sort of trade the Rockets are looking at right now? They are interested in trading Mobley, Williams for a pick. They are thinking of trading a player and a pick for Howard. No Drew? Mobley has good chemistry with francis. Mobley's stock is high right now, they might use it to their advantage.
Whoooaaaa....this is getting interesting. Mobley for a pick?! Are they that sold on tanking it? It seems Mobley and Francis have begun to develop great chemistry.
Who's interested in Walt Williams? Seattle is interested in him. Washington may also be as well. I know Drew is coveted by some teams, who would trade for him? Detriot, Toronto, Clippers, and Chicago are all looking at PGs.
I have been told that Houston, Vancouver, and Toronto have been in talks within the last week or so...any development there, or just talk?
Are the Rockets tanking? No, I feel the Rockets will get better each season and will not make the playoffs, close though. Why would they trade Mobley? He's good friends with Francis. Teams make stupid trades and I think its stupid to get rid of Mobley. They feel they can get a lot for him and be better in the future. They would probably do it no matter what.
I've been told van/rockets/toronto have had talks the last week. Any development or just talk? Just talk. I know Van and Toronto are looking to make some moves but rockets might benefit somehow. I don't think they will make a move unless its a sure bet.
They are thinking of trading a player and a pick for Howard The only way that the Rockets could trade "a player" and a pick for Howard is if that player was Olajuwon. Anybody else wouldn't work cap-wise and they're not going to trade Hakeem. [This message has been edited by aelliott (edited February 02, 2000).]
What is the sound of one hand clapping? Who put the "ram" in the "ramalamadingdong"? If a tree falls in the forest and... Ok, ok... just kidding. Aelliot and veggiehead basically had the same question/problem with that Howard trade that I had. I just don't see how that can happen with his bloated contract. ------------------ trade them all and fire the coach.
I am in favor of trading Mobley for McGrady or Jamison, but not a pick. Too risky. I like the way he is developing, but perhaps Rudy wants to clear the air for Francis. DaDakota
I have been one of those people that have wanted the Rockets to play just well enough to be in the lottery in hopes of getting an impact player. However, if they trade Mobley just to move up in the draft (something they could do with the multiple picks they have anyway) I will be really pissed! Mobley has shown a lot of improvement in only his second year and has built a good relationship with our franchise player. I don't see how they cannot package Walt, Bryce, and a pick to move up higher in the draft and get either a player in the last year of their contract or a young forward.
Walt + Drew + Bullard + middle of the pack pick dont = top 3 pick. Mobley + middle pick more than likely does = top 3 pick. Kenny Thomas + Drew + middle Pick might get you there. 3 middle of the road picks does not = top 3 pick.
