Again, I don't believe Morey will gamble a lottery pick on an 18-year-old project. He might gamble using the Phoenix pick, although I doubt it. The best bet for the Rockets to acquire him is our first pick in the second round. That may not be as implausible as many will think -- look at how far Budinger fell.
I agree. I don't see Morey taking Nogueria with either first round pick. Maybe at #38. I do think guys tend to overrate height and upside. It's same crap that gets you into taking Thabeet, a guy nobody in their right mind would have considered even a first rounder, let alone a lottery pick, #2 overall. It's the same crap that gets you talking yourself into taking a Patrick O'Bryant or Saer Sene in the lottery. Now don't get me wrong, height is obviously very important to win in this league, but there's a lot more to basketball than being tall. I also think there's a real possibilty of Nogueria falling to the late first/early second round, considering last year both Orton and Whitside, who were projected as lottery picks about a year ago went 29th and 33th respectively.
If Morey misses on another solid C in the draft I will be pissed. He better do his homework on Lucas. I'd rather him risk and fail than watch Lucas blow up in 3-4 years.
All i know is, if Morey doesn't get Nogueira at #14, he won't get him at all. It would be best to get our project at #14 anyway. They could use the other 2 picks to get a big man who can probably contribute right away. The way things are looking, he may not even be on the board at 14. At just 18 years of age, he could stand to play a couple more seasons overseas or in the D-league if he decides to come to the NBA immediately. He has plenty of time to grow into a legit big man in the league.
I have a feeling Noguieras value will surge as we near towards draft day and will fall out of our reach.
