It all really depends on who is available. If a guy like Shelden Williams moves into the Top 10, a player like Thomas/Gay/maybe even Roy could fall to #8. At #12 & #15, we aren't guaranteed much. Carney/Brewer/JJ could go to G.S., Sonics, and Magic, which would be the worst case scenario IMO.
I'm having trouble finding an article relating to it, but go to HoopsHype and check out Luther's contract. http://www.hoopshype.com/salaries/houston.htm
Yup they changed the Rookie contract to 2 guaranteed years, followed by 2 options: http://members.cox.net/lmcoon/salarycap.htm#copyright
1) Because Brown is even more over the hill than J. Howard. 2) Because at #12 we can pick up Simmons or Brewer. 3) Because J.R. Smith is showing signs of boneheadism. 4) And, most importantly, what if we made this trade and suddenly at #8 Roy or Gay or Aldridge is available? Talk about mutiny on the board and bounty on those responsible!!
Wow. Maybe in one of five thousand posts I'll get something right. We'll see. Even Gene Peterson as a guest on 610 this morning was touting Shelden Williams. But it does seem with these workouts (Carney twice, Alex Johnson twice, Ager twice, Brewer and Redick once each) that we're looking at that #12 and #15. And good call on that Seattle news. Getting that pick might cost us, but it'd be worth it. We have no depth to speak of. If we get mature, intelligent players, why not grab the #10 as well? Seattle is in financial trouble and so might look to move a large contract in exchange for the #10. Think about using our Moochie TE + Dikembe's expiring contract + future first rounder (lottery protected) for Fortson's expiring contract and the #10. We need that #10 for Brewer (he'd likely be gone by #12) and we can use the #12 and #15 for any combination of Simmons, Ager, Johnson, etc.
The Seattle situation seems the most intriguing to me. But it will all depend on how the top 7 plays out. If Tyrus Thomas is there at #8, I would make him the pick there and then look to aquire the #10 to get Brewer. With the 32nd pick it would make a nice selection if Rudy Fernandez happened to be there. 15 - Man Roster Rafer Alston Ryan Bowen Ronnie Brewer Rudy Fernandez Richie Frahm Chuck Hayes Luther Head Juwan Howard Mike James Tracy McGrady Dikembe Mutombo Bob Sura Stromile Swift Tyrus Thomas Yao Ming
if Ty Thomas is there at 8, we draft him. Then work a trade with Seattle at 10 to slide in and draft J.J. Orlando takes Carney. So, then if NO wants to work a trade for Thomas we hold them up for #12 this year, and next year's #1 plus they have to exchange Howard for P.J. We then take Brewer at 12 and win the lottery next year with New Orleans pick and draft Oden to play the PF next to Yao. One year from now: Brewer Mike James McGrady Yao Oden with a bench of Rafer Redick Stro Hassan Adams (#32 this year) plus next year's #1