The Houston Rockets head into this offseason with only one real priority (signing Cuttino Mobley), as well as adding some quality players at the big man positions (SF,C,PF). I seriously doubt the Houston Rockets will use the ninth pick in the NBA Draft, unless their is just no trades out their to allow them to get an already experienced NBA player ( Brian Grant, Tracy McGrady, Micheal Olowakand etc.). If they do keep their pick, I don't think that their is a clear position that they will target, and would not be surprised if they just took the best player regardless of position. Unless there is a rash of highly rated underclassmen to declare to push a couple players down to the Houston Rockets, I believe they will try to unload it in a trade. And the 4.5million excemption that the team has will be a key player in any trade the team makes, and gives them much more flexibility in trades. The only thing for sure is that the Houston Rockets will not be trading for an old player. Here are some of the possibilty's I see in both the NBA Draft, Free-agency, and Trades. NBA Draft Kenyon Martin-SF/PF-if he falls this far will be a blessing.( Not likley) Morris Peterson-SF/SG-The most likely, and possibly best fit. ( a very good chance) Demarr Johnson-SF/SG-( An adequate chance) Micheal Miller-SF-(A good chance) Mamadou N'diaye-C/PF-( A very good chance) Chris Porter-SF-(An adequate chance) Jason Collier-PF/C-( An very good chance) Etan Thomas-PF-( A solid Chance) Earnest Brown-C-( A solid Chance) Joel Przybilla-C-(Likely will not last long enough) Darious Miles-SF-(A great chance) Free-agency Brad Miller-C-Charlett Hornets-( Same as below). Austin Crosheir-Indiana Pacers-( I would be surprised if they did not pursue him). Rodrick Rhodes-Dallas Mavericks-( an small chance) But will be a great pickup due to his versatlity! Tony Massenburg-Own Free-agent-( an adequate chance) Could fit well with current players, but do to his age they might lean in an different direction. Rashad Lewis-Seattle Seahawks-( a small chance) Would be exstatic to see him come back home, not just because this is his home, but because of skills. J.R Rider-Free-agent-( Not likely)-We'll probably never see him in an Houston Rockets uniform, but all BS aside he is just as talented as any free-agent available. Trades Othella Harrington-Vancouver-Would give the Houston Rockets an solid inside presence. Tracy McGrady-Toronto-Sought of far fetched, but would be an welcome addition. Brian Grant-Portland-Same as Othella Harrington. Micheal Olawakandi-Los Angelas Clippers-Would allow Kelvin Cato to play naturall PF position which suites his style. Also far fetched, but will also be an welcome addition. Tim Thomas-Milwaukee Bucks-Would be a great pickup who could be very good with consistant minutes. Lorenzen Wright-Atlanta Hawks-Would give the Houston Rockets a nice shot blocker and rebounder with potentiall. ------------------
that skinny kid rashard lewis plays for the seattle seahawks? oh! rashad lewis, i get it. just giving you heck. i have no intellignet thoughts of my own so i just poke fun at spelling mistakes. i suck. good post though, seriously. but don't forget swift!!! i do hope we trade up in the draft to take martin or swift. bye bye drew. ------------------ if you are reading this signature because you are looking for something funny or witty to make you chuckle you have been fooled because this is the most unfunny and unwitty signature ever but i find it absolutely hilarious that you've read it this far
Just a thought, One guy I would love to have with Mobley and Francis is Michael Finley of Dallas. Finley would fit in great with his speed and open court play. And besides that, he kills us every time we play them. ------------------
Finley is a FA in 2001. Maybe we could go after him with the cap room we'll get after Hakeem finishes. I'd still rather go after CWebb first though. ------------------
With the #9 pick we should be able to get a star or at least somebody that will at least be a great fit. In the past couple of years, there have been many great players available at the #9 pick and even some available even around mid to late first round. Among those available around #9 were McGrady, Nowitzki, Weatherspoon, and Rodney Rogers. Though there have definitely been some wrong choices at the ninth pick such as Samaki Walker, Eric Montross, and Ed O'Bannon. However, there have also been some rookies who went a lot later than they should have, such as Sam Cassell (#24)and Michael Finley (#21), among many others. So if Rudy picks wisely, we should have great future and we may even be in the playoffs next year. Here's to a great draft!
The draft is getting deeper, and will continue to as more and more underclassmen declare. Wasn't Pierce taken at 9? And Marion? I hadn't watched much of Phoenix until the playoffs- Marion is something else. What an incredibly intense defender. I'm still hoping we move up to get a sweet PF like Martin or Swift, but I feel confident that we could get someone who could make a good contribution to the team, maybe even become a starter from #9.
