Houston Rockets Team Needs: C, SG Draft Pick: 14th Overview: So much of what Houston is as a franchise centers around Yao Ming’s health. When he is healthy, he is arguably the second best center in the league. When he isn’t (which is too often) they are a smallish team that is hoping to crack the playoff bubble. With this being the last year of Yao’s deal, it really is a make or break year for the Rockets. Outside of Ming, they have a nice core of young players developing, led by Aaron Brooks, Kevin Martin, and Trevor Ariza. Throw in the potential of Arizona tandem Jordan Hill and Chase Budinger and you have a solid core to build around. Needs: They have to answer the question at center. Even if Yao Ming is healthy this year, his track record is not strong enough to count on. You are not winning against teams like the Lakers, Celtics, or Magic with Chuck Hayes starting at center. They would like to be players in the Chris Bosh market, but apparently he has little desire to return to Texas. This leaves the 14th pick in the draft to address their needs at center. They could take a flyer on Hassan Whiteside if available or go to the Big 12 with Cole Aldrich or Ekpe Udoh. Either way, adding young depth at the center position should be high on the Rockets priority list.
We don't have a backup, except for Jermaine Taylor.. Air Bud, Ariza, Battier can't back up Martin. The Rockets should still get a big unless Paul George is still on the board. IMO
People have got to see that the next month or two of free agency and draft are critical to the Rockets' future, more than almost any off season ever before. Morey has realized that Yao is not the dependable 7 footer that is needed to win a championship, we need a big man whether it be thru the draft or thru a S&T. Right now is the prime chance for us to get that but with CB4 possibly having other ideas besides returning to Texas and no taxes and playing for a team with all heart its going to be harder than any of us expected. Yao can not be counted on thru the next coming years and he is not the future of this team, Morey is looking for that guy we can really build a championship team around. The time is now.
As much as I respect Budinger's game, he really is a SF. Because of Taylor's inability to go left, the best to which he can aspire is mediocrity. Xavier Henry would be a very solid backup to Martin and eventually his replacement. BTW, rockets88MT, Paul George is not a SG. He is another SF.
Yeah, Budinger is not going to be a SG. He's a perfect fit for SF and I would cringe at him trying to defend guys like Roy, Kobe and Monte Ellis. It also allows Bud to expose teams weaknesses at SF because he can slash and (hopefully) attacks the basket more. We do need a Big but a Backup SG like Xaiver Henry or James Anderson would come in and have an impact immediately off the bench while JT figures things out.
I don't understand how some players are in the NBA and still aren't able to either drive to their opposite side or use their opposite hand. To some broadcasters it comes as a shock..."and he switches to his off hand in mid-air!"...when it should be common. young folks, listen....if you're a lefty, start practicing with your right-hand now...and vice versa. It'll make your game multiply and a whole lot less predictable.
Thumbs every player has a deficiency in their game and not having the ability to go left won't stop him from being a good player. If Henry is all that, then do you actually think he will be there at #14. This draft affords the rockets a fantastic chance to pick up a big with true size and athletism ie.(rim protectors) on the cheap. If Udoh, Aldrich and Whiteside are on still on the board at #14, the rockets really have to consider them.
OMG, how many times do I have to say it, Paul George can play both. The guy can legitimately create his own shot off the dribble, play off the ball, and even create shots for others. Just because his 6'9 doesn't limit him to playing the SF position. McGrady was 6'8 and he played the SG, Paul George is a similar type of player. With that said I seriously doubt he'll be there at 14th... --RB
can i ask why you think budinger isn't a SG? is there even a clear cut difference between the sg and sf positions anymore? if so, how does budinger fit as one and not the other?
his defense improved as the season went on, but defense doesn't tell the whole story. if it did, then shane battier would be a sg and not a sf. after all he's pretty good at guarding sg's. i understand that defense is a part of it but it's not the whole story. he's quick enough to defend sg's and made some nice strides towards the end of the season on defense. i'm sure he can improve from his rookie year. what about on offense? he has a tougher time getting his shot off against taller bulkier defenders at the 3. i think he has strengths and weaknesses at both positions, but at the end of the day he can play either one just as well.
