I would prefer a big man/forward project like Khaman Maluach, Asa Newell, Rasheer Fleming, Carter Bryant etc Those are extremely valuable and if a consolidation project happens we would def need more young blood. If no trade happens then they are still good insurance in case Cam Whitmore or others have issues with their extensions.
No he isnt a good fit as he isnt a good defender and he also isnt a good athlete. Undersized sg at 6'3 as well. IMO one of the weaker talents in this draft.
We've seen the twin tower line up works with Alpi. I wouldn’t mind picking up another center for insurance purposes…Drop N’Faly Dante.
If we keep the pick and it is in the 9-12 range, I expect the Rockets to go with a big. Adams has been great and I think we will re-sign him, but the Rockets know they need to be preparing for his replacement. If Adams was to get hurt or we don’t re-sign him, I don’t think the Rockets would rely on a rookie as backup center next year and would sign another journeyman center for 25/26. I also think Adams is a fine regular season backup, but his horrible ft shooting may make him unplayable in the 2nd half of most playoff games. As much as I hate the prick, Kerr is one of the best coaches in the league and he will go to foul an Adams with bench players if the twin towers is causing issues.
Even if we resign adams he is good for only a couple more years, an understudy big man is def in order.
The more I think about it, the more I like Queen if we stay at 9 or 10. Good rebounder, playmaker, footwork, etc. i think Sengun and him could work really well together.
Queen is a pretty high bust risk. Jahlil Okafur vibes - talented offensive guy who isn't as effective at NBA level, and doesn't have the defensive chops to anchor an NBA defence.
I think we should trade this pick and package either reed or cam for an elite pg in this years draft.
It's gonna be hard to acquire Dylan Harper. Go for BPA with good upside and use the pick in a trade for a young vet.
Do we need another sub-7 foot center who is strong on offense but weak on defense? I'm all in on Maluach if he's there, but I don't see Queen fitting here.
You are the first person I have seen or heard saying that Jase isn't a good defender, what makes you think so? He has consistently been in top 10 in advanced defensive metrics among NCAA freshmen, even #2 behind Flagg. The only concerns have been about his small frame which contribute to him getting caught on screens more than average, but that's about it. He is still only 19 years old, and as a son of a 14-year NBA veteran, I have no doubt he will quickly adapt, fill out his frame and lead a professional life. I don't think he has superstar potential, but he can grow into a long-term rotational piece for any team (sixth man role, 20-25 MPG), and IMO, that is enough for a mid-lottery pick, no need to swing for the fences. Once FVV is out of the frame, Reed will be the only smaller guard the Rockets have, so I think there is definitely room for Richardson to fit in, too.
Jase Richardson is the no 2 best defender in college after Cooper Flagg? Is he better than CMB, VJ Edgecomb, Carter Bryant, Rasheer Fleming, Khaman Maluach, Thomas Sorber etc? You are the first person I l know to say this and I have seen so many mock draft videos. Lots of players are sons of former NBA players, you know Jett Howard, Bronny James, Zaire Wade, Shareef O'Neal? It doesnt mean anything nowadays. I would rather get someone who is long and athletic. We dont know if the shooting will translate from college to NBA so it helps to have a guy who is already big and athletic so he has something to fall back on. Small guards are extremely plentiful in the NBA if we need a 6th man guard we can sign someone in his prime. We should be looking at rare talents namely big men and forwards.
When the starting backcourt shoots 20% combined in a playoff game, I think we may need to explore all potential options other than just adding a backup center with this pick.
