The Hornets have been trying to pair their two picks (No. 12 and No. 15), along with J. R. Smith, to move up high in the draft. There was speculation that Charlotte (No. 3)might be the trade partner, but that has been shot down by the Bobcats. Another possibility might be the Rockets' No. 8 pick, though that offer sounds a little high just to move up a few spots. But the move could get them Patrick O'Bryant, the big man they're after. The Rockets need assets right now and might be willing to throw in Stromile Swift to make a deal. http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft2006/insider/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&id=2495754
J.R. Smith is younger and probably just as good as or better than any SG we have a realistic shot at drafting. He's like a poor man's Vince Carter with a ton of upside. #8 + #32 for #12 and J.R. Smith For all you Redick lovers we still might be able to snag him with the 12th pick or somebody like Brewer or even a wild card like Foye, M. Williams or somebody like that depending upon how things play out. Not to mention J.R. has been working out in Houston all off-season with non other than Mike James. I'm sure acquiring J.R. would serve as a great bargaining chip when persuading Mike James to sign with us.
That would seem to contradict the other report... We want a veteran, so we're going to trade down for #12, #15 and a SG with 2 years experience?
If this trade pushes through...expect us to get Brewer or Alexander Johnson (if they're really high on him...maybe he can be the next Haslem) or Redick....
I love it. Do it now. Throw in Stro, Head, #32, whatever it takes. If they want O'Bryant, I think he will be available at #8. This is a chance to get some solid depth. I like JR a lot. He's got range and is super athletic. I don't know what beef Coach Scott had with him. He's a good guy and a real team player. He was the teams biggest cheerleader when he had been relegated to the bench. I went to all of the Hornets home games so I got to see him quite a bit. When he got playing time, he seemed to always rise to the occasion. All of the fans wanted to see him a lot more. He always got a big applause when he entered the game. This would also allow us to take Redick at #12. This would give us a perfect combo at the 2-guard position. At #15, we could address the PF and PG problems. Alexander Johnson or Cedris Simmons would be nice. Maybe Sene if he could be a Cato type of guy to play along side Yao. At the PG position, Rondo might be there. Lowry and Farmar should be available as well.
We need youth more than anything...outside of Yao and TMac we have a bunch of senior citizens on our roster. Reddick is one of the most NBA ready players in the draft. He'll be able to hit the open shots when Yao is double teamed in the post. Secondly, we can get a veteran leader by signing someone like Mike James with the MLE. JR Smith will also be able to add length and athleticism at the 2..something that that is sorely needed.
12, 15, Smith for 8 and Swift. Use the TE's and cash to make contracts match. Draft Carney 12th, pray Brewer drops to 15, if not, take Rajon Rondo. Then use the 32nd to draft a powerforward, hope Johnson falls that far. Sign Buckman as a free agent to summer league.
There is an eight minute highlight reel on Sene on draft express. He may become an incredible shot blocker. He is very raw offensively, but he is very aggressive. Karl Malone saw him in a workout in Utah. He loves the kid.
I would probably do it. Throw in Stro who won't get big minutes with JVG. Draft a guy like Cedric Simmons at #12 and Rojan Rondo or Shannon Brown at #15 for JVG's backup point guard. You pickup a 2 year veteran athletic SG who won't freak out when he's matched up against Kobe or D-Wade in J.R Smith. You pick up an athletic defensive power forward in Simmons and a freakishly athletic point guard in either Rondo or Brown.
Thanks again Slick! I definitely would like JR Smith on the team. Like everyone said, we need some athleticism and some youth.
JR Smith would be really good for Rockets. If we could get Brewer or Carney with the 12th. I'd say do it.
Trading down won't get you Brewer. As stated by CD in that other thread. The Bulls & Warriors love him. http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showthread.php?t=114109 I want them to trade UP & get Mr. Moustache. He's gonna be a good one. But alas, our garbage prolly won't get it done.
#12, #15, JR Smith for #8, #32, Swift. Rockets then could get perhaps Brewer/Carney at #12 and Alexander Johnson at #15. This would give us a replacement for Swift in Johnson, added depth with Brewer/Carney and athleticism and shooting with JR Smith. We would do all that and still havent touched our MLE at this point. I would probably do that deal....and hope like hell Brewer was still on the board at #12.
We'd probably have to take back Mooch and his option to make contracts match, but that's a good thing. He helps team chemistry. JVG talked about 3 pgs. Alston, Rondo (15th), Mooch JR, Head, Sura TMac, Carney (12th), Bowen Howard, Tim Thomas (MLE), Hayes Yao, Mutombo, Paul Davis (32nd)
Possibility = Speculation. This does NOT guarantee us of landing Brewer, so I wouldn't do it. I would rather draft Brewer at 8 then get JR Smith and Redick in return. JR Smith has athleticism and an outside shot but nothing in between. It's not just his attitude that has gotten him in trouble with New Orleans management. The Spurs had agreed upon a swap of Smith and Brent Barry when Barry's value was at an all-time low. I honestly don't think Smith will be able to crack our rotation with his poor decision making, poor defense and low bball IQ. Plus, no knuckleheads!
