I think the thread title could be very accurate. I don't think many Clutchfans want the Rockets to: Stay at 14 and 16 Trade either the 14th or 16th to get out of first round guaranteed money Trade 16th pick to Brooklyn to satisfy future pick obligations. Trade Lowry and a pick to get Drummond Trade up to get Leonard Draft PJIII Don't Draft PJIII Draft Sullinger Morey isn't fired Trade 14th and 16th picks for a 9-12th pick and draft someone projected to be there at 16. Pass on Jeff Taylor 3 times The above list has items of various likelihoods and are not necessarly mutually exclusive. Outside of the Rockets trading up into the top 5, I see the majority of Rockets fans as being underwhelmed overall. there will be a few guys that are happy as they see the pick as acceptable or the Rockets actually get their "guy". The 14th and 16th picks most likely develop into bench players or bust. Using 82games.com's expected performance, Patrick Patterson's career so far is the average for the 14th pick and unless he gets injured will most likely have an above average career for 14th picks. Marcus Morris is way under the average, but has only played 17 games. Aaron Brooks was way above expected performance. Donte Greene has achieved better than average performance. People have been underwhelmed with Rockets drafts in general despite Morris being the only 1st rounder in recent memory under performing and he still has a chance to fix that. People tend to remember the one or two guys they wanted who turn out great than all the times they were wrong. The Rockets have done better than most by getting guys like Budinger, Landry, Llull, and Parsons in the second round. I know I've been wrong enough. I think I've been okay the last couple of years. Most players fall in the gray area of success instead of the Superstar or Bust categories. Drummond and PJII for instance are either busts or superstars depending on who you talk to. I expect Drummond to be a good starting defensive center and PJIII to be an efficient offensive player, but not a high volume scorer. For where these guys will be drafted probably, I think those are good outcomes, but most will say BUST!
My predictions for draft night. I think we are gonna trade Lowry, Dalambert and the 14th pick to Portland for the 6th pick and somebody else, we end up drafting Drummond, Barnes, or Kidd-Gilchrist who ever falls to us. With the 16th pick we will draft Marquis Teague.
We need to keep some of our young core and keep building up. We have some great pieces... That said, I'm not sold on the draft class producing too many gems. I'll take some seasoned vets that can make an impact now.
With what? Noah makes $11M+...Martin? Scola? Take your pick of either with a Chandler or Budinger attached and a pick attached? There's more to an NBA trade than throwing around a tired cliche. Noah's not happening draft night, summer 2012 or the 2013 trade deadline. With the uncertainty of Rose's injury, only Boozer or Deng could be pried away from the Bulls. And not for chump change. Oh....the draft? I've already had my shots for underwhelmed disease.
At the time Battier was the perfect addition to a title contending team. Rudy Gay is good but he is no super star and their were rumors that he was on the trading block last season. The addition of Noah would be great for this team. Obviously he is not the star we are looking to take us to the promise land but he's a proven player that makes Houston a more attractive team for stars looking for a new team.
