I too believe that the Rockets must be feverishly trying to trade either up or down. Compare trading up for either Roy, Morrison or Gay as instant starters while giving away Stromile and the #8 with drafting either Carney, Brewer or JJ at #8 while keeping Stromile. I strongly prefer to add a legitimate starter at a position of need to keeping Stromile (who doesn't fit us) and adding a role player with #8. I believe any of Roy, Morrison or Gay could play very well with Yao, Howard, McGrady and Alston. Further, Morrison, Gay and Roy all provide insurance if McGrady's back flares up for 20 games again next year. The problem is that Toronto at #1 needs a center or a point guard while Chicago at #2 needs a center or a large 2 guard none of which the Rockets have to trade to them. Thus, I can't see how we can pull off a major trade up to #1 or #2 unless one of them secretly covets Stromile Swift (which I seriously doubt). Atlanta at #5 may be a more realistic possibility to trade up with b/c either Sheldon Williams or Marcus Williams will still be there at #8. Thus, I still hold out some hope for a pleasant draft day surprise trade up if any of the 3 mentioned above are still at #5. Alternatively if we trade down with either Orlando or NOK (and I think this is far more likely) we could very likely get either Brewer, Carney or JJ and a PF/C that would at best make Stromile Swift a good candidate for a later trade or at worst help back up Motumbo. Just check out any of the mock drafts and you will be amazed at what you might be able to do with both the 12 and the 15 this year compared to just taking Carney, Brewer or JJ at #8. I do not like green eggs and ham, I do not like only #8 without jam!!! Moving either up or down seems so much more sound than sitting tight at #8 this year.
In the other thread, they mention that CD said Chicago loves Brewer. Smokescreen? Or can we tab Brewer at #8 and send him and Stro for Roy at #2 (in July, when Chicago has that beaucoup salary cap space?)
I remember Sam Smith I think kept insisting a Stro and #8 for Chicago's pick, and then we'd draft Morrison. I'd do that trade any day of the week.
Search around for a link, but couldn't find one that old.. From memory.. Eddie Griffin was a player the Rockets did not work out, as he was considered to be gone before they picked. But during the draft, when the opportunity to trade 3 picks for him presented itself, Rudy and staff asked their scouts who they would pick no 1 based on their scouting information, and the consensus was Eddie. Hence they went ahead with the 3 for 1 trade and picked Eddie. There was a whole bunch of quotes that came out after that... especially from the Chronicle. Anyone please feel free to correct me if I am wrong.
