Well according to Ric Bucher. He said today on NBA TODAY, that the rockets were interested in Leon Smith. The rockets were about to trade and go up to the last pick of the first round. Im glad we didnt get him, you never know the problems kids from high school to the nba can cause.
One other thing I would like to add. Ric Bucher said that if the rockets would of drafted Leon Smith, The rockets have this guy that works for them, (I think he was a NBA player) this guy would of gone with Leon to Europe so Leon can go play there and the guy the rockets send with him can teach him about the nba and get him ready. [This message has been edited by Francis3 (edited December 07, 1999).]
Leon Smith would never have gone to Europe under any circumstance, in my opinion. I don't know how the Rockets would have handled the situation, but the Mavs screwed up. Leon is a special case, who requires additional attention. The Nelsons basically handled him like a piece of meat, part of a business. It must have been hard for a guy like that to be ignored that way. The guy obviously needs help. The Mavs do not feel responsible, so no one is there to take care of him. Unless someone steps in, the guy is a lost case. ------------------ Francis+Charles+Dream-Pippen= Rockets 2000 NBA Champions
All that aside, heard in the chatroom he got charged for threatening his gf with a gun. The guy hasn't played yet but is already like Pippen.
There has to be some accountability with Leon. I know his life been hard. . .but some of the stuff he getting into is just . .. bizarre. . . he will get second chance after Second change. . . how long before we consider him a grown man accountable for his actions? He mad a Grown man's decision . . he should be held to it. Instead we kind of always saying he just a kid. . . if that is the case. . he should have went to college. Rocket River
We may have very well wanted him but if there is anything I have learned it is to take anything from New York beat writers or ESPN seriously.
Either you are gonna get a steal or get jacked when you draft a high school player. Garnett and Bryant were steals. Lewis, O'Neal, and Harrington need some work. Smith is a lost cause with the Mavs but I think he could be an asset to the Rockets. I wouldn't trade anyone for him though unless he came in a package deal but the Mavs have no one the Rockets would be interested in.
Harrington seems to be getting alot better. Oneal is not going to be **** in portland. But Rashard Lewis, watch out for him. He can become something.
