I love that Banchero wants to be in Houston, I love that he is not working out for Orlando. That usually happens to us....so good to see him refusing in order to COME TO US! DD
In the modern NBA, between the time a pick is officially submitted and the commissioner reaching the podium, the pick is leaked and tweeted out. So, you believe that Stone was going to swing a deal involving 5 players and 2 franchises and keep it quiet for a week? Your entire premise seems to be based on the idea that the Rockets view Banchero as the top prospect in the draft. I don't believe that's true. I think that you're confusing the fact that they're happy to get him with the idea that he's their top prospect. If the Rockets had the top pick I believe that it would be a choice between Smith and Chet. I personally think it would be Holmgren but there's certainly an argument to be made for Smith.
What? No he doesn't. Hes just not a #1 option. He came here to be our 3rd option and he did well enough.
Im sure Chet is his guy, but the rumblings of Ivey and possible movement makes for good theatre. Banchero's sudden push at the end adds betting optics and more drama, but it may just turn out as everyone expected for weeks without much fanfare or suspense which I think would suit each GM just fine. Presti in particular may hold some sort of annoyance with Houston squeaking by last year and not having to transfer the pick to OKC. Presti giving up on Sengun for picks could also hold some public opinions, but Presi is a smart guy I dont doubt that at all IMO he should have paid Harden and maybe he would have a ring by now. He is a very good talent evaluator, but maybe he gets a little too hyper come draft time and falls in love with picks over prospects? OKC hasnt been relevant in a while regardless of all the talent he brings in.
They're keeping their plans close to the vest, which I think the Rockets would have done. Why let the Wood trade be known?
This is exactly the case. There is no point for him to go to Orlando when he knows that they will take Smith or Holmgren. It is the same reason that Holmgren has not sent his medicals or worked out with the Rockets. He knows that he will be gone by the time the third pick is around, and on the off chance he falls to #3, the Rockets will take him sight unseen. OKC is trying to trade up for another high lottery pick, but they don't want to lose the #2 pick in this draft.
Exactly what are you perceiving as the downside of people knowing about the Wood trade? That somehow causes Banchero to go 1 or 2? That would be a huge win for Houston. This is truely a win-win situation for Houston. We either get Banchero who is a really good player or we get a guy who will help us even more. If you believe that the Wood trade makes it less likely that we end up with Banchero then Stone should have taken out a billboard to announce it and we'd have either Chet or Jabari.
I suspect you would be happy with Chet if he ended up on the Rockets. His defensive anticipating is extremely elite.... the only players I can think of that has that type of anticipation is Draymond Green and Tim Duncan and they overcame some physical limitations to be all time elite defenders.
No they haven't. Moments after Jabari's workout they posted a tweet with highlights of that same workout, interviews and drills included. Meanwhile, they bring in Chet and you don't have as much as a mention from their workout/meeting on social media or anywhere. This is from their official NBA twitter account. Smith will be their pick.... there has been no "close to the vest" for Orlando since the process started on lottery night. Again. Stop It.
I don't get it. Chet is like a unicorn we have never seen before. No idea why people aren't fawning over him like I am.
There's definitely one significant reason why but nobody is actually going to say it out loud Chet is going to be perfect for the modern era of this league Meanwhile a prospect for 2023 who has the same framework but is already constantly injury prone is constantly regarded as some can't miss #1 pick
If OKC takes PB, we take Chet and I would probably be just as happy. I just project PB to be the better player overall.
Some are just ignorant and don't know basketball. They make ignorant comparisons to I would be happy with any of the 3 bigs at the top of the board. I've accepted and am good with the fact that Paolo will most likely be our pick but would be pretty stoked if Chet ends up at 3 to us.
Damn shame that a broken pinky and a sprained shoulder ruined Victor Wembanyamas career before it started! https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2022/6...raft-2023-scouting-report-video-stats-profile
Damn shame folks trying to tell everyone else Chet will be hurt, who has never been injured has ruined his career before it started His season ended after a psoas injury. It was his third injury of the season. you also missed stress fracture in his fibula
