I just ran into this on the Realgm.com. I was wondering if this is true. Houston has its own first round pick but they have the option of sending their own pick or another team's pick that meets certain conditions to Memphis. Sources do not agree on the conditions, but it is either that the pick is top-15 or that it is within 2 slots of the Rockets' slot. If Memphis doesn't get a pick this year, they will get one next year. (8/27/99: Grizzlies trade the draft rights to Steve Francis to the Rockets in a 3-team trade) If we can send any top 15 pick to Memphis, will we send them the Toronto pick since it will be probably be top 15??? Should we send them the top 15 pick?
I think it depends on a couple things.... First does the Rockets management expect to make the playoffs next year? If so, there's no reason to give up a top 15 when you can wait and give up a worse pick. Second, what is the relative strength of the draft this year compared to next? If a bunch of players either pull out of the draft, or don't declare. Especially players the Rockets may be interested in, it might be feasible. I just dont' see us giving up a pick we don't have to, considering it has to be everyone's mission to make the playoffs next year.
Roster spots is another consideration. The Rocks fit three rookies on their squad this year (EG, TMo, OT). Do the Rocks want to add two more rooks next year and none the following? Or do they want to add one next year and one the year following?
Also, can the Rocks use the Toronto pick in a trade to either help get us a player or better our draft position. Seems like if the Rocks are hung up on any player, they will not withhold the Toronto pick to get that player regardless of the implications for next year.
