The Rockets technically do not have their first round pick this year, it is to be sent to the Memphis Grizzlies to complete the Steve Francis trade. According to Clutch's recap from last year (see draft section), the Rockets must convey either 1) their own pick, 2) a pick within two slots of their own, or 3) a pick in the top 15. If this is truly the case, then the Rockets can acquire another pick, that meets the two preceeding requirements and keep their own pick. I highly doubt it will happen unless Rudy and CD see a prospect that will immediately help them.
Hopefully somebody will answer this before this thread is history.......IF we dont make the playoffs, is the pick protected (say top 3)? What if we dont make the Playoffs and then end up with the #3 to get Anthony or trade for another Vet.
We definitely do not need a small forward. Boki needs to be given a chance. Actually, I do not think any draft pick will be on this team next year. I guess we'll go Euro with that pick and allow him to develop overseas. If Stevie moves to the shooting guard, we may draft a point guard. But, I can't see any rookie coming in and starting at the point next year.
Yo Clutch, how about putting in huge letters on the bbs main page: THE ROCKETS 2003 FIRST ROUND DRAFT PICK IS NOT PROTECTED!!
In last years draft ..could we have picked Ming because it was protected and given the Grizz the Boki pick?
At #15, Boki was not the Rockets pick but the pick conveyed from Toronto in the Hakeem deal. My understanding was the Rockets could have conveyed last years #15, but expected this years pick to be numerically lower than #15 so they kept it. What I'm not sure of is whether the Grizz had the right to refuse it last year. UPDATE An excerpt from the Houston Chronicle of April 14, 2002: ... The Grizzlies would seem to have as much reason as the Rockets to watch the Rockets' draft pick possibilities. The Rockets owe the Grizzlies a first-round pick this season or next as part of the trade in which the Rockets acquired Steve Francis. The Rockets can send the Grizzlies either their own first-round pick this season or next season, or a another team's pick in the top 15 of the draft or within two spots of the Rockets' pick. ... Toronto could catch Charlotte or Philadelphia, get the 16th pick and send the Rockets a pick that the Grizzlies would not have to take. But Knight would not say if he would accept a pick that he would not have to take. (Gater note: The Knight mentioned is Memphis GM Billy Knight).
