ESPN recently reported that Orlando's picks may go to Denver - they're owed as well. Talk of low-level trading, too... What this means is that Houston: a) is not going to get Rashard Lewis and b) may not move up in the draft The first can be explained by Lewis's and the Sonics' managements' statements tonight: Rashard ain't goin anywhere. He will be in a Sonics uni next year. Second, if Denver is in the market for Orlando's best pick offer, that means we're standing in line for that single piece that has the potential to land a big fish - and the exception makes that possible. My feeling is that we may not land a good draft pick, or if we do we'll trade it away. I think we're going to get either Hill or Duncan, the other will go to Orlando. I think we'll get Duncan. My only fear is that we lose Cat doing it. SA would love to have him... We need to be careful there. Anyway, talk is that Denver gets the pick (presumably in a trade deal), which leaves us worse off than certain recent optimistic news had us at a few days ago. We have little bargaining position with Orlando then - #4 is BY NO MEANS SECURE! We will have to give to get. ------------------ [This message has been edited by treeman (edited May 08, 2000).]
This is speculation too.... let's not forget this is that time of the yr. in wish everyone is trying to get the scoop and technically it is all speculation nothing set in stone yet . Let's not give ESPN that much credit . ------------------ What now ?
Forget Denver. That team's a joke to lose as much as they do with all that talent. Give Rudy T McDyess, Van Exel, Mercer (used to have him), and LaFrentz, and I bet he'd get you home court first round in the playoffs, let alone break .500. They don't deserve a top draft pick. In fact, what team out there deserves a top pick other than the Rockets? The Rockets are the only team in the lottery that actually tried ALL season (save Cato) other than the Magic (maybe an exaggeration, but the Rockets sure as hell deserve Swift or Miles more than the Bulls or the Clippers). ------------------
I think getting Duncan will be even bigger than the Rockets getting Francis. I take Duncan in a second even if it meant losing Mobley and the Draft picks. By the way, I think Jeff makes a good point when he brought up the arena situation. I think it will be very hard to attract a top quality free agent such as Duncan until the Rocket's future is certain with an arena in place. ------------------ [This message has been edited by sabirk (edited May 08, 2000).]
If we somehow managed to get Duncan, I think it probably would involve something like: Cat + Drew + Draft pick. That actually isn't so bad a deal for SA (if Duncan's leaving anyway). In that, they get a mediocre to decent (when he starts) PG to take over from Avery Johnson (Drew can actually shoot), and a good, young, SG... and the potential to pick up a decent front court player in the draft. Houston, gets one of the 5 best players in the NBA. Sounds good to me. I bet it won't happen though . ------------------
WOW! Those are some wild predictions you got there. Somebody archive this one so we can check it out next season. ------------------ "No one gets out ALIVE!" SaveOurRockets.com
Orlando got the pick from Denver in the Keon Clark deal. Orlando owes Denver a pick from their recent deal with Mercer and Abdul Wahad. ------------------ Rockets fans wanted at hoopsboards.com Draft Chat, NBA Chat, Team Chat, and more!
That's strange- one of Orlando's three lottery picks is via Denver. One is their own, another via Golden State and another via Denver. I don't get it. Why would they have that if they owe Denver? ------------------
Duncan a Rocket? Yeah thats a nice thought so forget Rashard Lewis what about McGrady ? I Think Grant Hill will be a Bull next year ------------------ Dont do today what you can put of until tomorrow
I too would like to get Duncan, but logically, it doesn't make too much sense. As has been brought up by other guys in here, why would SA do a sign and trade with a team in their own division? It makes much more sense for SA to trade Duncan to Orlando over in the East. Plus, if Duncan came to H-town, he would stay in the same state, thus pulling some SA fans over to Rocket ranks(Lord help us), and the last thing SA wants to do is play second fiddle to the Rocks in Texas. My guess is that their is a better chance that he will remain in SA than come to Houston. If a trade does go down, I expect him to land in Orlando. All this having been said, I am still keeping my fingers crossed.... ------------------ "People think I live a pampered life, but I work hard to keep up my business."
another thing to remember is that duncan was complaining about the lack of an arena deal in san antonio...if he is truly a man of his convictions, he would not want to come to houston unless an arena deal is in place AND, now that san antonio approved an arena deal, he should want to remain with the spurs anyway... ------------------
i couldnt care less if duncan wasnt a "man of his convictions". i'd take him anyways ------------------ Now introducing the starting lineup for your Houston Rockets: Starting at Center, from Wake Forets TIM DUNCAN...