[Video] Chandler Parsons tip slam on JaVale McGee 1/16/2012

Yeah you're right, it's not like every single ref thought so too...

 

First, I agree that it would be wrong to think of the Rockets as having unique drafting power that no one else has. There are probably other teams similarly batting above-average when it comes to low-1st round and 2nd-rounders.

Second, I would have to say that, objectively, the Rockets front office have done an well-above average job, more than just getting a hit "every few years." Not only is their hit/miss rate on late picks very good (using a baseball analogy, batting .350 or .400 when the league average is like .250 is no joke), they have also consistently made "good value" transactions with limited resources: trading Rafer for Lowry, getting Artest for Greene and a pick, getting Scola for Spanoulis, Martin for Landry, Lee for Ariza, buying 2nd round picks (which are like free additonal "at bats"), etc.

Third, I agree that Batum would be nice to have. So, by the way, would DeAndre Jordan, whom the Rockets passed over in the same draft when they picked Joey Dorsey with one of the early 2nd round picks they got from the Batum-Arthur-Greene transactions. The front office has made other moves that didn't pan out, too-- like signing Steve Francis, trading for David Andersen, and signing Brad Miller (who actually was pretty good in stretches, but really looked old as his health deteriorated).

In sum, the Rockets front office do not have magical power, but they do their homework and generally bats well above league average in their "value moves." They are also aggresive and creative in looking for deals, whether it's buying an 2nd round pick, trading for Artest or trading for Gasol (until vetoed), and prudent about their gambles (no bad long-term contracts killing the franchise). This is about all that you can ask a front office to do.

 

Yup, refs never miss calls. Never.

 

Thunder Chan with a 360 rim-hanging t-bag! Sweet!