I think Jason Collins fits the big man criteria quite well - everything but the shot blocking. Plus, he's really the only center with a jump shot who has real bulk - Woods is so skinny. I don't want a center without any beef - Shaq is in our conference after all. Two things I like about Morris are that he is an excellent shot blocker and rebounder from the small forward position. That would certainly help us since Mo Tay is sooooooo weak in these areas for a PF. I'd still love to move up and get Joe Johnson though. ------------------ [This message has been edited by EB (edited June 07, 2001).]
EB I agree with you about Jason Collins although I like Woods as well. I personally think if Collins can stay healthy he may be one of the sleepers to come out of this draft, the quy is very skilled off the block and he can roll out to hit the 3. ------------------
Ya forgot about Collins my bad. He'd fit what this team needs as well. My concern with him though is that his quickness and footspeed are in question. ------------------ Check out the Best Source for Draft Info Draftsource.net
Joe Johnson should also be at the top of the Rockets radar. Although he is an underclassmen, he fits all of the other criteria and his ballhandling skills are developed enough so that Francis can spend more time off the ball and better utilize his explosive scoring ability rather than having to worry about anyone else. To me, he is the best player the Rockets have a shot at without moving up who can fill the criteria you listed. ------------------
I heard Jonathon Feigan on the radio saying that the Rockets were very impressed with Joe Johnson during his workout. And that all four of the players who workout with him were impressive, Brian Scalabrine, Jarron Collins, and Vladamir Radmanovic. I know we've never heard of alot of these guys, but who thought the Rockets who draft Jason Collier, Roderick Rhodes, Kenny Thomas etc. I would love to see the Rockets move up(#7?) to get Joe Johnson. ------------------
Sorry double post. ------------------ [This message has been edited by RocketFan007 (edited June 07, 2001).]
Every year, fans have their own ideas of what Rudy T and co. should do in the draft, and the Rockets end up making a selection that appears completely off the wall. I figure this year, I'll take a guess at who I feel really fits into the way they draft. Based on past history these are some criteria I have gathered as to how the Rockets make their picks: 1. Experience. Rudy T and co. take pretty much only seniors and could possibly look at juniors. They apparently want finished products to fill in their role player spots. However, the only time Ive seen them truly interested in a HSer is if a player like Darius Miles is avail, a potential superstar that is simply jaw dropping. Basically, I get the feeling that the Rockets would only draft out of the underclassmen pool if they can get a top 5 type talent. 2. Players need to fit into the system and fit a specific profile. Its become apparent that the Rockets have a specific profile in mind of the type of player they need for their system and fill it. This yr, my guess is that their big man profile is one that can rebound decently, block shots, set picks but most importantly shoot from the perimeter. Their SF profile is one that is 6-8 or taller, is a good spot up shooter, rebounds and defends. That being said here's who I feel they are looking at seriously: Definitely on the Rockets radar: 1. Loren Woods - fits the criteria of a big man that can shoot, defend and is a decent but not great rebounder 2. Terence Morris - fits all the SF criteria listed 3. Troy Murphy - fits the rebounding, outside shooting and pnr criterias, doesnt fill the shot blocker needs but plays good position defense 4. Michael Bradley - Fits the same criterias as Murphy except Bradley is more agile and athletic but not as strong and hard nosed 5. Ken Johnson - KJ probably wouldnt have been on this list until I read the quote that they are impressed with his improving outside shot. Johnson fits the other big man criteria ie. defense, above avg rebounder. Not necessarily a good pnr player like Murphy and Bradley but should be able to set good screens away from the ball to get the guards loose Possibly on the Rockets radar 1. Richard Jefferson - I was considering moving Jefferson to the no way list, but I decided to keep him here. Jefferson does not fit the height criteria or the spot shooting criteria, but he is an excellent defender and athlete. 2. Brendan Haywood - Fits the shot blocking needs and is a decent rebounder but does not fit the outside shooting criteria. No way they will be wearing a Rockets uni 1. Gerald Wallace - Rudy T will not pick a freshman with no outside shot or ball handling. Wallace is an excellent athlete and plays hard but just does not fit this team's needs. 2. Joseph Forte, Trenton Hassell or any other 2 guard - The Rockets are in no way going to draft another 2 guard on this team. They are comfortable with their 3 guard rotation of Francis, Moochie and Mobley. The one player that is not on any of these lists is Ousmane Cisse. I'd absolutely love it if the Rockets would draft him b/c they need toughness, rebounding and defense but I know they wont. Cisse is a HSer and too raw offensively for their liking. ------------------ Check out the Best Source for Draft Info Draftsource.net
