Wizards traded away their pick last year. This means they can't trade this year's pick, rather have to draft and trade the rights to a player? Could someone correct me if I'm wrong. [drool]If this is the case the Rockets could already have a deal in place for the first pick...[/drool] ------------------
It's called "The Ted Stepien Rule". (Cavs owner from 1980-1983). Since this pick is not a "future" pick it can be traded. They can not trade their future picks for 2 successive drafts leaving them without a future first for two consecutive years. Example they can't obtain a pick in this years draft for both 1st rounders in 2002 & 2003. (Assuming they only have one first in each year). Clear as mud, right? The key is they can't leave themselves without 1st rounders in two successive years in the FUTURE. ------------------ Raef to Rocks in '01-'02! [This message has been edited by GATER (edited June 17, 2001).]