According to Sports Illustrated's Sam Amick, your Houston Rockets might be about to have not one, but two centers on their roster.

While no deal is imminent and the pieces are still being discussed, sources said the talks have involved the Rockets' two top-10 picks from the 2009 draft -- center Hasheem Thabeet (No. 2 by Memphis) and power forward Jordan Hill (No. 8 by New York). The Rockets have other young former first-rounders who could be included as well, among them second-year forward Patrick Patterson, third-year point guard Jonny Flynn and third-year small forward Terrence Williams. They also have a 2012 first-round pick from the Knicks that the Hornets would love to obtain.

Now, we all realize that this is a move for the contract, not the player, but that trade right there looks to be a steal if it only costs the "09ers" to get done. I still don't like hearing the words Patrick Patterson listed in there, but that seems to come up in all of these potential deals.

An expiring $14 million contract sure sounds quite intriguing for whatever Morey has in mind for the offseason.

Something I have been thinking about ever since it was rumored that the Rockets were in the running for Deron Williams before he was moved to New Jersey is that getting the Texas native in a Rockets uniform is the beginning of Daryl Morey's master plan.

The hardest thing to accept in this scenario, of course, would be the parting with a budding star player in Kyle Lowry. No deal for Deron would likely go down without Lowry being the centerpiece for a deal along with others and draft considerations. Which brings up the big question; would you be willing to make a trade for Deron Williams if it meant having to let go of a guy like Lowry who may or may not have yet peaked and works for a lot cheaper?

I'll take a look at both sides of the argument after the jump.

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I know that everyone today expected me to write some post about how I was right about Kevin Martin for the past year plus and that you should all bow to my all-knowing gift of foresight. However, regardless of that image that I have somehow bestowed upon a good handful of you, this simply isn't my forte. I'm wrong just as much, if not more than I am right concerning these types of things.

Plus, I'm not going to base an opinion and declare myself "right" on a player after one regular season game after a shortened training camp and preseason. No, I feel the same way about Kevin Martin today as I have since the Rockets acquired him almost two years ago; meh.

This is usually met with "why are you such a hater?!" or something of that ilk. This, of course, makes me shake my head that I'm viewed in that light. I guess I have that "moneyball" approach to players where I view them simply as assets and I don't get attached. Not too much of a different approach as our current general manager of the Rockets. I don't hate any of these guys, not even close. I just don't care for one-dimensional players at all and I believe that if their value is high, even if it is only for one side of the ball, you move them while their stock is the highest and Martin's is/was never going to be as high as it was at the end of last season.

I'll get more into it after the jump.

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It's a little later than most of us anticipated, but the excitement doesn't seem to be any less than a normal NBA season. Be it rebuilding, aiming for the playoffs or just treading water until the roster gets remade, it all starts tonight as the Rockets tip off the 2011-2012 season in Orlando against the disgruntled Dwight Howard and the Magic.

Still no word if the freshly signed Samuel Dalembert will see any minutes tonight, but the signing was made official today and his shoot around was his first action with the team. Jordan Hill will get the start in the middle for Houston

Anyways, let's get it on!

UPDATE: Thabeet is inactive and it sounds like Dalembert will get some playing time.

To venture into the world of twitter, one needs to make sure that they don't take things too seriously. After all, it is like the world's biggest sports message board and, to any who frequent those kinds of things know, emotion and knee-jerk reactions are usually overflowing. We've all seen it and some of us are even guilty of it.

But when it was announced that the Rockets had come to terms with free agent center Samuel Dalembert, the lunacy of twitter hit a new high. In short, Daryl Morey has to go. I, of course, disagree with this sentiment and I will explain why as well as tackle some of the biggest gripes I saw on twitter yesterday afternoon/evening after the jump.

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Let me get this out of my system first; The Rockets will not be able to trade for Chris Paul or Dwight Howard this year and get them to agree to an extension. Are you really ready to be a bottom feeder for the next five or six years for a season or less rental of either of those guys? With how scared some of you are here of rebuilding, I'm thinking the answer to this question is a resounding no.

Now that this is out of the way, let me get on with an alternate plan to the rebuilding article I got out on Monday. This isn't a quick fix or anything like that, but rather a better plan than putting all of our eggs in the Nene basket. If we're looking for a big man to build around for the next six to ten years, a 29 year old 4/5 hybrid with a mediocre post game isn't the guy to do it with. Add Nene to that 22 win streak Rockets team after they lost Yao and yes, I would do that in a flash. But on this team, that's not the guy to start over with. The Rockets need to go young and they need to do so via the draft and possibly a big trade/sign and trade deal. And to do that, I recommend looking looking West to Los Angeles.

My theory, which is already more conclusive than the Warren Commission, is after the jump.

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First of all, welcome back, Dream Shakers. It's been a long time and up until about four hours ago when I got into a twitter battle over this topic, I really had no interest in the NBA yet this season. A 150 day lockout and a winning NFL team in your city will do that.

When I look at the Rockets roster, it doesn't exactly get me all jacked up to watch some hoops. Yes, there is exciting players and they play team ball, yada yada yada. But after two years of it, it's quite clear that it isn't working. Which is why I'm against anything but a rebuild for this franchise. I'll elaborate after the jump.

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Even though I'm fairly sure, judging by traffic, no one here listens to these anymore, I figured that I'd continue to post the weekly fanshot for the dozen or so of you that do.

In this week's episode of Luv Ya Steel Blue, we welcome Aaron back to the show and he reaches a new level of grumpy when prodded for his thoughts about Tim Tebow. But everything is back to normal as the trio discuss the domination of the Titans, the most fearsome running game in football and if DeMeco Ryans is being phased out of the Texans defense.

To help preview the upcoming game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, we welcome in former Texans offensive guard Charles Spencer who sticks around for our Around The NFL segment.

Thanks for listening.

***EDIT***

It's been brought to my attention that we've gotten so many listeners this week that my bandwidth was exceeded on podbean. But you can still listen over on Pat's page (State of The Texans) right here:

http://www.stateofthetexans.com/lysb-podcast-page/

Apologies, and thanks.

MK

In this week's edition of Luv Ya Steel Blue, Aaron is on the inactive list with a hurt ego (The reality that Rex Grossman sucks is just too much for him), so Pat and I are joined by a couple of special guests.

From ESPN Radio 97.5 FM in Houston, and one hell of a stand up comic, John Wessling comes on to talk about the Texans offense and pretty much everything else that is pissing him off about this team for the last decade. This leads him to go off on an epic rant that is by no means safe for work, or your computer monitor if you're drinking anything.

For the defensive side of the ball, Jake from Lance Zierlein's The Sideline View (and formerly of Battle Red Blog) joins in the conversation and sticks around to preview Texans vs Titans.

All this plus the usual Around the NFL segment should be enough for you to get your football fix.

As always, thanks for listening.

In this week's edition of Luv Ya Steel Blue, the trio discusses the disappointing loss to the Raiders, the epic failures of Jacoby Jones and the city-wide criticism surrounding the play of quarterback Matt Schaub. They also touch on the season-ending loss of Mario Williams, the play of Brian Cushing and if Pat's man crush of Brooks Reed has gone too far.

The trade for Derrick Mason, as well as all the other roster moves, is broken down and analyzed to see how if they can help this team. All of this plus a preview of the Baltimore game this Sunday.

In the Around the NFL segment, Mike is forced to admit that the Falcons are a let down, Pat commits to restoring the roar and Aaron is saved by Tim Tebow. This and more about the week that was week 5 of the 2011 NFL campaign.

Rant alert - foul language coming.

As always, thanks for listening.

In the newest episode of Luv Ya Steel Blue, Pat, Aaron and myself talk about the big win over the Steelers, the severity of the Andre Johnson injury and if James Casey is the MacGyver of the NFL.

We also touch on how the offense will change with Andre out, who the best player on the Texans' defense has been and Patrick continues to be on an island in defense of Kareem Jackson. Things are wrapped up by previewing the match up with the Raiders this Sunday at Reliant.

Around the NFL, we talk about the Lions huge comeback victory, the failings of "The Dream Team" and if Mark Sanchez or Joe Flacco hurt their respective teams more.

All this and more in the week that was week 4 of the 2011 NFL campaign.

In the newest edition of Luv Ya Steel Blue, the trio talks about the disappointing game in New Orleans, if the offense or defense is truly to blame for the loss and preview the upcoming match up with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Lots of disagreements this week as the debate continues on Kareem Jackson, who should get the credit for the offensive play calls and where Antonio Smith took his ninja training from.

In the Around The NFL segment, I begin to hate Michael Vick fanboys more than the VY ones, Pat continues to detract from the Lions and refuses to Restore The Roar while Aaron is consistent in his one-man crusade to attain credibility for Rex Grossman.

All this and more in the week that was week 3 in the 2011 NFL campaign.

As always, thanks for listening.

In an all-new edition of Luv Ya Steel Blue, the three-headed monster of Texans trivia covers everything from the second straight 2-0 start, how to successfully injure yourself by not trying at all and a preview of this Sunday's upcoming game against the bane of my existence.

The trio continues their Around The NFL segment that talks about the most impressive and unimpressive moments from the week that was week two of the 2011 NFL campaign. Look out for Pat's uncanny affinity for Robocop, my undying hatred for all things Michael Vick and further proof that Aaron is related to Rex Grossman.

Thanks for listening. Hope it makes your Friday a little easier to get through. However, the staff at Luv Ya Steel Blue is not responsible for a possible lowered IQ. 

Hugs!

- MK

In this weeks 1-0 edition of Luv Ya Steel Blue, Pat, Aaron and myself discuss the Texans convincing week one victory, how social media is failing at sports reporting and if this fan base has some serious issues.

Aaron keeps up his grumpiness with his displeasure over the new segment on JJ Watt that had Pat and I wondering if he kicked Aaron's dog.

We also talk about the happenings in the rest of the league that was week one of the 2011 NFL season.

Just so I don't have to hear it all season from Southpaw and Barry (I still love you guys!) every time James Casey makes a block, I just wanted to get a quick statement out there.

I was wrong.

I admitted it on the last episode of Luv Ya Steel Blue and just like with Mario and just like with Arian Foster, I have no problems admitting when I am wrong about a player.

James Casey looks great at Fullback. And Crow tastes like chicken.

To kick off the 2011 NFL regular season for your Houston Texans, this week's episode of Luv Ya Steel Blue has everything from puppies and rainbows (Pat's expectations for the Texans) to gloom and doom (Aaron's belief in all things Jacoby Jones).

We make our 2011 predictions for the Texans on a game-by-game basis, who got cut and made the team and preview the weekend match up with the Peyton-less Colts.

In the Around the NFL segment, we name our division and wild card winners around the league, as well as the players of the year and the eventual Super Bowl champion.

So you can either listen to local radio tell you how Baylor, Texas A&M, UT and the Longhorn Network is the greatest story of all-time, or you can put on the phones and listen to some NFL talk with a shocking lack of knowledge. Hey, I never said you had great choices. Just that you DO have a choice.

According to Dorin Dickerson's twitter, he's done.

Well it was fun while it lasted houston. Gonna miss my teammates and you great fans!

Apparently 790am is reporting that Damione Lewis has been cut, too. But no official word yet.

I'm not surprised on Dorin being cut due to his play, but I thought he'd make it simply for lack of better receiving options. Jeff Maehl, maybe?

If Lewis was cut, I don't know what the hell they're thinking.

Yes, you can't get rid of us that easily, loyal listeners. Just when you think you're free of us, we turn up like a bad habit every single time.

Even though I've went to the dark side and joined the nWo, Tim has been gracious enough to let us continue to taint your eardrums with new material.

And with the start of preseason football, that can only mean one thing; a new episode of Luv Ya Steel Blue that actually has discussion of a real, live NFL game. In it, Aaron, Pat the Stat and myself dive right into it by discussing the starters (1.21 gigaWATT looks strong), the rookies (did you guys know Pat likes Brooks Reed's hair?) and even the undrafted guys (Jean Cuisine!). We tackle the highs (the pass rush!), the lows (Brice McCain makes me want to kick a baby in the face) and the non-existent (Dorin Dickerson, where are you?). We might have some Rex Ryan love in there as well.

There is plenty of talk about how The Son of Bum is making his presence known already, the absurd discussion of giving up on Mario after about 12 seconds in a new position, the lunacy of needing an elite #2 wide receiver and the ridiculous amount of injuries that are piling up. And it wouldn't be a Battle Red Blog post without mentioning a little NT lust in there. 

A brief preview of the upcoming match up with my B team, The New Orleans Saints, may have reared it's ugly head as well.

All this, plus we take you around the NFL. Give us a listen by downloading the mp3 file below and you will all remain on my Christmas card list. I promise.

Luv Ya Steel Blue: The Blue World Order - Mp3

Thanks, as always, for listening.

After being on hiatus for three months for lack of desire to discuss all things NFL Lockout, Luv Ya Steel Blue makes its embarrassing return to your computer speakers and headphones. We discuss everything from Bob McNair finally using the company credit card to some early roster battles and take our routine look around the NFL. We also take you through the steps and recall our emotions through every moment in Texans free agency.

I must apologize for the duration of this episode, but after being deprived of talking about football for three months Patrick, Aaron and myself had plenty to say. There's a healthy dose of eternal optimism from Pat, lots of grumpiness from Aaron and of course plenty of bad language from all three of us. You have been warned.

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It seems that most casual NFL fans don't pay attention to, nor give the proper amounts of respect to, fullbacks in this league. Said spectators instead shower the affection onto a successful running back or even sometimes the team's offensive line before they give any sort of kudos to their fullback. However, most Texans fans don't appear to be in this boat. Because judging from the fallout around town over the team deciding not to re-sign fan favorite Vonta Leach to a hefty contract this free agency period, you'd think Houston just let Jim Brown walk away in his prime.

I will not contend that I was sad to see Vonta leave Houston. A fan favorite that went undrafted and eventually rose to becoming the best at his position in 2010, there is no doubt that the big guy will be missed. His attitude, combined with his hard-nosed style of play, endeared him to Texans fans, and many held onto hope that the team would find a way to re-sign him in the offseason. I was one of these folks, but as most figured, it just wasn't in the budget after the team spent big to renovate their league-worst secondary. So Vonta did what most in his position would have done; he got paid. A 3 year deal with Baltimore for a price tag of $11 million made him the highest paid fullback in the league, and he deserved it. I could never debate that he got what he earned in 2010. But what I will debate is those who are trashing the Texans front office for not bringing him back. 

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With things slowing down considerably yesterday for the Texans in the free agent game, most expect an answer today on Vonta Leach. It is said that he is being courted by the Ravens, Broncos, Giants and Cowboys as well as Houston.

There has also been no news on the possible trade front for David Anderson and Amobi Okoye, who have both been given permission by the team to explore trades. LZ got us excited yesterday with the rumor that the agent of Shane Lechler was working hard to find a way to "bring his guy home" in a possible swap for Amobi, but Lance even said himself that it was unlikely to happen. 

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I know most of the people here were probably still awake and still hitting refresh on their Twitter accounts every thirty seconds, but a lot of people slept through the news of Houston agreeing to terms with free agent safety Danieal Manning last night. This, of course, has been met with much jubilation amongst Battle Red Nation.

Sure, Manning isn't Eric Weddle or even Dawan Landry (who it appears the Jags are about to sign), but for the price they got him for, Manning is a significant upgrade. And I realize that almost anyone Houston signed for their secondary was going to be an upgrade, but Danieal is quite underrated. Hit the jump below and I'll make my case for why this could be one of the best moves the Texans could have possibly made.

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Since I'm likely the only one awake after passing out five minutes before Danieal Manning agreed with the Texans (Vicodin is a hell of a drug), I figured I'd get the Free Agent talk started this morning.

After a smashing evening in day three of free agency that saw Houston add a legitimate safety and an elite NFL cornerback (even though Jordann disagrees with me on that title), the well is likely running dry as far as spending money goes. It should be depth from here on out and there is still a handful of guys out there, both the Texans' own and other teams' guys.

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It's come to my attention that I was nominated to come to the defense of the player I've been the biggest detractor of for the last two seasons. Armin wrote a killer piece about why he thinks Yao is NOT a Hall of Famer a week ago and now it falls on me to dispute that. So here comes my really lousy attempt.

First off, yes, I have been a big meanie towards Yao since the end of the seven game series loss to the Lakers a few years back. But it was always kind of taken the wrong way by fans. I was never disputing the fact that Yao was a special ballplayer or an all around terrific human being. I was just tired of the team building around a foundation that was so clearly cracked and never going to be reliable again.

However, Yao Ming DOES belong in the Hall of Fame and the #11 should be hanging from the rafters in Toyota Center for the rest of the teams existence. I'll give my reasons why after the jump.

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By now, we all know that Twitter isn't always the most reliable form of news when it is just athletes messing with one another. But when you're hanging on for any news of the lockout finally ending, it really is the only NFL info worth looking into. Especially when it is Andre Johnson, Glover Quin and Brian Cushing talking with Chad Ochocinco and Antonio Cromartie about coming to Houston as free agents once said lockout ends. Take a peek after the jump.

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With the Rockets going through another draft that was slim pickings on legit Center prospects, this is still the primary concern of a high percentage of the Houston faithful and discussion of all things Rockets this morning. Donatas Motiejunas is seven feet and said to have bulked up to the 230 range, but he is still projected as a four. But if you're like me, you believe that there is absolutely no way that you enter yet another season with a 6'6" player as your starting Center. Yes, Chuck Hayes has an immeasurable amount of heart, but he is still half a foot too short in physical height.

So where does Daryl Morey turn now? Well, it turns out that he was close to making a deal for Golden State Center Andris Biedrins during last night's draft. And if you believe anything that the Houston Chronicle's Richard Justice has to say (I know...it's quite difficult) when he isn't proclaiming his thoughts of leaving his Wife and kids to run away with Vince Young, he says that negotiations to acquire Biedrins are still ongoing.

Would Biedrins be a good fit at the five in Houston? Let's examine the possibilities after the jump.

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After some crazy wheeling and dealing, Brad Miller is no longer a Rocket. While no tears will be shed over that in Houston, you may want to keep the tissues handy if you aren't a Johnny Flynn fan. Because he is the guy coming over in exchange for him.

Coming with him is the rights to seven footer Donatas Montiejunas, who many in the comments seem to not care for but I like him. Hell, I thought we would take him at 14. Houston had to give up its 38th & 23rd to get him though. But the rumor still persists that Daryl will be trying to buy picks in the 2nd round.

It's been an underwhelming night for most who were expecting a splash of some type. An unproven international guy and yet another power forward in Kansas' Marcus Morris, who many are calling a Patrick Patterson clone, isn't exactly what most had in mind this morning with all of the trade rumors.

Personally, I'm avoiding the knee jerk reaction. We all said before this began that it was a weak draft. So we shouldn't be too disappointed with who were bringing down. The bigger question is if Luis Scola's days are now numbered in a Rockets uniform with the increased power forward glut.

Let's see if something happens in the 2nd round here.