Make it 1-16 so it includes both Rockets picks. Maybe there is a prize maybe its just bragging rights.

Either way here is mine in case other people want to play for fun:

01. Hornets: Anthony Davis - duh!

02. Bobcats: Harrison Barnes - UNC connection with owner and crowd = more tickets $old

03. Wizards: Thomas Robinson - Would be good with Nene

04. Cavs: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist - Fill LBJ void

05. Kings: Perry Jones - High ceiling so of course the Kings love it

06. Blazers: Andre Drummond - Another big man bust maybe?

07. Warriors: Bradley Beal - Fill Monta Ellis void

08. Raptors: Damian Lillard - Need a PG

09. Pistons: Jared Sullinger - Great front court with Monroe

10. Hornets: Tyler Zeller - Fills center void

11. Blazers: Kendall Marshall - need a PG

12. Bucks: Jeremy Lamb - Fills SF void

13. Suns: Dion Waiters - talent pick

14. Rockets: Austin Rivers - Need star power/ at least a star name

15. Sixers: Arnett Moultrie - need a big if Hawes leaves or Brand get traded/amnesty

16. Rockets: John Henson - Because the HAVE to draft a PF, hopefully its because we trade Scola as well

In my draft I combined best available talent with need. So a team like the Wizards would not take Drummond since they already have Nene. And the Kings would not take Damian Lillard since they have Tyreke.

Im a Rockets fan and Im trying to see if this trade would benefit both teams. I think its fair on our side but would you guys accept it? Here are the nuts and bolts of the trade:

Lakers get Scola, a resigned Courtney Lee, and Dalembet. Lakers do it because they need a replacement PF that can stretch the floor and they also need good backups to Kobe and Bynum. Especially Kobe, he is getting older will need to cut his minutes to stay productive. Sessions had a good start and ended bad, but I think he will do much better next season with training camp and practice so Lakers dont need a new PG.

Luis Scola is a veteran, very tough, will shoot the open midrange jumper, true professional, and a work horse. He still put up numbers of 15.5 pts and 6.5 rebounds. His bread and butter moves come from the post and a solid mid-range jumper. He is a good replacement for Gasol making about $9M less.

Courtney Lee is a 2-way player that averaged 14 pts, 3.3 reb and 1.7 assist as a starter. He plays great defense but is a bit undersized for a SG. Still Lee can be the missing piece to a great team that has a star in another position. He is a URF this summer but the Rockets can sign him then trade him.

Samuel Dalembert is a good backup center that can still protect the rim and rebound while Bynum takes a rest. As a starter with the Rockets he avg 8pts, 8rebs, 2 blocks.

Sessions/Blake
Kobe/Lee
Metta/Eyenga
Scola/McBob
Bynum/Dalembert

Now the Lakers don't give up too much (Gasol was now the 3rd string option in offense making $19M) and in return get a replacement PF making way less money and a stronger bench that doesn't blow leads against good teams.

Rockets do it because they get their centerpiece player in Gasol that they almost had last summer.

As the Playoffs come close to the final 4 teams, I keep thinking about my Rockets and how to improve them if I was GM. I already create a post about what do do in the draft, the recap is below.

I would LOVE, LIKE & HATE for the Rockets to:

LOVE: Package picks with a player and move to Portland’s 6 and draft someone like Beal, Barnes or Perry Jones. (Someone that has a great chance of being a star)

LIKE: If Lamb, Rivers or Terrence Ross with 14, and Arnett Moultie or Fab Melo with 16 (Someone that is a little risky but a really high reward/ceiling)

HATE: Meyers Leonard, or any PG or average low ceiling PF (Someone who doesnt have the ability to become a star)

Now I started thinking about TRADES the Rockets can do but first we have to see what we can offer.

Continue reading this post »

Say the Rockets cant swing a deal to move up in the draft. Who would you realistically pick and why?

With my picks I would go for straight potential. With the 14th pick I would get Austin Rivers and with the 16th pick I would get Fab Melo. I think both players have the possibility of becoming All-Stars in like 3-4 years if developed properly.

McHale would be a perfect coach for Fab Melo since he's not the best athlete. And I think Austin Rivers will eventually just be good, he is 6'5" with a 6'7" wing span.

I heard this question briefly on the radio the other day and thought it would be a great question to discuss.

The Rockets love Lowry who is a border line allstar at a very reasonable contract. The Kings and the Rockets love swaping players around. The Kings look to land a top 5 pick this year in the draft if they continue their ways.

Would you trade Lowry and a first round picks for a top 5 2012 draft pick?

The Rockets resign Dragic as their PG and get that potential super star in Houston. The Kings finally get their true point guard that that command and run the floor and get the King's superb young talent in the right direction.

With no big deals done by the trade deadline, the Rockets are still in position to have cap room this summer to sign a max dollar free agent. The question is who?

Obviously the only one player that really deserves a max contract is Deron Williams. With so many reports that he is locked in to go to Dallas who else is out there?

Continue reading this post »

“If we’re winning and I’m sitting, I’m happy. Tonight, we got beat, and I’m on a 10-day-contract leash. I’m not happy about that, just because we lost. If we’re winning, I’ll sit over there for 48 minutes.”

A quote from Kevin Martin via Jonathan Feigen of the Chronicle

Continue reading this post »

The Hornets are getting inquires from several teams interested in obtaining center Chris Kaman in a trade, according to league sources. Since General Manager Dell Demps said this past Friday they intend to trade Kaman, at least five teams have inquired, including Southwest Division rivals the San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets.

source: http://www.nola.com/hornets/index.ssf/2012/01/new_orleans_hornets_are_gettin.html

Continue reading this post »

Marc Stein of ESPN reports that the Magic would prefer to receive "multiple established veterans" in any trade for Dwight Howard.

The Magic want to find a way to keep the team competitive in the event the club loses Dwight Howard, and Stein lists a litany of reasons for that. He mentions that Atlanta has recently inquired about Howard's availability, but ultimately any deal for Howard will likely be consummated with more than two teams. Orlando doesn't have much leverage due to Howard's control over where he extends.

Seems like the Magic owner doesnt want to rebuild and wants veterans (sound familiar). Rockets were almost willing to unload their entire starting lineup for Gasol. Sure, he was under contract but Howard is a more dominant player, 4 years younger, and someone you can for sure build around. The trade would include players like Scola, Martin, Dalembert and Lowry. And leave us with all of our young prospects.

Now this can work 2 ways. We get Howard and try and keep him here with the McHale charm everyone talks about. Tell him Morey is a genius and we also have his Bird Rights which equals +$25 Million is his bank account. Keep in mind that if we clear enough cap we can also attract D-Will over.

Or, if he doesnt want to stay, we can sign and trade him at the end of the season. This can also net us something great from the Lakers, the Nets, or another 3rd team that gets involved. BTW Morey is kinda good at that.

Since the Rockets have been stood up on Prom night, where do they go from here? No Chandler, No Pau Gasol, No Nene, No DeAndre, No Marc Gasol. We can NOT just sign a top free agent because they wont come here. We either need to trade for him or find him in the draft. I say this years draft me be our only answer.

If we miss the playoffs we possibly have 4 picks in the 2012 draft. 2 first rounders and 2 second rounders. Trading Scola and Martin can give us several more picks, maybe not in this draft but we can package picks to move up. Say we move Scola or Martin to Cleveland, Toronto, NJ or Washington to give them some veterans for their young teams and we get their 2012 pick. We can package several picks for a top 5 pick.

This draft is loaded with talent and potential in every position. I prefer to concentrate of getting a center, small forward or shooting guard because i think those positions are where superstars are born. Andre Drummond looks good as a center .... remind you of someone?? Look at the last video on that page. http://www.nbadraft.net/players/andre-drummond Harrison Barnes at SF or Jeremy Lamb at SG are all player who can become stars in this league. I think we have good young PFs already and Lowry is good at the point.

Play Thabeet, play Twill, develop Jordan Hill, trade Scola and Martin and you are guranteed a great draft and bright future for the Rockets. I'm tired of trying to trade for a super star, its not going to happen, we need to draft one. And this years draft gives you the best chance.

The Clipper have offered DeAndre $40 Million for 5 years, about $8 Million a year. That is what I thought he would get from a team. Do you think the Rockets should make a better offer? If they would, that would make him the second highest paid Rocket. Only Kevin Martin would be making more.


Would $9.5 for 5 years ($47.5 million) be wise for the Rockets? In a market where Gasol, Nene, Chandler will make $11-$13, does $9.5 seem fair to a player only generating 7 points / 7 rebounds / 1.8 blocks, but has upside? Or does it seem too much?

Having T-Mac, Brooks, and Yao - 3 players we dont have, and ended their Rockets career with a bad taste in our mouths is bringing bad Karma to the new team!! Its a new era in Rockets ball, we need to leave those names in the past.

I dig the new TDS logo, but please update those pictures with current Rockets players. Suggestions: Kevin Martin pump faking a 3 pointer and getting fouled. Scola doing the tango on anyone. Or, Lowry driving the lane like a bowling ball.

With the lockout in the NBA for possibly the whole season, will Morey comeout looking like a genius? There is no surprise that Morey has stock piled picks from the 2009 Draft, was it cause he really liked it or for other reason??

It so happens that all the players from 2009 have team options in 2012-13 which the Rockets most likely not pick up. So did Morey trade for these players in order to shed salary with out too many people knowing. If there is a lockout, the Rockets dont have to pay Thabeet, Hill, Williams, and Flynn next season, then when the 12-13 season comes, all that money comes off the books and the Rockets are left with about $33 Million with Martin, Scola, Lowry and picking up the options on Patterson and Lee. There is also rookies to sign so it would be a little more.

Will this set up the Rockets to offer 2 max contracts to some like Chris Paul/Deron Williams and Dwight Howard? Its also still possible to trade Scola and get rid of an extra $9.4 Million since they would resign Patterson.

How good would a team be of Howard, Martin and Chris Paul?? Seems like a balanced team with inside and outside threats. A team like that would be almost a shoe-in in the Western Finals.

I know there is still the thing about they have to want to come here but there are several things the Rockets have in their favor. 1) With possibly lower max contracts, living in Texas with no state tax will be a big bonus. Also its way cheaper to live here. 2) You offer a big 3 with Martin already on the team. 3) Howard really likes Olajuwon and he can be the next great big man in Houston. 4) Rockets are in the West, where you dont have to go through the Heat to go to the Finals.

So will Morey's gamble of predicting no 2011-12 season and trying to get every 2009 draft pick pay off for future Rockets success?

This is something I just thought about. You know every team looks at the standings and who they would be matched up if the playoffs started today. Well as it stands San Antonio and Memphis would play each other. San Antonio also plays Memphis and Houston in the next couple weeks.

Do you think San Antonio would rather play the Rockets over Memphis? If so, do you think they would "let" the Rockets beat them, or play us a little softer, when we play them at home? This allows a better chance of them playing us in the first round? This also will motivate them to play harder against Memphis, even though they dont have Tim Duncan. 

Rudy Gay is out for the season. The Grizzlies are 8-6 since he was injured, while the Rockets have managed an impressive record of 11-4 from Feb 15th. How much of an impact do you think it will have on the playoff race? Tony Allen has been a great fill in while Gay has been out.

Do you think this news ingintes the Rockets a little more? Do you think this will take out some of the wind out of the sails of Memphis, especially if they lose the next 3? Memphis has @ Bos, @ Chi, and S.A. at home coming up. Could they go into a tale spin after March? 

Games : 12

Minutes: 32:17

POINTS: 16.4

FG%: 47.1

FT%: 90.4

3PT%: 37.7

REB: 4.3

AST: 2.3

So do you think this is a player Chase can be and keep these numbers up? Can he go higher or will they go down? If so how much? Battier's numbers are similar all around except for scoring and FT%, where he averaged 8.6 pts/game and 65% from the line.

We all know Les likes to win and is not afraid to spend. We also know Morey is a very good GM that knows what he is doing. What do you all make of the Thabeet trade a week over the deal was done? Has your opinion changed?

Here is my take. As much as Morey says he is really raw, there has to be a plan in place for the future. Thabeet has worked out with Hakeem and Yao both, more than once. There is video as early as July 2010 of Thabeet and Yao working out in Taiwan. Do you think the Rockets are underplaying his rawness? Do you think the Rockets know a little bit more than what they are saying? Or do you just think they just got him because we were going to loose Battier at the end of the season anyways? If this is the case, then why get a $5 million bench warmer?

Here is Thabeets future salary: This season: $4.7, next season $5.1, then $6.4 with a team option, then $8.4 qualifying offer.

I still dont get the trade yet. But I guess there is still time in the season to see if Thabeet gets some playing time. The Rockets have practice today, the next practice they get isnt until the 10th. Then we are at home for about 2 weeks with about a month left in the NBA. Do you think he will see more minutes than T-WIll this year?

I know he is a project but I think as soon as he gets the playbook down after a couple practices, he needs as much playing time possible to see where he is at. Keeping him on the bench isnt going to do anything to improve his skills. Playing, coaching, and film is the only thing that will help him reach his potential, in that order.

My monthly predictions have been spot on since December where I had them finishing at .500. A look ahead of the schedule, I have them at 38-37 by the end of March and 42-40 at the end of the season.

Current Standings:   (games back)

1. San Antonio

2. Dallas

3. LA

4. OKC

5. New Orleans  (15)

6. Denver  (15.5)

7. Portland  (16)

8. Memphis (17)

----------------------

9. Utah  (17.5)

10. Pheonix  (18)

11. Houston  (20)

6th - 11th are in a close pack and things can change a lot in a month and a half. I think New Orleans keeps its spot at 5th. So the battle is there for 6-8. I think Denver falls out, so does Houston or Pheonix take the last spot? Looking at the Suns schedule, its way harder than the Rockets and could end up finishing the season at 41-41 (currently 30-27).

With 42-40 do you think the Rockets make the playoffs? I know that the playoffs is not the goal of the Rockets since they are now offcially "rebuilding", but it would be nice for the young guys to get some playoff experience even if we get knocked out in 4 - 6 games vs San Antonio.

Wow, this according to multiple sources now. Jazz Fans must be throwing up right now. Im guessing they will be a lottery team for the next 3-4 years now.

Funny how the power is shifting to the East now. Will the West soon be to new East in a couple years where really bad teams get into the playoffs?

This by the way makes me think Morey needs to stop trying to make the smartest move out there and just over pay for players we need. The smartest moves arent resulting in wins for us right now. Morey has until the end of Summer to make something big happen for the Rockets.

Vent about whatever you want Rockets related PLEASE!

I will start by saying I cant wait till Thursday afternoon! Hopefully Melo gets delt to the Knicks tomorrow at the latest, so the rest of the NBA can start trading. In other words the Rockets can start making deals for Nene and other players. Thursday is going to seem like eternity!

Maybe this Saturday we can catch a glimpse of our newest Rockets during Ladies Night at Toyota Center.

http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2011/02/report-rockets-ask-for-asik.html

Sounds like the Bulls are really high on this guy.

Coach Tom Thibodeau praised Asik after the game, and management has given no indications it plans to trade him.

Although the Bulls have engaged in exploratory talks to upgrade at shooting guard, an Asik-for-Lee swap isn't likely to happen

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/7420830.html

Though the primary objective is to beat the long odds to land Anthony, Morey also has continued dialogue with Nuggets executive vice president Masai Ujuri in hopes to have a head start toward a deal for Nene, the Nuggets' center who like Anthony can opt out of his contract after the season.

Morey has been willing to trade for Anthony, even without Anthony signing a contract extension, in hopes Anthony would relent to take an extension offer before the new collective bargaining agreement. And further, that a Rockets postseason run would influence Anthony to stay or that if he insisted on moving in free agency, the Rockets could benefit from a sign-and-trade deal.

Any deal with the Nuggets would center around second-year forward Jordan Hill, who has been on the edge of the Rockets rotation, a draft pick, and the potential cost-savings with a combination of expiring contracts of Yao, Shane Battier and Jared Jeffries.

Continue reading this post »

In my personal opinion, Jordan is exactly what the Rockets need in a center for the future. With the trade deadline coming, and DAJ becoming a FA in the summer, what would you ask for from the Rockets?

According to reports, Houston is interested and I dont think anyone is safe from being traded on the Rockets side. Jordan is also from Houston which could help the Rockets in recruiting. There is a chance if you dont trade him and get something now, you might lose him in the summer for nothing.

So if you are the GM, what do you ask for from Houston...?? What are the Clippers biggest needs?

From Richard Justice

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/justice/7419157.html

The Rockets aren't good enough as they're configured, so general manager Daryl Morey is working furiously to change the configuration.

His team needs talent, size, defense and rebounding. Carmelo Anthony appears to be at the top of his wish list, and Morey would trade for him without any guarantee of signing him to a long-term contract.

He knows Anthony wants to play for the Knicks, but at this point will take his chances. Morey also has asked about Chris Paul, Josh Smith, DeAndre Jordan, Anderson Varejao and a long list of others.

Who do you think is the most realistic from this list?

Varejao: He has 3 more years after this season for 25 million left on his contract. He is a 6'11" F/C. I think he plays a lot like Scola just 2 inches taller. I dont think this is Houston's answer for the C position. Also who do we give up to make the trade?

DeAndre Jordan: I think this is what Houston needs! A young athletic center. He is listed at 6'11" but plays more like 7'2" with his long arms and crazy ups. He will provide the paint defense we need. He is a FA after this season and only making 850K . Rockets should after him, 22 years old and a hometown boy. But how do we get him? Will the Clippers trade? Can the Rockets get him as a FA? Who knows.

Josh Smith: Plays a lot bigger than he really is but I dont think Houston really needs him unless Houston gets rid of Scola.

CP3: I dont think that will happen.

Also it seems like Battier and Brooks are the two most likely to go before the deadline. I wish we can keep Battier, but I know a contender like the Lakers would love him. He also would seem to fit perfect with the Celtics behind Paul Pierce. It would also be nice to see him get a ring.

According to Marc Stein of ESPN

The Kings, sources say, are open to moving big man Samuel Dalembert during the next 27 days before the deadline, but they remain unwilling to take back anything other than expiring contracts to preserve maximum flexibility on the other side of a new collective bargaining agreement ... unless someone wants to donate a star. With Dalembert possessing an expiring contract valued at $13.4 million, it's not easy to find a match that keeps the Kings in the same cap position as they are now.

So would you trade Yao's insured contract for Dalembert, Landry and 2nd Round Pick?

THis gives the Rockets a good look to see if Dalembert is a good fit with the Rockets, and lets them know how our current players produce with a decent big man in the middle. Landry can be kept and lets the Rockets move Hill or some other PF in a future trade. 

Looking at the West this year 6-8 are going to be the spots the Rockets play for. The teams fighting for those spots are in current order:

6. Hornets - If CP3 and West stay healthy I think they keep this spot

7. Nuggets - If they trade Melo, I think they lose their spot in the playoffs

8. Blazers - Still a solid team despite no B. Roy

9. Grizzlies - Houston's biggest threat for the eight spot

10. Rockets - If we stay healthy there is a chance

11. Suns - Things arent looking so sunny over there

Without a trade, i think there is a chance for the 8th spot. After the 1st week of February, the Rockets schedule looks a little bit more "normal". Looking at the schedules of Portland and Memphis the Rockets could make a late season push to steal the 8th seed from Memphis, only if the Nuggets break up their whole team.

If the Rockets trade for a good starting center, like NENE, I think they are in for sure, maybe as good as #7 or 6. The Nuggets say they are waiting to trade Melo first before dealing with the other teams that are inquiring about Nene and JR Smith (hope one team that's calling is the Rockets).

I would not mind a MELO rental if Nene was included as part of the deal. If Nene (or any other good big) isn't included I say NO RENTAL.

According to HoopsWorld. They are looking for offers for McGee or Blatche. The story is below from Yahoo.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/rumors/post/Wizards-trading-Blatche-or-McGee-?urn=nba-301363

Below is my post from several weeks ago when I thought the Rockets should go after him but several people thought he was untouchable...LMAO.

http://www.thedreamshake.com/2010/11/22/1830800/would-anyone-like-this-guy-to-be-a-rocket

Again, I say this guy is a little rough but I think he gives the Rockets what they need. With some coaching he can be a really good player. And he fits Moreys trade for good cheap talent theme. Im not a salary guy but can we get this guy with one of our trade exceptions?

Dont know if people saw this in the chronicle a couple days ago but its funny. Aaron Brook and Jarred Jeffries set out to be the Rockets Secret Santa this year. 

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/7345849.html

Quick run down of the gag gifts:

Brad Miller: Bambi

Shane: And1 mix tape

Chuck: Rogaine

Budinger: Spray Tan

T-Will: Alarm Clock 

Brooks seems to think the gifts is what helped the Rockets run over Memphis on Friday. LOL

Can someone with more knowledge about what this means please explain what the Rockets can do with this.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/7348379.html

I can try and figure it out but I know there are people here that can put what this mean in better words. How can the Rockets use this? Can someone put out a senario that would work using the 2 exceptions? Im assuming the Rockets are going to use these exceptions to get a big man, would this allow them to get Marc Gasol in any way?

Do you think the current lack of communication between Yao Ming and Rick Adelman means anything bigger like the Tracy McGrady  or Chris Webber thing? I think Yao is smatter and more mature to go down this silly road but you never know, it might just be all Rick Adelman. Honestly i think it was just a misundersanding and a small lack of communication. I wonder if hes gonna feel the same with Arron Brooks next....LOL

BTW, the story was in the chronicle yesterday and now on Yahoo Sports.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/7321256.html