NBA Draft Rumors: Rockets Reportedly Eye Trade With Timberwolves
by Tom Martin on Jun 23, 2011 10:15 AM CDT
in NBA Draft
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The latest on the Houston Rockets NBA Draft news front is nothing surprising, though the details may be useful to know. According to ESPN's Andy Katz, the Rockets are feverishly attempting to trade up to acquire the No. 2 overall pick in the draft.
Exactly how persistent have they been in their pursuit of the pick? Meh, about ten offers worth [emphasis mine]:
Minnesota has four trade scenarios on its board for the No. 2 pick. As of midday Wednesday, the Timberwolves now are leaning toward Arizona's Derrick Williams over Kentucky's Enes Kanter of Turkey. But the Wolves are actively listening to offers for No. 2. Phoenix and Washington are two teams that aren't involved, but Houston, which owns pick No. 14, has proposed at least 10 different options for Minnesota's No. 2.
Funny enough, I have a hunch that all ten of these offers have excluded Kevin Martin. It's not practical to expect anything less than Martin, but somehow, I think Daryl Morey could swing a deal without trading his lanky efficiency gem. And that's only because I believe in the Minnesota Timberwolves and their ability to do not very smart things.
The odds that Houston pulls this off are low, but if a deal were to go through, I'd be a little concerned. I don't think this draft is as bad as some say. It's deep. You'll find solid rotation players as late as the thirties. But aside from Kyrie Irving, I don't see anyone capable of living up to "top five pick" status in the way that many players have in past years. If Derrick Williams pulls off the feat and becomes a star, it's my belief that he will only do so as a power forward. He's not quick enough to play the three.
Plus, how many young power forwards would a Williams deal give Houston on top of losing Martin? If Houston wants to draft for talent, fine. But moving Martin and piling on to the power forward position would be incredibly risky. Would the Rockets really be better off with that roster?
Speaking of trading Houston shooting guards, Draft Express dropped the following knowledge late Wednesday night:
Sounds like Houston has sweetned their offer to Milwaukee, now hearing Courtney Lee's name in trade talk for the #10 pick.
This tenth pick had better yield not only a sweet prospect but also a giant treasure chest full of diamonds and treasure maps that lead to more diamond-filled chests. Or something like that.
* * *
Jonathan Feigen reported late Wednesday night that Houston has talked trades with Detroit, Charlotte and Sacramento, in addition to their talks with Milwaukee. While Jonas Valanciunas might have been the original object of Houston's affection, a new name has surfaced: Kemba Walker.
Word that Valanciunas could go fourth and Turkish center Enes Kanter might be drafted second or third changed many projections to follow, dropping Kemba Walker several spots and potentially out of the top 10. Jimmer Fredette could also reach the middle of the first round.
Should Kemba fall out of the top ten, and unless Utah succumbs to Jimmermania and takes the BYU guard at twelve, I don't think Walker gets past Jazz country. It could go any number of ways. In any case, if Walker is available, I would fully expect Houston to take him. He's the sort of dynamite scorer that Houston is looking for. I'm not a huge fan, but I'm not the final authority on this subject, either.
* * *
Adrian Wojnarowksi delivered a juicy draft post this morning. Included near the bottom was this scrumptious leftover:
The Houston Rockets are offering cash for early second-round draft picks.
Two possibilities here: A) The Rockets want to add more picks to a potential trade offer, or B) The Rockets will be trading one or both of their first round picks but would still like to come away with one or two rookies. Let's see how it plays out.
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Why the hell
Would we trade Courtney Lee to move up 4 spots?
Thoughts on #2 and Lee
On Courtney Lee for 10: I don’t think it’s a big deal to include Lee. He’s a backup SG. I mean, they’re hardly all that rare, even one as good as Lee. If Morey does enough homework, Lee’s replacement can probably be found with the 23rd pick.
On #2. I think it just comes down to how much Morey likes ??? player not named Irving. Even in perceived horrible drafts, there’s almost always a gem. Gasol was picked #4 after Kwame/Curry/Chandler. Aldridge, Roy, and Gay came out of the supposedly horrendous draft where Adam Morrison got picked #3.
In the end, if one believe that Morey knows his stuff, then you go for it. What’s the worst that can happen? The Rockets fail and get a high lottery pick next year?
Yeah but he's
A SG capable of starting for a lot of teams in the NBA.
But that's only worth something in a trade and not to the Rockets
So wouldn’t that make him more valuable on the market then?
If Lee goes, it will be part of a trade and not just to move up.
Like baubo said he is worth more in a trade. The Rockets need a 3 and a 5. They can get one through the draft but not both. Somewhere along the lines there will be a trade that involves, Lee,Scola or both.
by mjdinhouston on Jun 23, 2011 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Yah honestly I don't see where people think Williams can't dominate at the wing
I mean he’s oversized for playing on the perimeter, but he’s freakishly athletic. The Zona games I watched he would get the ball on the wing and either just get around his guy with ease or shoot a jumper for an extremely high percentage (57% from 3 on 74 attempts). He can be an elite player at the 3, and can play the 4 if you decide to go small. Kevin Martin, 14, and 23 for #2 and a Wesley Johnson or another salary filler would be very enticing.
Welcome to Houston Kevin McHale. Just remember "It was Minnesota" is no longer an excuse.
... he got the ball on the wing against opposing power forwards, not threes.
Nobody’s ever seen him guard the three before, either.
The Dream Shake ...on Twitter.
"I think girls are probably just better shooters." - Steve Novak
I saw him do it once...
My beingadick-butnotbeinganannoyingdick skills, they're impressive.
-TCWIR paraphrased
I just can't see him NOT being able to do it
I would freaking love to add him at the 3 to this team
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
Houston always...
Buys 2nd round picks… What he might be trying to do is buy 2nd round picks, package them to get a 1st rounder and take the 3 first rounders and move them for a very high lottery pick (kinda like the Eddie Griffin trade from years ago)
If Morey fails again to mov eup in draft.
We can no longer say" IN MOREY WE TRUST" ever again, cause he has not done nothing int the draft like he has wanted to do.
Failing to move up is like failing to get laid on Prom Night
Everyone knows what the intention is. Finding a suitable and willing partner is the problem. Desperation will have you hoping no one turns on the lights.
by makinmajik on Jun 23, 2011 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions 9 recs
why would you say that?
theres really no pint in moving up if its only gonna be 4-6 spots, i think if we’re moving up it should be for a top 5 pick and thats it.
He has never had a
top 20 since he got here until last year, and he made that happen. Before that he had AB @ 23, Landry, at 31, Taylor, at 32, I forget where Dorsey was, Bud was a 44. In light of trying to put a team around TMac and Yao then changing course in midstream I would say he has done rather well. It was CD who kept trading/giving our draft choices away.
Go get Pryzbilla back. He won’t cost all that much coming off a knee injury. Develop Thabeet or dump him this year, Get the 3 we need in the draft or by trading draft choices for a veteran.
by mjdinhouston on Jun 23, 2011 3:33 PM CDT up reply actions
I think the most likely trade is with the Pistons.
"Hakeem couldn't kick your ass cuz you were too
close kissin his!"- Sir Charles to Kenny Smith.
Kanter, Valuncunias, and Vesely
could all be other options with the #2
by Samarth Sulhan on Jun 23, 2011 11:47 AM CDT reply actions
Lee for #10
So the Lee trade would be Lee for the #10 straight up right? What do you all think about trading Lee with the Bucks for their 10, drafting Kemba, then with 14 going bigger and get Tristan Thompson. I feel like that would be a good deal, but I dont really know all that much…
by Da babyfacedassassin Meco on Jun 23, 2011 11:50 AM CDT reply actions
i have a hunch
that if we did that lee deal (which i hope we dont), we aren’t giving up our pick so maybe we can get in the top-5 by offering a team in their the 10, 14, and 23
by Samarth Sulhan on Jun 23, 2011 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah
With those 3 picks though, how far up can we go (#2?) and what players do we have to give up?
by Da babyfacedassassin Meco on Jun 23, 2011 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions
i think 3 picks (2 in the lottery)
should easily garner a top-5 pick without us having to trade any players…we might even be able to get a player and pick for instance the 10, 14, and 23 for washingtons #6 and javale mcgee
by Samarth Sulhan on Jun 23, 2011 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions
the other scenarios have to include
us trading for different picks and potentially offering them in a deal for the #2 and threeway deals
by Samarth Sulhan on Jun 23, 2011 11:56 AM CDT reply actions
Yeah
With those 3 picks though, how far up can we go (#2?) and what players do we have to give up?
by Da babyfacedassassin Meco on Jun 23, 2011 11:56 AM CDT reply actions
You think we would have heard about a third team though by now right?
The player I would like least at #9 would be my sister’s cat, Captain Creamsicle. She does have a great work ethic and agility, but I’m really concerned that at 9 lbs., she’s too small to play safety in the NFL. She also bites way too often on play action and is easily distracted by someone waving string in the crowd. Lastly, her wonderlic score was pretty awful, answering "meow meow meow" for most of the questions- Dr. Brackish Okun
Sorry reply meant for
Samarth Sulhan
The player I would like least at #9 would be my sister’s cat, Captain Creamsicle. She does have a great work ethic and agility, but I’m really concerned that at 9 lbs., she’s too small to play safety in the NFL. She also bites way too often on play action and is easily distracted by someone waving string in the crowd. Lastly, her wonderlic score was pretty awful, answering "meow meow meow" for most of the questions- Dr. Brackish Okun
yeah probably
but draft night, deals do sometimes come out of nowhere and its happened alot
by Samarth Sulhan on Jun 23, 2011 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions
yea true enough
The player I would like least at #9 would be my sister’s cat, Captain Creamsicle. She does have a great work ethic and agility, but I’m really concerned that at 9 lbs., she’s too small to play safety in the NFL. She also bites way too often on play action and is easily distracted by someone waving string in the crowd. Lastly, her wonderlic score was pretty awful, answering "meow meow meow" for most of the questions- Dr. Brackish Okun
Maybe I am superstitious but do we REALLY want the Rockets to have the #2 overall pick?
Look at all the major busts that have been selected at #2.
Hell, they have one of those guys on the roster NOW (aka Thabeet).
Do the names Sam Bowie, Danny Ferry, Shawn Bradley, and Darko Milicic also ring a bell?
;^P
I am kidding, of course. There were busts at every slot over the years…
I had to stop arguing with drunks, Steeler fans, and all other fools.
It was making my brick wall jealous...
how about kevin durant
Welcome to Houston Kevin McHale. Just remember "It was Minnesota" is no longer an excuse.
by jake_471 on Jun 23, 2011 12:09 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
besides kevin durant
theres still jason kidd, gary payton, alonzo mourning, and steve franchise
by Samarth Sulhan on Jun 23, 2011 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Gee, what part of “I am kidding, of course”…
… do you guys not understand?
Guess your A.D.D. made all you miss that sentence, eh?
I had to stop arguing with drunks, Steeler fans, and all other fools.
It was making my brick wall jealous...
by steeler-hater on Jun 23, 2011 8:31 PM CDT up reply actions
I keep seeing
Where we really want to move up and take Tristan Thompson. Could he play center for us?
I think he could because he is really athletic, a terrific rebounder and an good shot blocker. Once he develops a consistent offensive game he could be really good.
he's 6'9" maybe 6'10" in certain shoes
theoretically he could see’n as how a 6’6" Hayes did for 2 years. Personally I prefer my C to be at least 6’11". Every inch matters, just like sex
"Stability is a factor in teams that win the championship. But if you stabilize on a team that's going to end up short of that, then all you're doing is spinning your wheels in the 45-win range."-----Daryl Morey
by fanoflosingteams on Jun 23, 2011 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions
yes!!
He could play center for us, yes he could develop more of an offensive game, and yes some orange bloods think he’s further along after 1 season than lamarcus Aldridge was.
Welcome to Houston Kevin McHale. Just remember "It was Minnesota" is no longer an excuse.
by jake_471 on Jun 23, 2011 12:45 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Im a OB
and I think he should’ve stayed for another year to put on some weight and work on his TERRIBLE FT shooting. He cant be an offensive threat if teams just keep putting him on the line. I think he’s projected to go so high only because of others that stayed in school. Harrison Barnes, Terrence Jones, Jarod Sullinger, and Perry Jones were all expected to be picked ahead of Thompson if they would’ve stayed in the draft. As far as him playing C, my thing is that he is gonna have to go against Bynum, Chandler, Howard, Gasol, Jefferson, Noah, Lopez on a nite to nite basis and all of those guys are taller/bigger than him. I dont want the Rockets to trade up for someone who they hope can play C. They alreayd have a 6’10" (Hill) and a 7’2" (Thabeet) they are already hoping can play the spot. why not see what you have already on payroll and grab a SF instead of trading 2 picks to get another transfer project and still not address the slight problem at the 3 spot?
"Stability is a factor in teams that win the championship. But if you stabilize on a team that's going to end up short of that, then all you're doing is spinning your wheels in the 45-win range."-----Daryl Morey
by fanoflosingteams on Jun 23, 2011 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions
i see this argument, very valid
As to why you would want to trade up…. its a tough call and yes he would get owned going up against the upper tier centers in the league. But the other options are euros or spending 10-15 on someone like dalembert. Is it a head scratcher, sure. But this is one area where I give the talent evaluators the benefit of the doubt. And of course were talking rumors, so in all likelihood it could be a moot point
Welcome to Houston Kevin McHale. Just remember "It was Minnesota" is no longer an excuse.
by jake_471 on Jun 23, 2011 1:26 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Considering Tyrus Thomas -- who is basically the same prospect, but better -- could not play center...
… I’m not sure if Tristan can, either.
The Dream Shake ...on Twitter.
"I think girls are probably just better shooters." - Steve Novak
so biyombo can play undersized center because he reminds you of ben wallace
But Tristan Thompson cant? And with Thomas, big baby was the center coming out of lsu, but Thompson has played a lot of c in college. Not to mention all the film on him is that of a 19 yr old.
Welcome to Houston Kevin McHale. Just remember "It was Minnesota" is no longer an excuse.
by jake_471 on Jun 23, 2011 1:21 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I hear that’s what Chuck Hayes said…
… about Biyombo, too…
I had to stop arguing with drunks, Steeler fans, and all other fools.
It was making my brick wall jealous...
by steeler-hater on Jun 23, 2011 8:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Kevin McHale has a ton of interest in Thompson and Biyombo,
so now I have no interest in them.
"Hakeem couldn't kick your ass cuz you were too
close kissin his!"- Sir Charles to Kenny Smith.
From Wojo's twitter account
Kings have made it privately clear that they expect to trade 7th pick, sources say. “They’re confident they have deal,” one official says
by twinkilling0303 on Jun 23, 2011 2:44 PM CDT reply actions
We do love to play marbles with the Kings
but last I heard the Maloof brothers were not happy with the results from playing with us. Never can tell though, some folks never learn. They would be a good destination for Scloa. They have the most cap space on the planet and could do a pic-for -player swap. With Cousins at the 5, Scola could do a lot of damage. I had thought of this one before, but thought the sin twins had got tired of getting shafted by Morey.
Hopefully
Thats a deal with us. We should have a few options at 7
who do we sign at 7?
Biyombo? McHale has stressed that you need to have 2 guys in the paint that can alter shots, and that’s where he wants to start.
by SpaceCityFan on Jun 23, 2011 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Probably either
Biyombo or Thompson. But I think Thompson has a slight advantage over Biyombo.
Woj
Also saying that Atlanta has offered Josh Smith to Minny for the number 2 pick
Well
Would that make Johnson available? Maybe if we took on Webster?
The player I would like least at #9 would be my sister’s cat, Captain Creamsicle. She does have a great work ethic and agility, but I’m really concerned that at 9 lbs., she’s too small to play safety in the NFL. She also bites way too often on play action and is easily distracted by someone waving string in the crowd. Lastly, her wonderlic score was pretty awful, answering "meow meow meow" for most of the questions- Dr. Brackish Okun
Wes Johnson
not Joe Johnson btw.
The player I would like least at #9 would be my sister’s cat, Captain Creamsicle. She does have a great work ethic and agility, but I’m really concerned that at 9 lbs., she’s too small to play safety in the NFL. She also bites way too often on play action and is easily distracted by someone waving string in the crowd. Lastly, her wonderlic score was pretty awful, answering "meow meow meow" for most of the questions- Dr. Brackish Okun
I would like to see Josh Smith come here.
Need some kind of scoring a defensive presence on the wing.
by SpaceCityFan on Jun 23, 2011 3:21 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm not really
Much of a fan of Wes Johnson. Just doesn’t seem that good to me.
I think he'll end up better than both T-Will
and Bud.
The player I would like least at #9 would be my sister’s cat, Captain Creamsicle. She does have a great work ethic and agility, but I’m really concerned that at 9 lbs., she’s too small to play safety in the NFL. She also bites way too often on play action and is easily distracted by someone waving string in the crowd. Lastly, her wonderlic score was pretty awful, answering "meow meow meow" for most of the questions- Dr. Brackish Okun
Bud yes
Idk about TWill though. If he gets playing time he can be really good
His attitude still needs adjustment
He did not perform when he got playing time
by mjdinhouston on Jun 23, 2011 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Wes's or T-Will's?
The player I would like least at #9 would be my sister’s cat, Captain Creamsicle. She does have a great work ethic and agility, but I’m really concerned that at 9 lbs., she’s too small to play safety in the NFL. She also bites way too often on play action and is easily distracted by someone waving string in the crowd. Lastly, her wonderlic score was pretty awful, answering "meow meow meow" for most of the questions- Dr. Brackish Okun
Garbage time
Isn’t significant playing time.
No
but he had the opportunity to show RA that he can run the offense the way it is supposed to be run and he blew assignments, made bad passes and jacked ridiculous threes.
If he can’t do the easy simple, they won’t give him the hard difficult assignments. He has the talent but its not as big as his attitude.
by mjdinhouston on Jun 23, 2011 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions
If you pick and choose what to analyze you're 100% right.
The shit minutes he got tossed when he got here earlier were great passes that his team failed to hit layups on or they didn’t pay any attention. Williams played well his first couple of times then banged Adelman’s wife or something and then got shut out for months. By the time he got back on the floor, screw it, your coach is a dick and not going to play you regularly anymore, let’s see how much initiative you show when you have nothing to play for.
My beingadick-butnotbeinganannoyingdick skills, they're impressive.
-TCWIR paraphrased
I don't think it was quite like that
Truly he was caught up in the DM/RA battle. He missed cutters, failed to get back and defend, he missed a LOT of assignments trying to prove how talented he is. If I was Williams I would be doing whatever my Dickhead coached asked and when it does not work out, the shit don’t splatter on me. He has his future to play for.
by mjdinhouston on Jun 23, 2011 3:48 PM CDT up reply actions
I remember going over tape, in his first appearance he had the potential for 7 assists.
He got two and it was all on miscues/failures of his team-mates to finish or be aware on offense.
My beingadick-butnotbeinganannoyingdick skills, they're impressive.
-TCWIR paraphrased
It was not determined by their misses
He then got another shot and started going on his own.
by mjdinhouston on Jun 23, 2011 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions
I think he still gets another shot though.
Hard to give up on that potential.
by mjdinhouston on Jun 23, 2011 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions
You tend to start trying to do it on your own when your team lets you down.
If you can’t count on them to make good on your passing you gotta count on yourself to make yourself stand out. It’s why I hate it when people criticize PFs and C’s too quickly, they’re at the mercy of their guards, can’t make the entry pass to yourself.
My beingadick-butnotbeinganannoyingdick skills, they're impressive.
-TCWIR paraphrased
John Hollinger
Just tweeted that the Bucks are the team making a deal with the Kings
Per Woj
Partial of deal: The Bucks get Stephen Jackson, Shaun Livingston, sources say. Charlotte gets the 7th pick and Corey Maggette.
Also
Milwaukee’s 10th overall pick goes to the Kings, source says. Bucks send 10th pick and John Salmons to Kings.
In echange for a #7?
I wonder who they wanted so badly to move up 3 spots..
by SpaceCityFan on Jun 23, 2011 3:43 PM CDT up reply actions
They only traded there 19th pick
Charlotte now has the 7th pick and the 9th pick.
So do the Bobcats
let both Prizbilla and Mohammed go?
by mjdinhouston on Jun 23, 2011 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions
My untouchables:
PatPat, Martin, Lowry, Williams (I want to see him play significant minutes, then decide his fate).
I’d like to see us get a true center, to allot Hill to move to his natural PF position.
But then you'd have PPat Scola, and Hill
All fighting for minutes. Unless you trade Scola.
The player I would like least at #9 would be my sister’s cat, Captain Creamsicle. She does have a great work ethic and agility, but I’m really concerned that at 9 lbs., she’s too small to play safety in the NFL. She also bites way too often on play action and is easily distracted by someone waving string in the crowd. Lastly, her wonderlic score was pretty awful, answering "meow meow meow" for most of the questions- Dr. Brackish Okun
Not a fan of Williams
but maybe, I agree with the rest. PPat is going to be a beast this year. Lowery has matured so well and stepped up his game. If we get the 3 position to score and defend we will be pretty darn good. There are a ton of centers who can do what McHale needs them to do.
And Dragic brings firepower off the bench
Along with Lee
The player I would like least at #9 would be my sister’s cat, Captain Creamsicle. She does have a great work ethic and agility, but I’m really concerned that at 9 lbs., she’s too small to play safety in the NFL. She also bites way too often on play action and is easily distracted by someone waving string in the crowd. Lastly, her wonderlic score was pretty awful, answering "meow meow meow" for most of the questions- Dr. Brackish Okun
Like I said before
If we trade it will be either Lee, Scola or both. I would prefer to keep Lee and Dragic, but if the deal is there you have to take it. I think TWill gets a pass for now.
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