Official Houston Rockets draft thread

[Dash]

Chad Ford:

 

I've also heard a number of reports from NBA teams that he looked much better in Spain and knocked it out of the park in his interviews. I had the chance to sit down with him for almost an hour and I see the appeal. He's smart, articulate and has a really amazing story. I'll chime in on that more on Tuesday in a full feature on Biyombo.

 

As for his draft stock, I still think he goes somewhere between 8 and 20. That is, admittedly, a pretty wide range with just 10 days to go before the draft. The Pistons are giving him a long look at the high side as are the Cavs, Bobcats, Bucks, Jazz, Rockets, Sixers and Knicks. I doubt he slides past the Wolves at No. 20. Biyombo is a risk on the high end of the draft. But his physical talents along with his production in the ACB this year suggest, at the very minimum, he'll have a long career in the league as a defensive stopper in the paint.

 

Kind of ridiculous how his stock has been plummeting, he could still go very high to the Pistons but now he could potentially fall out of the lottery altogether. I don't see any reason for the Rockets to pass him up at #14 unless either another top rated prospects falls to them, or they believe they will able to somehow snatch Biyombo later in the draft.

 

On the positive side, he seems to have added a good 10 to 15 pounds of muscle to his frame in the past year while still retaining the quickness that made him such a potent scorer in Europe.

 

I do think the workout may have done a little more damage to Motiejunas. He hasn't had a lot of momentum of late and seeing something like this feeds the notion that perhaps he peaked in 2009 or 2010. But there's still time. Motiejunas has another workout scheduled for Monday evening to redeem himself.

I quizzed a lot of NBA people in the gym and most of them had him ranked somewhere between 14 and 23 on their boards.

 

And the Rockets own both the 14th and 23rd picks, is it any coincidence that several sources believe he'll be going between those two picks? I've been on Motiejunas bandwagon for over 2 years now, felt we should have taken him last year before he pulled out. With the same pick the following year, I still would love to have Motiejunas on the Rockets...plenty of potential, I can see where the Bargnani comparisons come from but I firmly believe that a top notch developing organization like the Rockets could squeeze a bit from that from him.

 

If both Motiejunas and Biyombo are on the board, I think I'll go with Biyombo because we've been searching for an interior defender/shotblocker with size for ages. Jordan Hamilton is still the wild card on my board, I wouldn't be surprised at all to see the Rockets shock Red Nation by taking a small forward especially if they believe one of Biyombo/Motiejunas are obtainable with the 23rd pick.

Edited June 14, 2011 by Dash

[Dash]

Video of Daryl Morey scouting Biyombo (comes around the 40-45 second mark):

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDqJGJwAU0M&feature=player_embedded#at=103

 

Awful workout for Biyombo but any team that is going to draft him would only be doing so for his potential on the defensive end and as a rebounder. The video is entirely of Biyombo posting up, taking hook shots etc.

 

Morey provides "commentary" as he watches Motiejunas along with Draftexpress' Jonathan Givony.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0JdLMTqgao&feature=player_embedded

 

Another awful workout but word from Draftexpress is that Motiejunas was in the weight room right before this, and yesterday had another workout and left a much stronger impression.

 

By the way, did anyone that watch the video catch this?

 

Givony: So, people were speculation that Biyombo tanked his workout to get drafted lower. Maybe they got some more of the same here.

 

Morey: It's all part of the plan.

 

Although this should be taken with a grain of salt as Morey was most likely being sarcastic, I couldn't help but find it interesting because I'm sure the Rockets would love to come out of draft night with either center and for that to happen their stocks would either have to drop or stay the same.

[Showtime16]

From my Mock Draft

14th Dontatas Montiejunas C

23rd Marshon Brooks SG

 

I am high on both of these guys from what I have seen so far. I watch game film on players rather then Indo work outs.

Edited June 14, 2011 by Showtime16

[Dash]

Sam Amick mock draft 3.0

 

14 PF Markieff Morris

The Rockets are looking to upgrade their defensive approach and scheme as part of this new regime under coach Kevin McHale (hence the ongoing courting of defensive specialist Chuck Person as an assistant who, if hired, would run Mike Brown's defensive system). But former coach Rick Adelman would likely argue that most of the personnel given to him in recent years was as offensive-minded as he tends to be. Morris would change that trend, as he is -- in addition to being a capable scorer -- a strong rebounder with the sort of athleticism that helps on both ends of the floor. Florida State small forward/defensive specialist Chris Singleton remains high on Houston's list, as does Hamilton and USC center Nikola Vucevic. And in the interest of full disclosure, inserting Morris here is a calculated move based on one interesting slice of information: A source says the Morris twins have been avoiding working out for New York at No. 17 and thereby sending a strong signal that they fully expect to be taken earlier.

 

Do not want. Markieff isn't a a bad prospect but how many more power forwards do we honestly need? He doesn't even have the size to play some time at center so I don't see any reason for the Rockets take him. Singleton is someone I wouldn't mind taking as I've said several times in this thread, Nikola Vucevic has been popping up a lot more lately. He's got a big body and an all-around set of skills and apparently has been improving on his jump shot since the combine.

 

23 PG Darius Morris

No, he's not related to the Morris twins. But the Michigan product is the kind of big point guard the Rockets are lacking in 6-foot starter Kyle Lowry. He's even bigger than backup Goran Dragic (6-3), which doesn't matter nearly as much as the fact that a source says Houston is enamored with Darius Morris' on-court and off-court presence. Vucevic is also a target who would help with the much-needed depth at center, not only because of Yao Ming's looming free agency and career-threatening health issues but also because of Brad Miller's recently revealed microfracture surgery.

 

I'm intrigued by Darius Morris, sound point guard skill-set but the fact that he's 6'5 is what makes him stand out. The Rockets love adding high character players to their locker room and they could use a cheap 3rd string point guard. I would have taken Tyler Honeycutt here but surprisingly Amick doesn't have him going in the first round.

 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/sam_amick/06/14/mock.draft.3/index.html?sct=nba_t11_a1

[Showtime16]

Sam Amick mock draft 3.0

 

 

 

Do not want. Markieff isn't a a bad prospect but how many more power forwards do we honestly need? He doesn't even have the size to play some time at center so I don't see any reason for the Rockets take him. Singleton is someone I wouldn't mind taking as I've said several times in this thread, Nikola Vucevic has been popping up a lot more lately. He's got a big body and an all-around set of skills and apparently has been improving on his jump shot since the combine.

 

 

 

I'm intrigued by Darius Morris, sound point guard skill-set but the fact that he's 6'5 is what makes him stand out. The Rockets love adding high character players to their locker room and they could use a cheap 3rd string point guard. I would have taken Tyler Honeycutt here but surprisingly Amick doesn't have him going in the first round.

 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/sam_amick/06/14/mock.draft.3/index.html?sct=nba_t11_a1

If the Rockets draft the Morris twin I will have to seriously consider jumping ship not really but I don't like his game and they don't need a PF. I hope the Rockets take any of the following players

14th

1) Dontanas Motiejunas C

2) Tobias Harris SF/PF

3) Jordan Hamilton SF

4) Chris Singleton SF

5) Jimmer Ferdette PG/SG

8) Klay Thompson SG

7) Tristan Thompson PF

8) Josh Selby PG/SG

9)Bismack Biyombo PF/C

10) Kenneth Faried PF/C

23rd

1) Marshon Brooks SG

2) Justin Harper PF/C

3) Tyler Honeycutt SF/SG

4) Darius Morris PG

5) Jeremy Tyler C

[Showtime16]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFqK-YXlsHs&feature=player_embedded Edited June 14, 2011 by Showtime16

[Dash]

Chad Ford mock draft 5.0

 

Houston

 

Nikola Vucevic

 

Position: C

Height: 7-0

Weight: 260

Age: 20

School: USC

Analysis: Could Vucevic really go this high? That's the word among a number of NBA GMs who are raving about his workouts. Some have argued that the differences between him and Enes Kanter are very slim.

 

With the Rockets in desperate need of some size in the paint, Vucevic could be the answer. He's not the world's greatest athlete, but he is skilled, has an NBA body and is ready to play now.

 

The bolded part is what caught my eye, no doubt that I would much rather have Kanter but Vucevic is looking more impressive by the day. I was actually thinking of having the Rockets take him with the 14th pick yesterday for my upcoming mock draft. Not sure about his upside but I really like his skill-set.

 

Houston

(via Orlando)

 

 

Darius Morris

 

Position: PG

Height: 6-4

Weight: 190

Age: 20

School: Michigan

Analysis: We have the Rockets going big with pick No. 14 and we have them going big again at No. 23. Morris is a different kind of big. He's a point guard who towers over the competition. If he were a better shooter he'd be going much, much higher in the draft. But at this point he's a steal.

 

Like Amick, Ford has the Rockets taking Darius Morris with the 2nd first round draft pick. I wouldn't mind this pick at all since Dragic could leave next season and get a big deal, but I would much rather go with a small forward.

[Dash]

Draftexpress mock draft 3.0

 

14 Houston Rockets

Klay Thompson SG/SF

21 years old; 6’7"; 205 lbs

Washington State, junior

 

Standing just under 6-foot-6 without shoes, Thompson is big enough to play the small forward position, and is considered by some to be the best player available at this point.

 

Houston is reportedly exploring trade options, possibly in hopes of moving up to select Lithuanian Jonas Valanciunas, who will fill a major hole in the middle.

 

I haven't given much thought to Thompson because I figured he would be gone long before our pick. Jerry West apparently loves him and will likely take him with the 11th pick unless someone drops, which in this mock's case, someone did (Bismack Biyombo). Anyways I would be ecstatic about this pick, love Thompson's size and shooting ability although he might be a bit redundant to Bud (more complete player though imo).

 

23 Houston Rockets (From Orlando Magic)

Nikola Vucevic PF/C

20 years old; 7’0"; 260 lbs

USC, junior

 

The Rockets have undersized power forwards galore littering their roster, but the one thing they lack is a lengthy 7-footer with some girth. Enter Vucevic.

 

He’s not a traditional banger but he’s the best center available at this point. He comes with the added benefit of being able to space the floor for Kyle Lowry and Kevin Martin to attack the rim or for Luis Scola to operate with his back to the basket.

 

I would be perfectly fine with taking Vucevic with the 14th pick but if he were to slip all the way to #23 AND we got Klay Thompson? Talk about a dream draft.

 

I do doubt that he falls this low though.

 

Houston is reportedly exploring trade options, possibly in hopes of moving up to select Lithuanian Jonas Valanciunas, who will fill a major hole in the middle.

 

Cleveland could make a deal, with teams like New York, Charlotte, Indiana and Houston being active in trying to move up in the draft, but it’s not clear if anything will get done by the time the Cavs are on the clock.

 

If we were going to move up, I don't doubt that Valanciunas would be the guy we're going after. The problem is that he might be going to #4 to Cavs (as he does in Givony's and Ford's mocks) so that would mean that we need to move up to somewhere between the 2nd-4th picks. I can't see us getting that high without losing Kevin Martin and possibly other pieces.

 

Anyways its always good to hear about the activity of our front office.

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ycn-8648301

Edited June 16, 2011 by Dash

[Dash]

David Aldridge mock draft 2.0

 

Houston Rockets | Donatas Motiejunas | F | Benetton Treviso (Italy)

 

New coach Kevin McHale's strength is working with bigs, and Motiejunas was top-10 ranked much of the last few months. With Yao Ming likely done, Hasheem Thabeet still a major question mark and Chuck Hayes a free agent, the Rockets need to start thinking about their frontcourt future.

 

Houston Rockets | Tyler Honeycutt | F | UCLA

 

Rockets need a long-term replacement for the recently departed Shane Battier, and Honeycutt's defensive skill set and length could be intriguing to a basketball sabrematrician like Daryl Morey.

 

http://www.nba.com/2011/news/features/david_aldridge/06/13/mock-draft-2/index.html

 

Aldridge makes a good point, McHale's well known pedigree with big men could almost certainly mean we'll be taking a big man with one of our two first round picks. Although this isn't anything new, it makes me wonder if the Rockets will opt to take a project (Motiejunas, Biyombo) over a sure thing (Vucevic).

 

Anyways I think this would be an excellent haul, we would get two very raw projects with a boatload of potential.

 

Also an interesting tweet from Lowry:

 

@Klow7 Kyle Lowry

Late night shots felt good tonight!!! Get some sleep fellas upstairs in tc

 

Doesn't come as much of a surprise, it was said that Morey barely got any sleep during the week leading up to the trade deadline. Sounds like the same thing is going on here. I've said it a million times already (just in the post above actually) but I love the intensity of our front office.

[Dash]

From Ford's chat:

 

Reply With Quote

Cory (Houston)

 

Any predictions on the Rockets pick at 14? Or do you think they will move up. I'd like to think that Morey is trying to make a play for Valanciunas.

 

Chad Ford (1:30 PM)

 

Daryl Morey is always trying to make a play. From what I can gather, everyone in Houston is on the table. Everyone. It's a good strategy. I don't think the Rockets are married to moving up. Nor are they married to getting vets. They're just looking for the best possible deal. I wouldn't be shocked to see Kevin Martin or Luis Scola moved. If they keep 14, look for them to try to add a center or point guard. Bismack Biyombo, Nikola Vucevic and Jimmer are options there. If they move up, I agree that Valanciunas could be the guy.

 

VERY interesting bit from Ford...everyone and everything is on the table, we're not committed to one direction, we just want the most input for our output in a trade.

 

Ford's Rockets board for the 14 pick is pretty much the same as mine except I would scratch out Jimmer for Jordan Hamilton, still believe he's a darkhorse. Speaking of Jimmer, there is a recent report that he will skip his final workout (with the Rockets) because he believes he'll be gone by the 12th pick.

[Dash]

Rockets still in mix for #2 pick:

 

It starts at No. 2, where the Minnesota Timberwolves continue to listen to offers for their pick. While they continue to maintain that they are comfortable taking Derrick Williams at No. 2, their preference is to begin adding veterans to the team. If they do draft Williams, they'll look to move Michael Beasley and possibly Anthony Randolph. But neither player has the same trade value that the No. 2 pick has. Potential trade partners include the Cleveland Cavaliers, Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets, New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers.

 

More word on Rockets' trade activity:

 

The Rockets continue to be aggressive as well, looking around the league for help ... any help. From what I can gather, no one in Houston is safe. The team especially would like to add a center, and there aren't a lot of great options at 14.

 

Rockets linked to Biyombo:

 

Biyombo is in an interesting situation. His draft range is still pretty wide. It starts at No. 8 with the Pistons, but I'm not sure he has a floor yet. If the Pistons pass, where does he land? The Bucks, Warriors, Jazz, Rockets, Sixers and Knicks are all possibilities. But none of them are locks, either. He needs to find that bac stop.

 

Possibility with #23 or #36? Bojan Bogdanovic:

 

Cleveland State's Norris Cole and Georgia Tech's Iman Shumpert seem to be getting the most buzz. Both players have had great workouts. So has UCLA's Malcolm Lee, who I'm told was excellent in Utah's workout versus Jimmer Fredette and Kemba Walker. Florida's Chandler Parsons and Croatia's Bojan Bogdanovic also have some first-round buzz right now.

 

Cole has wowed with his athletic ability and his ability to get to the basket. I've had a couple of teams tell me he's the fourth-ranked point guard on their board behind Knight, Walker and Fredette. He could go as high as No. 21 to the Blazers.

 

Shumpert's athleticism, defense and size are all standing out as well. He's also been shooting the ball better, a big plus for him. The Knicks and Nuggets are both looking at him.

 

Parsons is coming off a terrific workout in Denver where he and E'Twaun Moore sound like they stole the show. Parsons has drawn praise whereever he's gone. He's got NBA size and an NBA skill set. If he can prove to teams he has the toughness to make it in the league, he may be a good pick.

 

Bogdanovic has already worked out in New Jersey and Houston. He has the Thunder on Friday and the Spurs, Wolves and Celtics also lined up before the draft.

 

All six teams are real possibilities for him in the first. Bogdanovic was the second-leading scorer in the Euroleague this year at 18 points per game. However, he's under contract for the next few years with his new team, Fenerbache, and teams will have to patient. But, he's a good pick late in the first from a talent perspective. If he had no contract issues, he'd be a mid-first-round pick.

 

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/blog?name=nba_draft&id=6672205&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnba%2fblog%3fname%3dnba_draft%26id%3d6672205

 

Interesting...if he's worth a mid-first round pick then to grab him with our 2nd round would be a huge steal. However, if he's rising on the board then we might have use our 23rd pick on him. It all depends how his other workouts go and who is on the board.

[Dash]

Chad Ford just said in a podcast that he would be very surprised if Houston was still picking at #14 on draft night.

 

Edit: someone at Clutchfans went ahead and typed out everything Ford said:

 

Finally Houston at 14.

 

You talked about the most active team in the league - I think it's the Houston Rockets. They're talking to everybody, everyone on the roster is available, they'd like to move up, they'd like to move down, they want to shake this team up. I highly highly doubt they're selecting there at 14.

 

Who do you think are they targeting, obviously targeting a big guy?

 

They need a center. Think they need another point guard. They like Kyle Lowry but feel like they can do more there. Also need small forward. If they with the draft, Nikola Vucevic or Bismack Biyombo or someone like that is gonna be there in that mix. Even Jimmer. They really wanted to bring Jimmer in but he decided not to make that trip out there. I just get the feeling, from everything I gather, that they feel like they'll get something done by draft day and they'll be moving out of this pick.

 

After all these reports of the Rockets activity, you'd think that there would be a few deals that could potentially be in the works by draft night.

 

Also I don't want Fredette, hope he's not the guy that we could be moving up for (if Jonas is not on the board) but I've learned never to doubt Morey (still would prefer center/sf).

Edited June 17, 2011 by Dash

[Dash]

Motiejunas or Jimmer, if available. RT @MuffinMan713 who do the rockets like at #14?

 

http://twitter.com/#!/TheHoopsReport/statuses/82216353108475904

 

Motiejunas is fine by me but Jimmer? I'll pass, Lowry and Dragic have the point guard minutes covered.

 

From what I understand, yes. RT @CanEyeBall Rockets like Montiejunas over Biyombo?

 

http://twitter.com/#!/TheHoopsReport/statuses/82225571853115393

 

Both would be great to have at the 14th pick but Biyombo has the potential to be a great interior defender/shotblocker, something the Rockets desperately need. If the Rockets truly believe they can convince Motiejunas to put effort into playing defense and grabbing and developing those aspects of his game then I'm game.

[ChosenOne]

http://twitter.com/#!/TheHoopsReport/statuses/82216353108475904

 

Motiejunas is fine by me but Jimmer? I'll pass, Lowry and Dragic have the point guard minutes covered.

 

 

Agreed, I think Jimmer will be a good player in the league but he just wont fit in with our team right now. Motiejunas is the way to go.

[Dash]

More from Hoops Report:

 

The Houston Rockets are very high on Donatas Motiejunas and he appears to be at the top of their draft board. They were the first NBA team to bring him in for a workout in this country, as he visited Houston on Friday. The Sixers are also very high on Motiejunas but they'll likely have to trade up to get him. Motiejunas will not get past the Sixers at No. 16.

 

Already written my thoughts on him and I still think that we should go with Biyombo or Vucevic if either are available at #14. I wouldn't say Motiejunas is at the top of our draft board until I hear it from Ford or Givony.

 

More bits:

 

I'm hearing that Jeremy Tyler is near the top of a few teams' draft boards in the first round. Teams that could possibly take him in the first round include Portland (21), Houston (23) and Boston (25). It doesn't seem that Tyler received a definite promise from any team because he is still scheduled to work out for Minnesota on Tuesday, but he did cancel a workout in Philadelphia that was scheduled for Sunday.

 

I'm also hearing that Josh Selby has moved himself into likely first round status. He is near the top of a few teams' draft boards in the first round, including the Knicks (17), Trail Blazers (21), Rockets (23) and Thunder (24).

 

The Rockets also have expressed interest in Fredette at No. 14, but he won't get that far.

 

http://www.thehoopsreport.com/article.aspx?id=750

[Newman]

I don't think the Rockets will even look at Biyombo because they already have Thabeet. They are both offensively inept, yet has great potential on the defensive end.

[Showtime16]

Agreed, I think Jimmer will be a good player in the league but he just wont fit in with our team right now. Motiejunas is the way to go.

Motiejunas I like that pick but I like Jimmer, just not for the Rockets right now

[Dash]

I don't think the Rockets will even look at Biyombo because they already have Thabeet. They are both offensively inept, yet has great potential on the defensive end.

 

Good point but I don't think anyone in the front office is all that excited about Thabeet right now. Biyombo is much younger too.

 

Draftexpress mock draft 4.0

 

14 Houston Rockets

Bismack Biyombo PF/C

18 years old; 6-9, 240

Baloncesto Fuenlabrada (Spain)

 

Biyombo has one of the widest draft ranges of any prospect, starting at No. 5 and continuing all the way to New York at No. 17, where his services might be needed the most. While Daryl Morey and co. don’t appear to be all that excited with anyone in this draft – they’re heavily exploring moving this pick in exchange for a 2012 first, sources said – Biyombo could change their tune if he fell this far.

 

That would be great. There are some decent role players in this draft but the 2012 stock looks tremendous but it depends which team we would be swapping picks with.

 

23 Houston Rockets (from Orlando Magic)

Iman Shumpert, PG/SG

20 years old; 6-6, 220

Georgia Tech, junior

 

Shumpert’s draft range appears to be absolutely huge at the moment, starting with Phoenix at No. 13 and moving all the way to the end of the first round, where his hometown team of Chicago likes his defensive potential and athleticism. The Rockets don’t have a glaring need for a player at his position but could be drawn to his upside, seeing as how no other prospect really jumps out at this stage of the draft.

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AgDKFOljVkZF.GaYeN5woAe8vLYF?slug=ycn-8674693

 

Shumpert isn't someone that I have ever mentioned in this thread but that is largely because I don't think he would be a good pick at all for us.

[Dash]

Chad Ford mock draft 6.0

 

14

 

Jonas Valanciunas

Position: C

Height: 7-0

Weight: 245

Age: 19

Country: Lithuania

 

 

Analysis: Could the Rockets really score Valanciunas this low in the draft? Maybe. If Valanciunas isn't able to come to the NBA, a number of teams will feel pressure to draft players who can help right away. There's a chance the Bobcats, Bucks or Warriors will take him. But it's just a chance.

However, I doubt Valanciunas will slide any farther than this. The Rockets really need a center, and Valanciunas, in the long run, is worthy of a lottery pick. Nikola Vucevic also is a real possibility here.

 

...And Valanciunas drops all the way to us. Wow I would love for this to happen because not only do the Rockets get their primary target but they also save a few assets by not making a deal (Pistons?) to move up.

 

23

 

Houston (via Orlando)

Donatas Motiejunas

Position: PF

Height: 7-0

Weight: 220

Age: 19

Country: Lithuania

 

 

Analysis: Would the Rockets really take two Lithuanians? Sure they would. Both players are vastly underrated where the Rockets are getting them, and the Rockets have always been the sort of team that takes advantage of a bargain when it sees one.

 

Regardless of who we take with the 14th pick, if Motiejunas drops all the way here, you got to take him. Motiejunas - Valanciunas would be a GREAT haul.

 

38. Houston Rockets (via Los Angeles Clippers)

Darius Morris | PG | Michigan

 

The Rockets would like to add some size in the backcourt and have been fans of Morris for a while. At No. 38, he's worth the risk. He has a lot of Andre Miller to his game.

 

Some mocks in the past have had the Rockets taking Darius Morris with the 23rd pick and apparently the Rockets brass love him so to get him in the 2nd round would be a great value pick.

[Built Ford Tough]

Rockets must really want Valanciunas.

 

DraftExpress Jonathan Givony

Sounds like Houston has sweetned their offer to Milwaukee, now hearing Courtney Lee's name in trade talk for the #10 pick.

 

I'm guessing the original offer was 14 + 23? I'm hoping they aren't adding Lee in addition to the two picks because even though I like Valanciunas quite a bit, I don't think it is worth moving all three of those pieces to move up 4 spots.

 

Then again, the 23rd pick is unlikely to net you very much and Lee isn't particularly good either, so if Valanciunas does wind up dropping to 10, it may end up being worth it as he does have very nice potential.

 

If he does drop to 10 I don't see the Bucks trading the pick, though.

[Showtime16]

Rockets must really want Valanciunas.

 

 

 

I'm guessing the original offer was 14 + 23? I'm hoping they aren't adding Lee in addition to the two picks because even though I like Valanciunas quite a bit, I don't think it is worth moving all three of those pieces to move up 4 spots.

 

Then again, the 23rd pick is unlikely to net you very much and Lee isn't particularly good either, so if Valanciunas does wind up dropping to 10, it may end up being worth it as he does have very nice potential.

 

If he does drop to 10 I don't see the Bucks trading the pick, though.

In this draft tho 23 may be better the the 10 pick its weak but relatively deep by there being only 3-4 top-teire players and then a second-teire but after that the class is unknown more then most draft classes and their will a lot of picks that people will be like damn, he turned out good so I agree Lee and both pick is way to much to move up 4 spots.

[Dash]

Rockets Targeting Thompson, Biyombo In Efforts To Move Up

Jun 23, 2011 10:06 AM EDT

 

 

The Rockets are attempting to use the 14th and 23rd picks to move into the top-10 of the 2011 NBA Draft. Detroit owns the No. 8 pick and is in talks with Houston.

Tristan Thompson is believed to be the primary target, according to sources. Bismack Biyombo would be the other main option, as Kevin McHale looks to add a big to the roster.

 

Via Ken Berger/CBS Sports (via Twitter)

 

What the [expletive]? We just drafted Patrick Patterson last year

 

Rockets must really want Valanciunas.

 

 

 

I'm guessing the original offer was 14 + 23? I'm hoping they aren't adding Lee in addition to the two picks because even though I like Valanciunas quite a bit, I don't think it is worth moving all three of those pieces to move up 4 spots.

 

Then again, the 23rd pick is unlikely to net you very much and Lee isn't particularly good either, so if Valanciunas does wind up dropping to 10, it may end up being worth it as he does have very nice potential.

 

If he does drop to 10 I don't see the Bucks trading the pick, though.

 

Despite the report (no way Thompson and Biyombo are actually higher on our board) above I do think that Valanciunas is our true target. I don't like that trade one bit though, if we want Valanciunas we need to leapfrog Milwaukee and get the 9th pick.

[Dash]

Chad Ford mock draft 7.0

 

 

Houston

 

Nikola Vucevic

 

Position: C

Height: 7-0

Weight: 260

Age: 20

School: USC

Analysis: The Rockets are talking to everyone -- and I mean everyone -- about moving up in the draft. Everyone from the Wolves at 2 to the Warriors at 11 have heard the pitch. I think someone ultimately will bite, and I think it could be Detroit.

 

But if not, the Rockets are likely to reach a little bit for some size in the paint. They are desperate for it, and Vucevic is the biggest man in the draft. Chris Singleton and Markieff Morris are also options.

 

Houston

(via Orlando)

 

 

Donatas Motiejunas

 

Position: PF

Height: 7-0

Weight: 220

Age: 19

Country: Lithuania

Analysis: At this point in the draft, you quit worrying about draft needs and you draft according to talent. Motiejunas is a major talent. He's got flaws, but at No. 23 you live with them. If the Rockets don't trade the pick away, Jimmy Butler is a possibility here, as is Darius Morris.

 

Vucevic is still the top player on my draft board and while its possible to trade down a few spots (although the Sixers worry me) and nab him, securing him at 14th would probably be best. Again with the 23rd pick, you can't complain about Motiejunas.

[Dash]

14 Houston Rockets

Kawhi Leonard, SF

19 years old; 6-7, 225

San Diego State, sophomore

 

This would be a fairly disappointing fall for Leonard, who had strong supporters in front offices drafting much higher than this (Toronto at No. 5, Washington at 6 and Sacramento at 7). Ultimately, positional needs and team preferences could drop him down to the end of the lottery, where the Rockets would be ecstatic to land him.

 

23 Houston Rockets (from Orlando Magic)

Iman Shumpert, PG/SG

20 years old; 6-6, 220

Georgia Tech, junior

 

Shumpert’s draft range appears huge at the moment, starting with Phoenix at No. 13 and moving all the way to the end of the first round, where his hometown team of Chicago likes his defensive potential and athleticism. The Rockets don’t have a glaring need for a player at his position but could be drawn to his upside, seeing as how no other prospect really jumps out at this stage of the draft.

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ycn-8686843

 

If Leonard fell to us, I would be ecstatic but coming out of this draft without a center would be underwhelming although a large part of that might be because I don't like Shumpert. Motiejunas was off the board by our 23rd pick but Mirotic was still there and I'd give him a look there.

[Dash]

Dash's final Rockets big board:

 

1. Bismack Biyombo - only a few days ago Biyombo could have easily slid to the Rockets at #14 but now it looks unlikely that he will slip out of the top 10. Rockets fans can only hope that something dramatically changes in the next hour and the Rockets either move up or Biyombo slides.

2. Nikola Vucevic - doesn't have the potential to be a cornerstone like Valanciunas, Motiejunas or Biyombo BUT he brings qualities you would want in your starting center. Vucevic can score from in or out of the post, box out his man on the boards and play some decent defense. Also a gritty player, something Morey likes out of his players.

3. Donatas Motiejunas - Motiejunas could be available at the 23rd pick but something tells me that the Wizards of Sixers would take him before we can. Regardless, if Houston misses out on one of the top two players on my board (Vucevic and Biyombo) then they HAVE to find a way to acquire Motiejunas. Great talent and potential and Houston would be an ideal fit for him.

4. Kawhi Leonard/Chris Singleton - the Bobcats reportedly are more interested with Singleton at the 9th pick than Leonard. I don't buy it one bit but whichever one they don't pick will likely be available by the 14th pick. Would prefer Leonard though.

5. Jordan Hamilton - haven't forgotten about Hamilton through all this talk about taking a center. Hamilton's a gunslinger and could be one of the better scorers in this draft.