[220Participant]

So Houston has obviously been frantically making moves in order to have enough to acquire Dwight Howard (even though Dwight doesn’t want to be there, but anyway). What do the Rockets do if the Magic aren’t trading Dwight yet? They just got a new GM and he may not be ready to pull the trigger this early in his tenure as the GM. I’ve heard Josh Smith is an option, but his contract is also expiring and Danny Ferry just took over so he may not want to deal him yet.

I’m just curious if anyone has heard the Rockets next option if the Dwight trade doesn’t come through. The thought a few weeks ago was the Rockets only wanted to keep one of their two picks due to how many young players they have already. So what do the Rockets do if the Magic aren’t trading Dwight yet?

[machu46Participant]

 I think the Rockets will move up to 5 and hang on to the 18.  Take Lillard/MKG/Barnes at 5 and Fab at 18 and try to move Martin if they wish.

I’d rather do that than trade for Dwight anyway.  He doesn’t want to be in Houston.

[machu46Participant]

 I think the Rockets will move up to 5 and hang on to the 18.  Take Lillard/MKG/Barnes at 5 and Fab at 18 and try to move Martin if they wish.

I’d rather do that than trade for Dwight anyway.  He doesn’t want to be in Houston.

[Beard13Participant]

keep em; best possible scneario is you could be drafting 3 starters

[Beard13Participant]

keep em; best possible scneario is you could be drafting 3 starters

[Tongue-Out-Like-23Participant]

It’s quite simple, it’s a very deep draft and we’ve got the 12th, 16th, and 18th picks.  

If we don’t get Dwight, we still have those three picks and possibly a higher pick if Toronto makes a move for Kyle Lowry.  So we’re pretty much loaded with picks in a deep draft, not a bad consolation prize if you ask me.

[220Participant]

That is certainly likely, it’s just a change from what was being said a few weeks ago that Houston doesn’t want too many rookies since they already have a lot of young guys currently. I was just wondering if there was a known back up plan if getting Dwight doesn’t happen. If they’re looking to trade those picks they likely won’t be worth as much once the draft has taken place.

[220Participant]

That is certainly likely, it’s just a change from what was being said a few weeks ago that Houston doesn’t want too many rookies since they already have a lot of young guys currently. I was just wondering if there was a known back up plan if getting Dwight doesn’t happen. If they’re looking to trade those picks they likely won’t be worth as much once the draft has taken place.

[Tongue-Out-Like-23Participant]

It’s quite simple, it’s a very deep draft and we’ve got the 12th, 16th, and 18th picks.  

If we don’t get Dwight, we still have those three picks and possibly a higher pick if Toronto makes a move for Kyle Lowry.  So we’re pretty much loaded with picks in a deep draft, not a bad consolation prize if you ask me.

[HaleParticipant]

Houston is definitely in the most interesting position come draft night. I’m really curious what they will do with all of those picks.

[HaleParticipant]

Houston is definitely in the most interesting position come draft night. I’m really curious what they will do with all of those picks.

[HotSnotParticipant]

If there was ever a draft to "rebuild" with picks in the 10-20 range… this is it.  Sophmore players like Sullinger and Perry Jones who would have been 5-7 picks last year are projected in the 15-20 range this year.  Thats tremendous value.  Houston could build a heck of a starting five.  Granted, it make take a few years to develop behind established starters but the potential is there.  Houston also still has Patrick Patterson who is looking to come back healthy after an injury riddle 11-12 season. 

Worse case Houston keeps the picks, perhaps evening grabbing Tor’s 8th for Lowry and stacks up with high upside rookies on cheap contracts.  If one pans out as a "star" and the other 2-3 turn out to be good starters, that ain’t bad at all.  Not to mention these rookies may still be traded in later deals.  No need to pull the trigger on draft night or even this offseason.  Houston has always struggled to lure big name free agents anyways.

[HotSnotParticipant]

If there was ever a draft to "rebuild" with picks in the 10-20 range… this is it.  Sophmore players like Sullinger and Perry Jones who would have been 5-7 picks last year are projected in the 15-20 range this year.  Thats tremendous value.  Houston could build a heck of a starting five.  Granted, it make take a few years to develop behind established starters but the potential is there.  Houston also still has Patrick Patterson who is looking to come back healthy after an injury riddle 11-12 season. 

Worse case Houston keeps the picks, perhaps evening grabbing Tor’s 8th for Lowry and stacks up with high upside rookies on cheap contracts.  If one pans out as a "star" and the other 2-3 turn out to be good starters, that ain’t bad at all.  Not to mention these rookies may still be traded in later deals.  No need to pull the trigger on draft night or even this offseason.  Houston has always struggled to lure big name free agents anyways.

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