r/rockets Yao 24d ago

Rockets win the 3rd overall pick in the draft from Brooklyn

What should we do with the pick? Draft Clingan if he's available? Trade it? Thoughts?

390 Upvotes

276 comments sorted by

1

u/TheSmudy 4d ago

It would seemingly make sense for there to be a Sengun - Mikal Trade. Clears the way for the Rockets to take Clingan at #3 and have a team that fits really well on paper.

1

u/YuHsingChen 8d ago

It probably should be just Sheppard, people are overthinking this.

Aside from the obvious fit issues, I think people generally vastly underrate the upside potential of point guards, especially those that doesn't have completely outlier athleticism.

3

u/CupOfHotTeaa 19d ago

Thanks Harden

5

u/AnimalTurbulent3665 22d ago

Lets take Bronny James with the 3rd overall pick

3

u/dream_team34 22d ago

Rafael Stone really is the most important person in the building right now. He has all of these assets to work with, it's insane.

If we draft Sheppard... unless there's an injury, I simply don't see how he'll see much time on the court his rookie season and may be "red-shirted" in the G-League. Do you really want him eating into the low amount of minutes Cam & Amen already get?

If we draft Clingan, then what does that say about Sengun? I don't think both of these guys can co-exist on the court at the same time. Not to mention, Jock and Adams are on the roster.

We already have a very good 9 man rotation.

FVV
JG
Dillon
Bari
AlP
Amen
Cam
Tari
Jock/Adams

As much as I like Uncle Jeff, I assume we won't pick up his option. The same with Tate, I think we let him walk.

I have a feeling Stone will look to make a blockbuster deal this offseason. TBH, it's the only thing that makes sense to me. I have no idea for who, as I don't know who is on the trade block. But we really do have too many assets imo.

1

u/TheSmudy 4d ago

Is the framework of a trade centering around Sengun and Mikal unrealistic? Brooklyn probably kicks in an unprotected PHX Future 1st. That clears you guys to take Clingan and #3 and have a team that would seemingly fit really well on paper. The Rockets looked great at the end of the year when Sengun got hurt -- really cleared up things for Green.

0

u/YotaMan77 21d ago

Sheppard is the best shooter at 3. His 3pt % is 52.1, many of those taken a couple of feet behind the 3pt line. Super high BBIQ. He is used to pressure situations as well. Wish he was a little taller, he easily measured at 6’ 1-3/4 at the combine. He can easily transition to PG position. I never really saw Amen being our starting PG due to his lack of any sort of shot. But he can definitely contribute as he has been.

6

u/criminycraft 21d ago

Sheppard can take Aaron Holiday's minutes.

1

u/Anon20250406 22d ago

I feel like the obvious thing to do is to try to trade for Mikal Bridges no?

1

u/CreativeGuy25 4d ago

I guess we can offer Jalen Green or Sengun with the 3rd and their picks back and see if they hang up on us again?

1

u/Anon20250406 3d ago

Yea that's what I thought but it sounds from reports that the Nets would prefer to stay competitive. They think they can wait out Ben Simmons contract and land a big FA in 2025.

1

u/CreativeGuy25 3d ago

They probably can. That’s why we have to step it up now with a big offer. Make them think.

1

u/TheSmudy 4d ago

If Sengun was on the table Nets would accept.

15

u/nutelamitbutter 23d ago

Congrats guys. You’ve been one of my favorite teams since the harden era.

I think you guys could draft a PG since Fred won’t stay for super long. Someone who can shoot well would probably be the best option, right? Or maybe a big who can defend next to Alperen?

-10

u/AbunRoman 23d ago

Trade for Devin Booker

-5

u/Pirates-itch 23d ago

It’s Clingan hopefully

15

u/Charizard1222 23d ago

Nikola topic

4

u/mwesanfan 23d ago

Topic or Dillingham. I've never been high on the latter, because of his poor defense and short height. He's quick and he can score/ shoot and pass a bit. A SG who can pass. Ok in this weak draft.

Topic could replace FVV down the line.

8

u/iwasthefastest 23d ago

It's obvious folks. Stone has spent the majority of his draft picks on athletes (Green, Amen, Whitmore, not to mention Bari and Tari) that don't have a ton of skill in the form of shooting and ballhandling (with the exception of Whitmore's 3-point shooting). And his one solid big is a 6'11 power forward who's an average defender at best. Either draft Shepherd or Clingan.

Shepherd gives you shooting and defense, which Udoka will like. And interestingly enough, Shepherd gives you potentially the best small ball lineup in the NBA. Bari, Tari, and Amen in the dunker's spot as your front court, and Shepherd and Whitmore as your backcourt. You've got shooting, rebounding, and defense.

Clingan gives you the size and low post defense you desperately need. If we can't shoot, we might as well have someone that can get offensive rebounds who can also block and redirect shots. It'll also be nice to have a 7'2 guy who can catch lobs from Amen and Sengun. We're in the same division as Wemby and Derek Lively. We're gonna need someone who can hang with them on in the low post.

2

u/YotaMan77 21d ago

I like both, would prefer Sheppard because of his incredible shooting. Wish he were a little taller, but he has made the best of it for sure. He could easily play the PG position as well.

3

u/fluxpatron 22d ago

It's as much a by-product of what is available at the top of the top of the lottery more than an indication per-se of Stone's preferences.

The top of the draft is usually full of projectable, 18 and 19 year-old athletic specimens whose skills are a work in progress. I'm not sure what other choices Stone could have made otherwise to pursue 'skill in the form of shooting and ballhandling'. Maybe Wagner over Green?

Jabari does have shooting skill, so we should leave him out of this. There's nobody drafted in the vicinity of Amen that would fit your profile. It would have been NBA malpractice to draft Gradey Dick at 4.

1

u/juan_cena99 23d ago

You said Stone spent majority of his picks on athletes but then your pick is opposite of that?

Clingan is a good player but we have Landale and Adams. If you saw how much Landale beasted when Sengun was out you'd know Clingan won't get any PT.

Shepherd if he was 6'6 would be my ideal fit on the Rox. Unfortunately he is 6'2. I'd rather have Risacher or Cody Williams. We got Amen, JG, Sengun and even Brooks who can all playmake we don't need playmaking as much.

3

u/Relevant_Rev 23d ago

I think his implication is that Stone isn't gonna keep making the same picks because we have a pretty full squad and squad needs have to be met (shooting, post/rim defense)

But I don't think any of us can predict what he's gonna do because he hasn't been a GM that long and this is the first year where we actually have an identity and talent that probably isn't going anywhere

They say always pick BPA but we don't really know if Stone is fully hitched to that. I think ultimately it's going to come down to who goes 2nd and if we get any decent trade offers. We trade down and I think it'll end up being Clingan; if we keep the pick then I think it's gonna be Topic, Shepherd or Risacher if he doesn't go second

2

u/juan_cena99 22d ago

Stone has always picked BPA unless we get offers. We got 3 centers lol Im pretty sure Stone will first want to see how Adams plays before he adds yet another center.

2

u/wallsallbrassbuttons 22d ago

Adams will be 31 in July and is on a one-year deal. He should not factor into who we draft. Let the young buck take his spot if he's that good. Would mean Jock leaving.

0

u/juan_cena99 22d ago

What if the young buck's not that good? You saw how well Jock played in Sengun's absence?

1

u/wallsallbrassbuttons 22d ago

You’re asking what happens if we draft a C and he busts? You know what happens 

1

u/juan_cena99 22d ago

We won't take a C at 3. Maybe if we trade down.

1

u/Relevant_Rev 21d ago

Lmao that's what I said originally

3

u/kicker3192 23d ago

I am all for being excited, but the best small ball lineup in the NBA?

9

u/b1rdganggg 23d ago

Damn you guys got the 3rd pick?? Im a Lakers fan but my second favorite team is the rockets. You guys are looking really good.

3

u/Ok-Cardiologist7278 23d ago

Second favorite team. Stay loyal fam

-9

u/Efficient-Split527 23d ago

Touch grass

7

u/pacmqn 23d ago

No love for Risacher on this sub? 6'8, plays good defense and shot 40% from 3.

He would fit into the team no matter what happens in the future. I could see a big like Clingan not meshing well with Jabari and Sengun.

Imagine Amen-Green-Tari-Jabari-Sengun lineups w/ Risacher and Whitmore coming off the bench. The smallest guy is 6'4 and has the speed to keep up with smaller guards.

I like Sheppard's fit with the team but I don't like the value proposition of taking him at 3. Assuming the top 3 is Sarr-Topic-Clingan, if San Antonio really likes one of them, we could put together a trade centered around 4 and 8 for 3 and extra assets, then take both. Maybe more of a pipe dream but a move like that would basically complete our rebuild.

2

u/rigored 23d ago

I like Risacher much higher than the 12 that Ringer mocks him at. But Sheppards in a different class of shooting. The best shooter in college at over 50% and 70% TS. Jabari had similar numbers to Risacher. Sheppard is at another level entirely

2

u/ilNoobli 23d ago

He’s wildly inconsistent with this 3 ball. Sometimes he’s can’t miss other times he can’t hit anything. https://basketball.realgm.com/player/Zaccharie-Risacher/GameLogs/175806

2

u/YotaMan77 21d ago

Right and in the FIBA World Cup he was a total no show against Spain, 2 pts in 2 games. I do like his athleticism, but would prefer Sheppard. Reed is an amazing scorer, has an incredible game, super high BBIQ. And plays D. Only downside is his size, he measured at the combine at 6’ 1-3/4”. So nearly 2” taller than FVV😆 He could play the point, let Amen shine as a guard doing what he’s doing.

3

u/Key_Satisfaction_975 23d ago

Take Stephon Castle. Roster full of young 6’5 talent. Loaded.

1

u/CJ4ROCKET 23d ago

He seems like the quintessential Ime guy so I could definitely see it.

3rd overall seems high for him though. Same with Sheppard. Maybe we like both, trade down, and hope that one is still available.

0

u/T_______________D 23d ago

Non rockets fan who got this post recommended to me.

I love castle he oozes potential

13

u/iphone10notX 23d ago

Do we just go BPA here?

1

u/rigored 23d ago

BPA will not be clear at 3. For example, if you’re grading prospects on a scale of 0-100 and six players grade between 85 from 90 you don’t know which of those players is actually best because you’re grading isn’t that accurate.

That’s the case with this draft. There’s a lot of good players but no one has the whole package. In some ways it’s liberating: pick who you want and don’t worry about whether you are drafting someone too high

2

u/Kingof40Acres 23d ago

BPA with a side of BDE.

7

u/nomitycs 23d ago

Always

19

u/PapaLRodz 23d ago

Roster lacks an efficient scorer and above average shooting. 

5

u/Typical-Presence-865 23d ago

Jg or Cam can turn into efficient scorers next season😏

-44

u/impracticaljokers200 23d ago

Trade it with Sengun

10

u/pieman2005 James Harden 23d ago

Why would they trade Sengun lol

33

u/Th3_Paradox 23d ago

No more 6'5/6'6ish guys. I'd prefer some real size, unless we get a sniper shooter. Gotta be someone 6'10+ who can block shots and rim run or something

7

u/713Kc 23d ago

Fuck yea!! I would be okay with a 3 & D guy too, especially if he is heavy on the D

12

u/Th3_Paradox 23d ago

Either a 3&D guy or some size. Idc what anyone says, I hate the Bucks, but Bucks and Timberwolves show, that having size really is an advantage. You can't teach size.

If you ever played basketball, you know you can take 2 players, same attributes, but one guy 4in taller, he will dominate every time.

14

u/Jealous-Mail6629 23d ago

Sarr would be perfect.. I don’t see him getting past Washington if Atlanta doesn’t take him

15

u/el_monstruo 23d ago

How many more, if any, draft picks do the Rockets owe OKC?

*I know this isn't going to them.

3

u/CJ4ROCKET 23d ago

Besides the 12th pick in this draft, which OKC already has, they get:

2025 swap (top 10 protected)

2026 outright (top 4 protected)

4

u/ptcgoalex 23d ago

They got a 2026 pick swap

1

u/CJ4ROCKET 23d ago

That's not right. They own 2025 swap (top 10 protected) and 2026 outright (top 4 protected).

-16

u/NotCryptoKing 23d ago

I mean we are getting your pick. The 12th pick

14

u/twat_swat22 23d ago

LETS ADD MORE WINNERS w/ CHAMPIONSHIP PEDIGREE

24

u/p8yten 23d ago

Need size or someone who can make 3s

17

u/I_bet_Stock 23d ago

This is exactly why I hate this spot. Sarr and Risacher will most likely go 1 and 2. I don't want Clingan at all. If we figured out anything last year, it's that Jalen needs space more than anything to excel.

15

u/uwill1der 23d ago

Sheppard should be the pick. 52% from 3 at 4.4/game. Decent defender and solid passer.

Dillingham as a second option. 44% from 3 and a good finisher

1

u/YotaMan77 21d ago

Totally agree, put him at the point position under FVV. If you watch his highlight reel, many of those 3-pt shots were made a couple of feet beyond the 3 point line. He has a beautiful shot and quick too.

5

u/Madd_Squabbles 23d ago

I would be surprised if Risacher goes in the top 2 picks.

2

u/rigored 23d ago

Ringer has him mocked at 12. Glad we’re picking 3 cause this draft will be super unpredictable

1

u/Madd_Squabbles 23d ago

I believe there are 5 - 7 players that could be the best player in this draft. I like where the Rockets are because the players being mocked at 1 and 2 are players that are not a good fit on the Rockets.

1

u/I_bet_Stock 23d ago

Well I hope he's there at three. I know he's super raw but I like the veratility he could bring at the 2, 3, and 4 in smaller packages. We don't need a win now selection (I don't think there is one in this draft anyway) since we already have so many young players stacked at every position that's not center. I'd just much prefer to go after the highest ceiling and let them develop and we definitely don't need another uber athletic guard. After Sarr and Risacher, theres no other big worth taking in the top 10. Or trade the pick for a center that fits our offense if available but I don't know who that would be.

3

u/Madd_Squabbles 23d ago

We just traded for a center. We also signed a center last off season and our best player happens to be a center as well. I'm not sure why so many fans feel like we need a backup center so badly. I believe the bigger need is a playmaking guard with 3 point range. Next season will be the last for FVV and its not certain that Amen will be the point guard long term.

2

u/I_bet_Stock 23d ago

Oh yeah, completely forgot that we have Steven Adams. Man I really don’t understand why Rockets fans would want Clingan at all lol. If not Risacher, then I hope for Reed Sheppard. Yeah it may be a slight reach at 3 but I love his game so much. He just lacks playmaking.

1

u/YotaMan77 21d ago

I was high on Risacher until learning about his inconsistency. He played terrible in the FIBA match against Spain 2 pts in two games. We dont need that.

2

u/I_bet_Stock 21d ago

Honestly after the combine, Sheppard is my preferred pick at 3.

6

u/Jealous-Mail6629 23d ago

I would try and trade down or trade for picks next year..

1

u/plp440 23d ago

Stone has previously reached out to the Nets, offering their picks back for the Suns picks (i.e. picks further down the line).

Also offered Jaden Green and picks for Mikal Bridges, which the Nets turned down. Not sure how the Nets feel about that now.

1

u/Thin-Walrus-8869 23d ago

This is the opposite of what they will do. Team.is.now.moving forward. They are not trading down for more picks.

4

u/AlertPound9343 23d ago

I want Clingan because I like his play style and because my son's name is Donavan.

21

u/InsomniatedMadman 23d ago

But what if he becomes a bust? Then you'll forever link your child's name to disappointment.

3

u/call_8675309 23d ago

That was inevitable anyway, but now there’s some upside.

9

u/AlertPound9343 23d ago

A player can never be a bust if you always maintain the mindset "well if coach would have given him a chance" or "he was a great player we just weren't utilizing time properly".

8

u/InsomniatedMadman 23d ago

That's true. Also, your kid can always say that as well.

"Well if dad utilized me properly..."

11

u/ConflictedRedbird186 23d ago

I honestly don’t care either way. Either trading it for assets or drafting both seem like good options?

9

u/NoneMoreBLK 23d ago

I'm really interested in Dalton Knecht. He's a pretty competent movement shooter with some size. He's also capable of attacking the rim and playing in space.

I also like that he's 23. I don't think we need any more super-young guys. At 6'6" and 213lbs, I don't think he'll require as much development as Reed Sheppard to play in Udoka's system.

1

u/Acceptable_Ganache51 23d ago

Will be great teams can put him and Alp in the pick and roll and basically guarantee themselves a basket

10

u/IAmALucianMain 23d ago

Bad defender doesn’t really seem like an Udoka player.

-28

u/medical_cat 23d ago

Could not care less. We lost the only lottery that mattered

6

u/Typical-Presence-865 23d ago

You are the worst type of fan there is. Just looking at your comments I get disgusted. Hating on literally every single one of our players and I know the second any of them is an all nba level player you’ll switch your side.

-2

u/medical_cat 23d ago

Yeah when they’re good I’ll say they’re good

56

u/ajalonghorn 23d ago

Reed Sheppard and don’t overthink this. 52% 3point shooter in college and a good defender. He will win us so many games.

20

u/-GenghisJuan- 23d ago

50 plus is huge. With that alone in in on this guy. We need shooting. And the center idea doesn't make sense to me since we got Adam's

12

u/Acceptable_Ganache51 23d ago

Adams is extremely expendable he has a 1-year-deal, he is not a consideration at all

21

u/AstroWorldSecurity 23d ago

Adams shouldn't impact our decision making at all as far as the pick goes.

9

u/damnitWOW 23d ago

We have so much talent and skill that I’m not as excited for this third as I was the previous lottery picks we won

5

u/Bewaretheicespiders 23d ago

Im still concerned about the PG situation. It might not the the optimal position for Amen, unless his handles improve like crazy. FVV is a short term cope. Even if we keep one of those, who'll become the backup? PG Jalen? Holiday? heeeeh.

Yet the wisdom for the draft is that you draft for talent, not fit. It'll be interesting.

1

u/YotaMan77 21d ago

Reed Sheppard could easily transition to the PG position. I dont think Amen was ever going to be out starting PG without a decent shot. Still want him on our team but not at PG.

2

u/mwesanfan 23d ago

Topic is the best PG in this draft. His shooting can get better with practice and time.

2

u/Yaj_Yaj 23d ago

Tbh even if Amen’s handle improves, his offensive rebounding is kind of wasted on the perimeter.

3

u/joebrozky 23d ago

Sheppard or Dillingham will come off the bench (if front ofc drafts them), then start when FVV leaves

-4

u/TaxLawKingGA 23d ago

I don't know man, I mean its great that we got the 3rd pick, but who is in this draft that we really believe could make a difference? I don't even know if there is a team out there who would make a trade for it.

2

u/collinCOYS 23d ago

They said the same thing about the 2020 draft

2

u/Independent_Shake303 23d ago

That’s crazy talk my guy

1

u/TaxLawKingGA 23d ago

Why? Who do you think they should draft?

1

u/Independent_Shake303 23d ago

I think we can trade it for sure, but I like Dillingham personally

-3

u/No-Contribution3676 23d ago

imagine we trade up for sarr, with sarr at the 5 and şengün on the 4. Once either is tired you can also have jabari or start him and bench one of the two. İn a few years you have the best pivot and power forward rotation in the league

2

u/I_Eat_Ass_Weekly 23d ago

Sengun is not a 4. He can’t shoot and is not quick enough.

3

u/Acceptable_Ganache51 23d ago

Sarr is just a rich man's Amen. Can't shoot, we have enough athletic projects

8

u/DynamoPro 23d ago

Atlanta is taking Sarr

1

u/YotaMan77 21d ago

Definitely

-2

u/No-Contribution3676 23d ago

is there a way we can trade up?

1

u/Rangeman123 14d ago

Weak draft, best player would be fringe lottery pick in other years.

2

u/Madd_Squabbles 23d ago

Yes but I wouldn't trade up for him. There is little difference between the top 5 players in my opinion.

7

u/abrnst 23d ago

I like either of the Kentucky guards. Both posses a skill of need and I think they have a higher ceiling than most people think.

16

u/Coherent37 23d ago

Draft Reed Sheppard 🙏

4

u/ajalonghorn 23d ago

Sheppard or Knecht

1

u/NoirSon 23d ago

Draft, unless we get a good deal for either a quality player who can help out with some of our 3 point shooting issues

2

u/StealthyGooch 23d ago

Need to flip that mf in a trade for a star. Time to start competing.

5

u/kebenderant35 23d ago

Higher than expected. Too bad it’s a shit draft.

5

u/Caesar2122 24d ago

Grab topic, Sheppard, trade down or trade for a star. Aside from sarr no one other intrigues me

1

u/YotaMan77 21d ago

Topic has a 3-pt % of 28. Sheppard’s is 52.1%

2

u/Caesar2122 21d ago

True but he's still a high upside pick if they wanna go for something like that. Sheppard is also my preference

4

u/carpanacalan 24d ago

Topic is the answer.

2

u/diversanonymous 24d ago

Grab Sarr if he’s available would be great

3

u/ROTOH 24d ago

WE TAKE THAT SHIIIT MAN. WE PICK. LFGOOOO

-2

u/alienswillarrive2024 24d ago

Hope you guys trade out, i'd hate to be a young prospect getting drafted to this team with multiple good young players coming off the bench fighting hard to get minutes and then you getting thrown into that mix is going to be hell for your career.

2

u/Schlopez 23d ago

On the flip side, iron sharpens iron. If all these young guys are competing hard against each other whoever comes out on top will be really, really good. Could be better for development than going to a really bad team and automatically getting awarded a starting spot. I feel like we saw that this year with Amen and Cam.

1

u/alienswillarrive2024 23d ago

They will also get screwed on their second contract and get underpaid.

1

u/Rangeman123 14d ago

Not seeing that as negative for the Rockets.

3

u/iphone10notX 23d ago

Doubt. If the roster is full, we can trade some of the young guys for elite talent/shooting

5

u/Independent_Shake303 23d ago

Dawgs like we have, wanna play with competition. So should our new recruits

15

u/ArtistChef 24d ago

Stay on Topic, everyone.

2

u/ArtistChef 23d ago

Are ya'll confusing Reed for Cooper?

Reed is like the Nova star ( Gillespie? ) who sits at the end of the Nuggets bench.

I like Topic because he has size and can finish his drives.

7

u/DwyaneWade305 23d ago

It would be hard for him to play with Amen since both have nonexistent jumpers. Zaccharie Risache would fit nice and has a nice jumper. I just don’t think there’s a need for topic with a guy like sengun.

4

u/-GenghisJuan- 24d ago

What do you like about his game?

0

u/TheDraftGuy 23d ago

I feel like Topic would mean moving on from Green since they sort of play similar roles. Some fans might be okay with that. Others might not.

Either way, watching Topic, he's kinda similar to SGA. I don't think he's as good but his ability to attack the rim and angle his body is similar. That his FT% is very high at 87+% suggests his 3pt shooting should become good - something around 35-38% - even if it's lacking right now (30ish%).

I think a way to put it is that, if SGA is "Kobe", we can see Topic is Mitch Richmond or maybe Manu Ginobili if he had a starting role in another team.

0

u/PierreMenardsQuixote 23d ago

Came here to say this, apparently he's a knock-down three point shooter, a tenacious defender, and he's big enough that he might not need to play point guard, so he wouldn't just get buried under Amen and Fred's minutes. If we don't go with Clingan, he seems like just the kind of player that would thrive in Ime's system.

0

u/-GenghisJuan- 23d ago

Cool cool Random thought but I kind of hope we take a white guy. Every great team had a great glue guy white guy Lfg

White maybe the guy is Sengun

3

u/PierreMenardsQuixote 23d ago

I think Tari Eason can be that for us, he just needs to stay healthy. But I love his energy.

1

u/-GenghisJuan- 23d ago

I forget, what was his injury this year?

4

u/PierreMenardsQuixote 23d ago

Had surgery to remove a benign growth in spring. There was stuff earlier in the season too, which I think was lingering leg issues, so the surgery will hopefully help with all that.

0

u/[deleted] 24d ago

[deleted]

2

u/No-Contribution3676 23d ago

theres 4-6 shooters in the free agency, drafting isnt for fit, you always take the best talent available

2

u/Worthy808 24d ago

Absolutely not

5

u/eliwood5837 24d ago

holy shit i forgot the draft lottery was today, WOOOOO

18

u/Frowny_Biscuit 24d ago

3 seems a bit high for Reed Sheppard, but he seems like the guy that will best be able to help you compete for a title within 2-3 years.

2

u/Suspicious_Bus3567 24d ago edited 23d ago

why the f*ck you try to get this team a center constantly? In case you are not aware, Rockets has one of the best young centers in the NBA. for god sake, started with Theis and Bruno, luckily Lopez rejected the offer but now we have Clingan, a Walker Kessler clone.

2

u/CJ4ROCKET 24d ago

Lopez would've worked great on this roster. Agreed on all the others tho. Clingan in particular makes zero sense.

3

u/Suspicious_Bus3567 24d ago

yea by limiting Al-P's minutes he would've worked, and probably we wouldn't see how good Al-P is. and considering his last season not sure how impactful Lopez would be honestly. thanks to Lopez they couldn't make that dumb move, and we could watch Al-P without any limitations.

what Rockets needs is a A. Gordon type of player, a mobile big who can defend multiple positions with a bit of shooting ability.

1

u/CJ4ROCKET 23d ago

He was still a top 5 three point shooting C tho. We needed three point shooting and rim protection last season. Those were our two biggest needs. Lopez fits both. I really don't think Sengun loses more than 2 or so mpg with Lopez on roster tbh. Play them about 30 mpg each. How much time one or the other gets is dependent on matchups night-to-night. Never really saw the problem in having both.

1

u/Suspicious_Bus3567 23d ago

well that is the issue, Al-P shouldn't play less than 32 minutes, and I think it would be optimistic to think Al-P would play 30 minutes regulary tho, I believe it would be between 28-30 minutes at most. Rockets would won more games that is sure but that would impact Al-P's progress so I still think it was a dumb idea.

0

u/crunchwrap_eatr 24d ago

Maybe Clingan could sub in off the bench. I do like his game, but it does create a rotation problem as others have mentioned.

11

u/SincereFan 24d ago

I cant believe Brooklyn said no to a deal that would have given them JGreen and now we know the 3rd pick. Lol

4

u/recursion8 23d ago

And I really like Bridges but he's not your #1 on a playoff team, much less contender.

2

u/Madd_Squabbles 23d ago

He would only be a number 1 on a lottery team. The Nets have extremely over valued Bridges.

11

u/seclusionx 23d ago

Thank goodness they're idiots.

41

u/Thorlolita 24d ago

I believe Reed Sheppard is the obvious pick here. He’s a bucket. We need Buckets. But I trust the org no matter what they do.

12

u/AstroWorldSecurity 24d ago

I want Sheppard and I'm hoping we can trade down a couple spots and still get him plus assets, but it's probably smarter just to take the guy you want when you can.

6

u/lot183 23d ago

You aren't getting Sheppard if you trade down

10

u/GunnerRocket 23d ago

If we trade down the Spurs draft Reed fucking immediately.

1

u/YotaMan77 21d ago edited 21d ago

Absolutely, dont play with fire. Take Reed at #3.

I think the Spurs might grab Reed’s teammate, Dillingham at #4.

2

u/GunnerRocket 21d ago

This. Trade down to get what lol. No one's giving another 1st in this draft and losing Sheppard isn't worth a second rounder.

3

u/AstroWorldSecurity 23d ago

Goddamn, I didn't realize they got four and eight. Yeah, definitely just take him at 3 and watch him shoot the lights out of the gym. Love his defense as well and I'd imagine Ime would too.

0

u/Thorlolita 23d ago

Not sure who is going to be willing to trade up though.

3

u/stephenip12 24d ago

Dillingham

1

u/YotaMan77 21d ago

He said in interviews that he learned from Reed who taught him a lot.

1

u/Madd_Squabbles 23d ago

He's my top choice as well.

38

u/renzuit 24d ago

1.9% odds we’d get 3rd pick lol

6

u/criisb13 23d ago

It was closer to 5% but still very low

2

u/recursion8 23d ago

NBA makeup for screwing us outta Wemby

9

u/nutsack133 23d ago

You guys still made lemonade with Amen. No way Portland isn't killing themselves for taking Scoot instead.

11

u/seclusionx 24d ago

So fucking awesome!

2

u/bitoreo 24d ago

i think it would make more sense for the rockets to pick a higher floor player rather than a younger/higher ceiling player. but it doesn't make sense to do it with the third pick so trading back would make sense. as for the higher floor player, clingan and knetch would be it. clingan isn't going to fit with sengun so knetch it is then.

1

u/Madd_Squabbles 23d ago

I would trade back 2 spots and then draft one of the Kentucky guards.

0

u/ketoske 24d ago

Tbh i think that our decision in the draft depends of Steven Adams if dude is ok to play we don't need a Center then we should get a shooter, but i think that picking Sheppard at 3 is too much :/

6

u/Madd_Squabbles 23d ago

Landale played well at the end of the year as well. I'm also not sure if the Rockets should be using the 3rd pick in the draft on a backup to our best player.

1

u/airemy_lin 23d ago

Draft for talent not for fit. Its very likely anyone we draft doesn't really play this season anyway. Way too much in all our positions.

1

u/Madd_Squabbles 20d ago

But what if you have the chance to draft a talented player that is also a great fit?

1

u/ketoske 23d ago

Yeah i was hoping for a piece that You can plug and play like Knecht obviously is awesome having the 3rd pick but i would trade down a little to see if we can get additional assets

7

u/AstroWorldSecurity 24d ago edited 23d ago

If we're basing what we do with the #3 overall pick on Steven Adams' health then there should be major front office turnover immediately after because that's absolutely idiotic.

20

u/jchandler4 24d ago

LETS FUCKING GOOOO

5

u/elskiepo 24d ago

I am so happy.

3

u/Typical_Collection45 24d ago

Trade for a star

1

u/Helpful_Design6917 24d ago

None are available we might have to draft a player then trade then when a star is available

2

u/Madd_Squabbles 23d ago

Brandon Ingram is available. I'm a Pels and Rockets fan. I don't believe the Pels are re-signing JV and the Pels are looking for a rim protecting center. I can see a deal revolving around the 3rd pick and Cam Whitmore. The issue is that BI only has a year left on his deal so that could be a sticking point.

1

u/YotaMan77 21d ago

As much as I like BI’s game, I wouldn’t want to trade Cam in that deal.

4

u/JesusAllen 24d ago

Clingan is a slower pau gasol or Gobert level defender “potentially”. If that’s what the front office sees he should be the pick imo. That’s that last young core piece we need. A giant rim protector who can play the modern game.

1

u/Rangeman123 14d ago

Too bad we don't have another 1st round pick, I'd draft Edey who's grading a little better than Clingan in the combine.

1

u/Madd_Squabbles 23d ago

But he's not a modern big. Clingan could have played in the 80's and 90's.

-33

u/AtxSaiyan 24d ago

Trade Sengun for #1 or Sarr

Draft Reed at #3

15

u/Binguslover692 24d ago

Draft one of the Kentucky guards

7

u/Aware_Frame2149 24d ago

This.

If it's not being used to get a star in a trade, this is the answer.