The Rockets are currently the only team that doesn’t hold a pick in the 2020 NBA draft, but the club has been doing its homework on prospects from this year’s draft class. According to Darren Wolfson of 5 Eyewitness News (Twitter link), Zeke Nnaji and Daniel Oturu are among the prospects that Houston has either interviewed already or plans to interview.
Nnaji and Oturu are the 35th and 36th overall prospects on ESPN’s 2020 big board, so it’s possible that the Rockets are exploring the idea of trading into the second round — Wolfson suggests he wouldn’t be surprised if Daryl Morey contacts old friend Gersson Rosas, whose Timberwolves hold the No. 33 overall pick.
Still, the Rockets may very well just be doing their due diligence on the players entering the league this year so that there are no gaps in their scouting reports. Even if they don’t acquire a pick in this year’s draft, the Rockets will likely have an opportunity at some point down the road to trade for or sign players from the 2020 class, so it makes sense for the club to take advantage of its present opportunity to get to know some of those prospects.
Here’s more on the Rockets:
- Within his latest mailbag, Kelly Iko of The Athletic explores which Rockets players might be trade candidates this offseason and which free agents the club could realistically target.
- In a separate article for The Athletic, as part of his ongoing look at several of the candidates for the Rockets’ head coaching job, Kelly Iko evaluates the merits of a pair of assistants, Stephen Silas and Wes Unseld Jr. According to Mark Berman of FOX 26 Houston (via Twitter), Unseld’s previously-reported interview with the team has now taken place. Silas has reportedly met with the Rockets as well.
- In case you missed it, we also relayed earlier today that former Brooklyn coach Kenny Atkinson and Timberwolves assistant David Vanterpool have interviewed for the Rockets’ head coaching position.
I add one more note.
Ty Lue is likely to become Clippers coach. Kawhi strongly support him.
His future interview with Rockets will be cancelled.
Are the Clippers going to make him an offer he can’t refuse? Why else would he choose to go to a team that has blown 3-1 leads twice in the 2nd round over the past few seasons instead of going to a team with the longest active postseason streak in the NBA?
Because the Rockets have no chance at advancing to the finals? They’re in basketball hell. Good but not great, and not bad. Horrible contracts, selfish star in Harden who use to be amazing on D but now doesn’t care. Even Butler is still a great two way player after he became an offensive force.
If rockets and clippers had played that series would have been a toss up
Give Vanterpool his first shot it could flop or he could be like nick nurse ! Ty lue isn’t taking rockets to the wcf
Can GSW pair their trade exception with the 2nd pick plus Wiggins for Westbrook?
Jk.
Rockets are a rough scene. They should be trying to target a trade around Westbrook for Batum’s ridic contract in Charlotte.. or Horford?
Wouldnt Westbrook, Embiid, and Simmons with Doc be hilarious from afar?
Trade Westbrook for Wiggins and a 2nd round pick? That’s a tough question. If they did decide to trade him they would need to get a lot in return for one of the best players in the NBA. Probably two very good starters plus draft picks as well.
I am not taking Wiggins for Westbrook and Rockets 3 first round picks of 2022, 2028 and 2030.
Why?
Wiggins is 25 years old and Westbrook is 32
Westbrook stats are fake
And additional luxury tax payment is 53 million because Westbrook contract is overpaid by $128 million. IMO
IMO
Westbrook is only worth $100 million contract like Draymond Green (younger)
Oh boy! There are no fake stats in hoops… the only fake thing around is you sillivan!
Westbrook to Sixers is best for both teams. Rockets have no picks in draft. Actually Oruro and Nnaji are solid picks. Probably one of them is there early in 2nd rd. Sixers have 3 picks in 2nd rd (#34) n (#36) would be nice for Rockets. Azubuike a big C would be there. Could be next Drummond. Plus a rotation PF would be there. Rockets get :
Richardson, Horford and the two 2nd rd picks. Plus a future #1 pick. Rockets instantly get big. They have depth. And a solid C who can play small ball. Richardson can start with Harden. Plus they have picks this yr. and the future one. I do it.
Sixers keep their #1 pick this yr. Plus they add Westbrook. Only lose Richardson and Horford who is a bad mix. The picks probably most important thing they lose. But now with Westbrook can challenge the East. Westbrook at PG let’s Simmons go to F. So their front line Embiid, Simmons, Harris is as good as any. Westbrook can go back to his triple double ways. Probably need a shooters now. Especially at SG. They have ME to sign one. I’d do it.
Don’t see Lue going to Houston. He’d rather LA. Rockets should be looking at Brown or a new head coach. To me trading Westbrook now. Gets them back in on west contention.
Bad for bad, boom! Refresh.
If Elton Brand pulled that swifty…Doc would be like umm…bye…oh I hear Ty Lue is still available maybe give him a call.