A wing player with size would be the perfect addition to the Rockets‘ current roster, Kelly Iko of The Athletic states in a mailbag column. He adds that the ideal player would be someone who can drive to the basket and create offense for himself and his teammates, pointing to San Antonio’s Keldon Johnson and Chicago’s DeMar DeRozan as examples, although they may not be obtainable.
Among realistic free agent targets, Iko names Nuggets shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Raptors swingman Bruce Brown. Both are veterans who can space the floor and fit into coach Ime Udoka’s defensive system, Iko writes. Brown dropped to 32.3% from three-point range this season after shooting 40.4% and 35.8% the previous two years, but Iko notes that Houston assistant coaches Royal Ivey and Tiago Splitter both worked with Brown in Brooklyn and may be able to help him regain his form. Iko contends Caldwell-Pope was worthy of an All-Defense nod this year.
Toronto holds a $23MM team option on Brown that has to be picked up by June 28, so there’s no guarantee he’ll be available in free agency. Caldwell-Pope has a $15.4MM player option with a June 29 deadline, and even if he tests the market, Denver figures to make a strong effort to retain one of the key members of its 2022/23 title team.
There’s more from the Southwest Division, all from Iko:
- UConn center Donovan Clingan has been listed as the Rockets‘ pick at No. 3 in several mock drafts, but Iko isn’t convinced that he’s the best choice. Even though Clingan is a potential defensive anchor with a soft touch around the basket, Iko questions his fit alongside Alperen Sengun because neither is a proven three-point shooter. Iko notes that Houston had a top-10 defense this season without a reliable shot blocker, and Udoka likes having defensive versatility so he can adapt to the opponent. Even with the addition of Steven Adams, Iko expects the Rockets to employ smaller lineups next season with Jabari Smith seeing time at center.
- According to Iko, the Spurs‘ perfect draft would include UConn guard Stephon Castle as No. 4 and a larger wing at No. 8, providing two more young talents to develop alongside Victor Wembanyama. Iko is concerned about Nikola Topic‘s latest ACL injury and says G League forward Matas Buzelis would be a much safer choice if he’s still on the board. Iko also likes Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard for San Antonio, but adds that an ideal situation would involve using the eighth and 35th picks to acquire a veteran guard like Dejounte Murray.
- Iko advises the Grizzlies to trade down rather than trying to solve their need for a center by taking a project like Indiana’s Kel’el Ware at No. 9. Iko compares Ware to Christian Wood and suggests that Duke’s Kyle Filipowski could be a better fit later in the draft. Iko also considers a pair of potential trade scenarios with the Trail Blazers to land Robert Williams or Malcolm Brogdon.
Claxton would be perfect in Memphis
Nets have made it clear that re-signing Clayton is a priority this offseason. While almost no one is untouchable, I’m not sure that the Grizz pick is enough to land Nic.
I’m convinced the Spurs take Castle and Salaun with their lotto picks
I think the Spurs take Castle…
I would prefer Dillingham and Salaun due to Rob’s shooting ability being so much better than Castle but think your picks would be a big win. Salaun such an athletic freak, he would plug nicely next to Wemby and their defense would be absurd.
Rockets are going to take Reed Sheppard with the 3rd pick
I don’t know that the Rockets will pick at #3. Here’s a deal I think may work:
To SA – #3, Tate, Londale, 2027 2nd
To HOU – #8, Johnson
If SA sees two targets they like in the top 5 and don’t think one of them will fall as far as 8th, they sacrifice a player that offers the Rockets the bigger wing they’re looking for to get their two guys. Tate and Londale didn’t see much court time with the Rockets last year, but both could bring a veteran presence or become offseason/trade deadline trade bate.
Hard pass as a Spurs fan. Spurs give up a key scoring option for 2 backups (one who they already let go) and don’t really upgrade their draft position. Spurs can get better players at #8 than both Tate and Londale without giving away Keldon to a team down the road.
Spurs stand pat at #4 and #8 and take Dillingham or Castle, then Salaun.
Rockets will do better. With a strong D center. Rim protection, rebounding, extra shots. Clingan doesn’t fit that to me. He’s a talent. I’d say top 10.
Rockets should be bold. And trade for the #1 pick. Take Sarr He’s perfect for them.
Like Jalen Green a lot.
Wish Knicks could trade for him.