The New Guy

Patrick Patterson was selected by the Rockets with the last lottery pick in this year's draft. He is a big, tough power forward from Kentucky that should be able to earn some playing time sooner or later. The Rockets' brass keeps saying how well he fits into the Rockets' "locker room", meaning that his attitude is good and he works and plays well with others. Team chemistry is important of course, but why did they choose another player at what is probably their deepest position? Luis Scola, Jordan Hill and Chuck Hayes are already stacked up there.

The answer would seem to be that they are covering themselves in case Scola bolts in free agency, but Daryl Morey has stated categorically that Luis will be back. Perhaps the team has decided that the Knicks were right about Hill when they traded him halfway through his rookie season. Maybe Rick Adelman wants to use just Yao at center and back him up with Scola and Hayes. That would leave more time for Patterson, but put David Andersen on the bench. Then again, some coaches and GM's say that you just can't have too much talent at the big positions.

All of that assumes that Morey is jockeying to put together a team with the players at hand. The true story may come next Thursday when the free agent marketplace opens its doors. That's the real story of the coming season and may well determine the next champion.

It's time

I've missed this blog, but the way the team ended last season was frankly a little depressing, so I had to take some time off for the playoffs. But now draft time is upon us, so it's time to ramp up the site again. Let's talk BBall!

What should the Rockets do with the 14th pick? It's a pretty deep draft, so what would normally be a mediocre first round pick may end up being someone with enough talent to not just make a roster, but make a difference. But at number 14, that's hardly a given, just a possibility. There may even be a player or two that could fill a need.

So what are the Rockets' needs? Backup center heads the list. Yao may not be back to full strength for some time. There's not even a guarantee that he will be back at all, but indications are that he will be in camp ready to play at least part time. That leaves 25 minutes per game or more for a capable backup. Luis Scola filled the gaps admirably last year, but he is not a true center. David Andersen is a likeable journeyman, but will never be a star. They need another big man.

I'm not a huge fan of Kevin Martin. The team made its mark on the league last season by playing determined, gritty defense, at least up until "the trade." When Kevin came to town, his lack of defensive intensity seemed to make the other players surrender. Maybe that's too harsh, but that's just how it seemed to me. I wouldn't mind seeing Martin traded. The team could use another scoring guard.

The point is adequately manned with Aaron Brooks and Kyle Lowry. Power forward Luis Scola is a strength of the team. The combination of Battier/Ariza creates a defensive small forward that can shut down opponent's scoring forwards. If Yao is healthy, center is obviously under control. Projects Chase Budinger and Jordan Hill are still unknown factors that may prove to be fine investments in the future. So as I see it, the Rockets need to add a big and an SG.

All that said, none of it will happen, probably. This year is one giant wild card awaiting July 1 when almost all of the biggest names in the league will be free agents and can negotiate with other teams. The Rockets hope to be players in that arena. If so, the team will be shaken up in a huge way. It is likely that no one will be untouchable and whoever they draft will be an afterthought. OK, Daryl. Line 'em up and knock 'em down. I'm ready for changes.