Going into the draft I thought two perfect players that would fit in with our needs were Brandon Rush and Chris Douglas-Roberts. With Rush's stock taking off as the draft drew near, there was little chance of the Rockets getting him. When the Rockets pick rolled around with the selection of Nicolas Batum, I wasn't too disappointed.
After all he is a long athletic wingman in the mold of Rush and CDR. Obviously, the Rockets must have felt that there was something lacking in CDR's game. At the 25th pick, every player is considered a crapshoot. However, what transpired into the evening really made our draft.
In a three-way deal with the Grizzlies and the Trailblazers we managed to turn Batum into Donte Green and Joey Dorsey. This is how the deal went down:
Rockets select Nicolas Batum with the 25th pick
Trade Batum to the Trailblazers for Darrell Arthur and Joey Dorsey
Trade Arthur for Donte Green
Not only did the Rockets land the long athletic wingman needed, they also land a power forward who is ready to play today. I understand the Rockets have Luis Scola and Carl Landry, but Joey Dorsey is an absolute beast on the interior that brings the inside toughness we desperately need to compete for an NBA championship.
At best he could turn out to be like Ben Wallace, at worst he would be Chuck Hayes on steroids and HGH. Getting him was definitely a steal in my opinion. Donte Green may not be ready to contribute but at least he can shoot. At 19, he has the upside to develop into the type of player we need.
With solid coaching perhaps he can even contribute off the bench next season, but again, when picking so low, as long as guy has upside, there is no harm in making this type of trade. I'm definitely feeling good about what Daryl Morey has done with this team in just a couple of years.
Now if the Rockets big two could just stay healthy, I wouldn't have to be writing on just hopes and dreams, but instead the reality of contending for a championship.
Morey Magic: Rockets have another solid draft
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John Son about 1 year ago
Dorsey will likely take Mike Harris' roster spot, definitely an upgrade at the position. Meanwhile, I foresee the Rockets parting ways with Steve Novak. Obviously the guy can shoot, but he doesn't bring enough other skills to justify a role in the rotation. Greene can probably take Novak's spot on the roster. Dorsey is also good insurance in case the Rockets can't keep Landry, or if possible sign-and-trade opportunities open up.
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