NBA Draft 2012: 4 Priorities Going into June's Draft for Rockets

Heading into the 2012 NBA Draft, the Houston Rockets disappointingly find themselves outside the playoffs looking in.  The consolation of having a lottery pick is a small one at best, as Houston’s end-of-the-lottery pick will more than likely stay there. 

Despite the frustration, Houston was a few injuries and untimely losing streaks away from cracking the top eight in the Western Conference for the first time since Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming led the team to the
poststeason. 

All disappointment and teeth-gnashing aside, Houston is not far from being team that could not only make the playoffs, but make some noise.  The following four things should top the Rockets’ priority list heading into the draft.

Find a Leader

A quick perusal of Houston’s depth chart reveals a wealth of valuable complimentary pieces, but no true cornerstones.  It’s an interesting byproduct of the “Big Three” roster blueprint of two or three megastars and a bunch of scrubs. 

Having a team void of one main superstar to key on has its advantages, but regardless of roster depth, Houston needs to anoint a bona fide leader.  It’s unlikely that Houston’s team leader will be a rookie chosen in the early teens of the draft, and it’s unlikely that a top-20 player will be coming to Houston before the draft unless some form of the Gasol-to-Houston trade is miraculously resurrected. 

This means Houston’s future leader is most likely already on the roster.  Should head coach Kevin McHale formally choose the leader by naming him team captain, or should the Houston brass wait for someone to step forward and grab the brass ring? 

Either way, Houston needs to decide who their floor general truly is. 

Find an Identity

Along the same lines of lacking a true leader, the Rockets seem to be void of a true identity. 

They have a great collection of talent, but do they really have a calling card?  What is it that Houston can hang their hat on?  What do they know they will do better than their opponent on a consistent basis? 

The Rockets need to decide what they do best so they can be more than just a pretty good team who always competes.  Whether it be focusing on defense, decide on a specific offensive set to perfect or being an up-tempo squad, it would behoove Houston to pick a forte and build around it. 

Solve the Big Man Conundrum

It’s no secret that Rockets GM Daryl Morey (lovingly christened “Dork Elvis” by Grantland.com Editor-in-Chief Bill Simmons) covets a world-class big man. 

The Rockets were a key player in the infamous trade that was poised to deal Chris Paul to the Lakers before NBA Commissioner David Stern vetoed the trade on behalf of the Hornets.  The trade would’ve netted Houston Pau Gasol, but alas it was not to be. 

Houston was also rumored to be interested in dealing for Dwight Howard.  So interested, in fact, they were willing to essentially “rent” Howard for the remainder of the season without Howard signing an extension and rolling the dice on Howard re-signing this summer. 

Orlando ended up standing pat, a move they’re probably now regretting, and once again Houston came up empty in there hunt for a superstar post player. 

Unless Houston miraculously wins the Draft Lottery, the answer to their low post prayers will probably not come from the draft.  Houston could certainly do worse than re-signing veteran rebounder and shot-blocker Marcus Camby, but Camby will turn 39 during next season, and Houston may want to go with a younger option.

Dragic vs. Lowry

Goran Dragic’s impressive second half of the season,including a 24 game streak of scoring double figures and seven double-digit assist games sent Dragic rocketing (see what I did there?) up free agent wish lists across the league. 

Further complicating matters is Dragic’s unrestricted free agent status that will kick in this summer. 

Though still a significantly valuable player, Kyle Lowry’s rash of injuries and health concerns suddenly have the Rockets facing an unpleasant reality.  The competition for Dragic will certainly be fierce, which means his price tag will be grossly inflated as sure as Houston is hot in July. 

The Rockets most likely have more than a puncher’s chance at re-signing Dragic.  With that being said, they’re not going to give Dragic the money he’s going to command without moving Lowry. 

Re-signing Dragic and dealing Lowry may also help satiate Daryl Morey’s appetite for a star post player if a deal can be swung with Lowry as the centerpiece.