Best/Worst Draft Scenarios
(#18 pick)
Best Case Scenario: Flipping the pick for PG/SG Ty Lawson (DEN)
The Rockets are title contenders -- that much is obvious. Having superstars SG James Harden and C Dwight Howard on your team will get you that, although to be a title winner they’re going to need better pieces surrounding their duo -- particularly at point guard. That should not come in the form of a PG Jerian Grant, or even a PG Cameron Payne, as neither can provide immediate impact in the way that Lawson can. One of the most underrated players in basketball, Lawson is an excellent distributor, can create his own shot when necessary, and is a solid defender as well. He averaged 15.2 points, 9.6 assists, and shot over 34% from three last season. The Nuggets, Lawson’s team, are looking to ship off their veterans in exchange for younger assets (like another draft pick), and he could be next on the chopping block. The Rockets might need to add a little more than their first-rounder, perhaps PF Terrence Jones or a second-rounder or two, but acquiring Lawson would make Houston instant title favorites.
Worst Case Scenario: Executing the fallback plan
Hardly a “worst case scenario”, Houston will simply execute the fallback plan: should they not find a taker for their pick and talented PG Cameron Payne (Murray State, Sophomore) doesn’t fall all the way to number 18, the Rockets will simply select PG/SG Jerian Grant out of Notre Dame. The past two seasons, Grant averaged a ridiculous 17.8 points, 6.4 assists, and 1.9 steals per game, all while shooting with very high levels of efficiency: over 36% from beyond the arc and 50% overall. He is extremely NBA-ready, takes care of the ball well (2 turnovers a game), and most importantly: is a fantastic playmaker and can also manage the pick-and-roll. The former’s importance is obvious: the Rockets need a playmaker that can facilitate the ball to it’s stars, Harden and Howard. The latter, pick-and-roll skills, is key as well, as Grant and Howard could become a lethal duo in this all-too-common play when Harden needs a break on offense. All in all, Grant is a perfect fit for Houston.
(#18 pick)
Best Case Scenario: Flipping the pick for PG/SG Ty Lawson (DEN)
The Rockets are title contenders -- that much is obvious. Having superstars SG James Harden and C Dwight Howard on your team will get you that, although to be a title winner they’re going to need better pieces surrounding their duo -- particularly at point guard. That should not come in the form of a PG Jerian Grant, or even a PG Cameron Payne, as neither can provide immediate impact in the way that Lawson can. One of the most underrated players in basketball, Lawson is an excellent distributor, can create his own shot when necessary, and is a solid defender as well. He averaged 15.2 points, 9.6 assists, and shot over 34% from three last season. The Nuggets, Lawson’s team, are looking to ship off their veterans in exchange for younger assets (like another draft pick), and he could be next on the chopping block. The Rockets might need to add a little more than their first-rounder, perhaps PF Terrence Jones or a second-rounder or two, but acquiring Lawson would make Houston instant title favorites.
Worst Case Scenario: Executing the fallback plan
Hardly a “worst case scenario”, Houston will simply execute the fallback plan: should they not find a taker for their pick and talented PG Cameron Payne (Murray State, Sophomore) doesn’t fall all the way to number 18, the Rockets will simply select PG/SG Jerian Grant out of Notre Dame. The past two seasons, Grant averaged a ridiculous 17.8 points, 6.4 assists, and 1.9 steals per game, all while shooting with very high levels of efficiency: over 36% from beyond the arc and 50% overall. He is extremely NBA-ready, takes care of the ball well (2 turnovers a game), and most importantly: is a fantastic playmaker and can also manage the pick-and-roll. The former’s importance is obvious: the Rockets need a playmaker that can facilitate the ball to it’s stars, Harden and Howard. The latter, pick-and-roll skills, is key as well, as Grant and Howard could become a lethal duo in this all-too-common play when Harden needs a break on offense. All in all, Grant is a perfect fit for Houston.