[Bryan88]

DraftExpress: NBA Team Needs: Southwest Division

Houston Rockets (55-27 in 2007-0

Draft Picks: No. 25, No. 54

Depth Chart:

PG: Rafer Alston / Bobby Jackson / Aaron Brooks
SG: Tracy McGrady / Luther Head / Steve Francis
SF: Shane Battier / Steve Novak* / Mike Harris*
PF: Luis Scola / Chuck Hayes* / Carl Landry*
C: Yao Ming / Dikembe Mutombo* / Loren Woods

*Potential free agent

Could use help at: Power Forward, Point Guard, Depth

Bottom line: It was a wild ride for the Rockets this season. From an improbable winning-streak to an early playoff exit, 2008 was exciting despite its early finish. With a solid lineup that survived Yao Ming’s absence for a large portion of the season, Houston may not be an elite Western Conference team, but they are certainly competitive. Without a lot of cap space, the Rockets will rely heavily on Daryl Morey’s savvy to land them a steal in the draft. More than anything, though, this is a team that just needs to stay healthy.

Draft outlook: The Rockets want to compete, and their first-round pick may be included in a trade to land the team a legitimate third-option. Should the team choose not to trade the pick in an attempt at competing, they’ll apparently be looking to shore up themselves up on the wing, where they don’t seem to have great depth. With Brandon Rush long gone, Courtney Lee might be the best overall fit here—as his defensive skills, passing, mid-range shot and basketball IQ would all be helpful in the Rockets’ current lineup. Courtney Lee is another player the Rockets will probably look at. Considering Yao Ming’s injury history and Dikembe Mutombo’s advanced age, it might not be a bad idea to take advantage of this draft’s depth at the center position to try and land someone who provide productive minutes down the road. Devon Hardin could add athleticism and defensive intensity to Houston’s front line. Roy Hibbert would also be a nice fit, although he might not be available. Late in the second round, the Rockets are likely to take the best player available—maybe an international player they can stash overseas for the next few years.

[Lefty Noob]

Call me crazy, but I think Houston really should look at getting a quality backup center somewhere along the line. Yao's proven himself too fragile.

[Bryan88]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

Call me crazy, but I think Houston really should look at getting a quality backup center somewhere along the line. Yao's proven himself too fragile.

I agree and there should be someone to fit that bill available with the 25th pick. Unless they can get a real good PF or PG via trade (I don't think they can) I would hang onto the pick.