“Let’s Talk Houston Rockets” – scouting reports on 4 prospects for Rockets at 10th in 2025 NBA Draft

“Let’s Talk Houston Rockets” – scouting reports on 4 prospects for Rockets at 10th in 2025 NBA Draft

[Music] Good evening. Good evening. Good evening. Good evening. Good Wednesday evening to you if you’re watching this live. Welcome to another edition of Let’s Talk Houston Rockets. Going to talk some draft prospects. Got four young men in mind. They’re all freshman. I’m of course KG Chris Gardner of the Houston Round Ball Review and uh let’s get into it. Thank you for watching here on the Houston Round Ball Review YouTube channel. You can tell by the thumbnail who the four young men are. I got a chance to see a couple of these guys play versus the Houston Cougars so I can provide a little bit more insight and my thoughts on them. But as you know, the Rockets currently have the 10th pick in the 2025 NBA draft. And currently, that is important because I’m not sure they’re going to keep the pick. If they do, it’ll probably be best player available. But the info that I am going to show for you to discuss and feel free to comment from uh my my brother Kelly Eco with the Athletic, Jonathan Gavon from Draft Express, Jeremy Woo from ESPN.com, NBA Draft.net, and CBS Sports as well. So, let’s get into it. first guy, the Chronicle, I think, did a compilation of some mock drafts or on three dead or somebody like that. And this first person, the consensus right now as of May 14th is this guy will be a rocket with the 10th pick, Eigor Demon. And it is Demon. You glance at it real quick, you think it’s Denim, but no, it is Demon. D E M I N. Freshman BYU from I believe Russia, 69. He’s a guard. He’s a point guard. He’s tall. Roughly 200 pounds. Kyle Boon from CBS Sports had this about him. The best passer in the draft. Finds a fit in Houston on a young team to help connect it all together. Demon’s highlight level passing will elevate the Rockets star pieces and it’s already strong offense under Eime Udoka. Just right there. Give me your thoughts on that right there. Already strong offense. Okay, you guys tell me. But isn’t Rockets offense, especially in the half court, a weakness, not a strong point of the Rockets? Let me know what you think about that. Like I said, this is from Kyle Boon, CBS Sports. More info about Igor. This is from Jonathan Gavon. Scott report on him from Jonathan. Demon is a polarizing prospect, more theoretical in nature than some would hope in terms of the productivity, consistency, and bankable skills he can hang his hat on early in his NBA career. He’s also exceptionally talented, a 6’9 point guard who can make every pick and roll read and pass, often in highlight reel fashion. That’s a little bit better thoughts on that. Those words about Eigor Demon and a being a rocket with that 10th pick. More info on him. The evolution of his shooting will be a major swing skill for his development, but he made promising gains in a few different areas as the season moved on and clearly has significant upside to grow into at 19. Now, the two games I saw him against the Cougars, the Houston Cougars, I was not impressed at all. He struggled to against Houston’s physicality, the home game at Fertitta Center, a lot of NBA scouts were in attendance. I spoke to a few of them before the game and they were there to get a glimpse of Igor and to see how he would do against Houston, Houston’s defense, Houston’s physicality. And like I said, I I wasn’t impressed. The Houston Cougars beat BYU both games by 20 points in one and 25 or 29 the other. So the games weren’t close at all. Weren’t competitive. He did not shoot well from three in either matchup as you can see. combined go one for 10 from three in the two games in the battle of the Cougars Houston versus BYU scored a total of nine points turnovers combined for eight turnovers so that’s four a game he did have 11 assists in those two meetings but as Mr. Big Texico says, “Thank you for joining the discussion. Pass on him. We saw him versus uh didn’t have he didn’t I mean no impact, none. He was not ready.” Now, the first matchup and let me do this. The first matchup between BYU and Houston was he was coming off, you know, non-conference. He had better performances in non-conference than he did. And that’s where the hype started was non-conference. You like, “Hey, this is draft pick, lottery pick. He’s putting up big numbers. Big 12 play first few games.” Nope. Nope. Young man, and he’s 19. He’s a freshman. But the physicality, the quickness, he did not handle it well at all. At all. And all of these guys, these four prospects, they’re young, 18, 19 years of age. So these are prospects based on potential. And if you as Rocket fans believe they can help your Rockets get better, help help your Rockets advance in the playoffs. And as Bobby says here, that field goal percentage and three-point percentage make him a pass for me. And hey, I know I cover the Houston Cougars and covered them from a long, long time. And I know their physicality takes a while to get used to it. So if you have not experienced it before like Eigor in that first matchup, BYU and Houston, you tend to struggle. But he didn’t do much better in the second matchup either in the Big 12 tournament. So go back to his his total numbers in the two meetings this year. a total of nine points, three for 15, including one for 10 from three, six rebounds total, 11 assists total, eight turnovers total. That’s in the two meetings between Houston and BYU. So, I’m just putting it out there. You can decide. We already have comments from Mr. Big Texico and Bobby both say no for the Rockets and Eigor. Next, Thomas Sorber. Big fella, big young fella. Won’t turn 20, I think, until December later this year. 610 250. Freshman from Georgetown. Scotting report, courtesy of Jonathan Gavone from Draft Express. Sorber is not expected to conduct much oncourt activity during the pre-draft process as he recovers from foot surgery in February. Still, his strong feel for the game, defensive versatility, length, physicality, and skill level as a pick and roll finisher are attractive qualities at 19 years old that should draw plenty of attention in this portion of the draft. NBA draftnot.net has a lot of info on him, strengths and weaknesses. I’m going to get into everything they have in the summary for for Thomas Sorber. Look at first things first. Look at the NBA comparison. Vin Baker, Roy Hibbert. Van Baker was a bad bad man before the demon alcohol got to him and really impacted his career in a negative way. But he could put up numbers. He could get it done on that low block. He was he put in work. Roy Hibbert was kind of a plotting tall big man. Not really an offensive threat. Vin Baker much more of a threat offensively than Roy Hibbert. So, I’m thinking the comparison Vin Baker on the high end, Roy Hibbert at the low end for young Thomas Sorber. Strengths. Sorber is a long skilled post presence with a massive frame, wingspan well over 7 feet, and advanced interior scoring touch. He uses his broad shoulders and lower body strength to carve out deep post position. And he’s effective finishing through contact with either hand. See his numbers. He averaging there point-wise as a freshman. He’s highly productive for a first year big in the Big East. Shot 57.3% from the field, showing excellent touch around the rim on hooks, drop steps, and soft finishes. His 72.4% 4% shooting from the line as a freshman is solid and should improve with repetition. He has a natural field for post play and does not rush decisions. Defensively, Sorber shows promise as a rim protector, averaging two blocks per game thanks to his timing, positioning, and length. He stays vertical and doesn’t bite on fakes often, allowing him to defend the paint without falling excessively. His instincts are solid in drop coverage, and he communicates well on the back line. Offensively, Sorber has shown flashes of mid-range shooting and even stretch potential to the three-point line. He attempted a limited number of threes, but displayed solid mechanics and footwork. suggesting room for growth. Also a surprisingly good passer. He moves the ball quickly out of the post and makes intelligent reads when doubled. There’s even some potential for him to be a player that teams ultimately look to implement running an offense through from the high post due to his great his great reads and passing ability. So Bobby, Mr. big text code just right there. Before I get into the weaknesses, your thoughts on Thomas Sorber as a rocket at 10. It’s kind of high for him at 10, but what do you think about him? Bobby comments he likes sober stats. He can only get better if he works with Luan on the side. Mr. Big Texco, what say you, sir? chime in here on the comments on the Houston Round Ball Review YouTube channel. Take a look at four prospects for the Rockets at that 10th pick if they decide to keep it and use it. Valentino, thank you very much. Your new name, excuse me, Valentino really likes Thomas, but we need muscle down low to help Shenon. Fair. Next, he runs the floor with effort for his size and plays with good energy. He definitely knows when to ramp up his energy level and become aggressive facing contact. Still appears to be a babe in the woods with plenty of physical and basketball growth left. rarely out of position and competes on the glass on both ends. His willingness to do to do the dirty work makes him a reliable interior option. Wingspan in neighborhood of 74 to 75 in place significantly bigger than his 6′ 10 in frame. But his weaknesses, while productive, Sorber lacks elite vertical athleticism. He’s not an explosive leaper, which can limit his ability to finish above the rim in traffic or contest at the highest point against more athletic bigs. His lack of run/jump athleticism limits his effectiveness in transition where he’s below average, leading to blocks or miss shots around the rim. Laterally, he has average mobility, which may limit his ability to switch onto quicker forwards or guards in space. His pick and roll defense is solid in drop coverage, but he can struggle when forced to hedge over cover on the perimeter. Offensively, he’s still developing a consistent jumper. He hit just 16.2% 2% from three, which raises questions, which raises concerns about his shooting touch outside the paint. He does not create much offense off the dribble and is largely reliant on others to set him up. Not yet a threat in pick and pop situations, and his decision-m can’t occasionally be slow against aggressive defenses. So, Valentino, Bobby, your thoughts on that? And then we get into the next guy, Thomas Sorber, big man, young man, young man from Georgetown, 610, 250. And those aren’t the official measurements. I don’t know why NBA.com, at least last time I checked a few hours ago, had not yet posted the measurements, the heights, weights, wingspans at the length they said they were going to do. They were they were post on the website at NBA.com has not been there. Only thing posted so far on the website is the shooting numbers from yesterday. I want to know heights and Gavon, Jonathan Gavon and and Draft Express have done a good job sharing and posting on their platforms some of the measurements from the some of the players. But I want all the guys who at the combine, not just the top eight. Chris says, “If Rockets want a big, ace new fits Houston well.” Keep that name in mind. I don’t have a profile on him, but keep that name in mind. Got info on him. Next of the four prospects we’re going to discuss here tonight. We discuss more as we get close to the draft. It’s Chris. Funny you mention him. Casper Jakutonis. Autonis 66 205 freshman from Illinois. Most this info from ESPN’s Jeremy Woo. Yakutonis helped himself quite a bit at Illinois where he took on an enormous role as an 18-year-old debuting at the division one level and put together a strong season. Despite predictable ups and downs as part of that adjustment, NBA teams remain largely optimistic that his toughness, playmaking feel, size, and versatility at either guard spot will lead to a promising procer. There have been concerns about his ability to create separation off the dribble, but Jacusonis ball screen savvy and room to grow as a shooter should enable him to make an impact as part of a team’s rotation at the very least. NBA intel and fit. The Rockets acquired swap rights to Phoenix’s pick in last summer’s deal with the Nets, and the Suns underwhelming play turned it into a valuable one. After a strong regular season ended in a first round postseason exit, this pick represents an opportunity for Houston to bolster its deep roster, whether drafting a prospect or using this election as a trade chip. would not directly address a need, but would give the Rockets significant backcourt depth to build with as a way the future of their roster, particularly if they decide to move on from Jaylen Green and or Fred Van Vleet and transition toward Reed Shepard and potentially the player they select here. So right there, your thoughts on that. Chris likes it. First choice of him. Big pure point guard. Valentino. Well, there’s a name right here. Boy, may you rest in peace. Jackie Jonas reminds him of Goran Dragage. I’m see I’m not Goran Dragage. I’m thinking Petravich. My fault. But y’all like him. of the three pick three prospects discussed so far, we got two guards and a big and mostly the guards are really point guards. So, are y’all good with the idea of selecting a point guard for the Rockets as the best player available? What does that mean for Reed Shepard? Does that mean Reed Shepard will be moved to the two guard? Does that mean Reed Shepard will be elsewhere eventually? What do you think? Or just draft the best player available and you figure it out during the summer. You figure it out during the season or you figure it out when necessary. Let me know what you think about that in the comments for this video here on the Houston Rounds Ball Review YouTube channel. All right, I think the last player of the four saw him play as well against the Cougs. I got one more thing here. Here we go. Here it is. Right here. Carter Bryant. Last of the four freshman. Arizona did not score a lot. Y’all see that number right there? 6.5 points a game. Shot 46% from the floor, 37 from three. Not great from the free throw line, four rebounds, one assist, one block, one steal, one turnover. Ventino does not want a point guard. wants Reed to get a chance to show what he can do. This info first from Kelly Eco with the Athletic. It’s difficult to envision another young player attempting to crack a tight Emir Udoko rotation. Reed Shepard and Camidmore spent this season observing. But in Bryant, the Rockets would have a plugandplay three and D wing. Houston’s lack of floor spacing was apparent during the playoffs. And Bryant, who shot 37.1% from three at Arizona this season, is more than capable. His activity at the other end alone aligns perfectly with Udoka’s core beliefs. There are some similarities in terms of defensive playmaking with current wing Tari Een, but Bryant is probably a better ball handler with a high ceiling. Houston is big on upside plays and at 68 with length two-way potential. It would be hard to pass up on Bryant. Now from Giboni Draft Express, Jonathan says, “Richpace, how you doing, Carter Bryant is a type of player who could help his standing in the pre-draft process as teams get a better look at him in workout settings, and he ticks several boxes NBA teams actively seek at his position. He’s an easy fit with his desirable combination of size, length, permanent shooting, passing, and defensive versatility, sliding all over the floor for the Wildcats this season and seeing time at both forward positions. Bryant wasn’t consistently productive for Arizona coming off the bench and averaging just 6.5 points per game as he’s not much of a shot creator at all and has room to grow on both ends of the floor. But he has significant upside to tap into longterm. Now you see his stat line, his numbers in the two games Arizona had against the Houston Cougars. nine points in one game, three for eight from the floor, including two for six from three, one for two free throws, six boards, two blocks. And then the other in big to tournament, six points, two for six from the floor, two for four from three, six rebounds, one assist, three turnovers, and two steals. Dorian, how are you doing? I see you’re back. Welcome back. So, the four prospects discussed tonight with info. Ego, Eigor, Demon from BYU, guard point guard. Thomas Sorber, big man from Georgetown, Casperis Jaku Jonas from Illinois, point guard. And Carter Bryant, wing forward from Arizona. So Demon 6’9 point guard. Yep. 69 point guard. Sorber 610 big man might still be growing a little taller skilled post player. Casperis Illinois point guard 66 probably more of a point combo guard but he point guard as well legit. And Carter Bryant wing forward from Arizona. Those are the four we’re going to discuss as possible selections for the Rockets at 10, assuming of course they keep the pick, which I’m not sold that they will, but best player available. Those are four options, Demon, Sorber, Yakushon, Bryant. So of those four, Valentino, Rich, Dorian, Mr. Big Texico and other folks who are watching and have not commented. Don’t be shy. Don’t be shy to share your opinions of the players, other prospects. Don’t be shy to share your opinions here on this show. As long as you keep it respectful, all comments are welcome and you’re not really trolling for business stuff like that because it’s it’s my show. Let me do that for business purposes. Real Purple and Gold hopes the Warriors get sent goes get sent to Cancun courtesy of Ant-Man and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Larry Etien Senior says best prospect available. So Larry, are you good with those four that I discussed thus far? And as of May 14th, the main mock drafts, I think, have Igor Demon as the Rocket’s choice at 10. Valentino didn’t even say he didn’t say Eigor. He typed Carter Bryant, Casperis, and Sorber. of the four, the one I’m least sold on for the Rockets is Igor. Just not No. No. Uhuh. Just not not the dude for the Rockets. Just not at all. He’s physicality. He’s not ready for it. Defensively to play in EMA system, not ready for it. Upside. I just don’t see him as a great fit for the Rockets. Now, of course, the Rockets could select him for someone else, you know, and trade him to that new team, but but Dorian, you’re saying Rockets need who? Rockets, who are you saying the Rockets need? We need him, but you’re willing to go all in for the for Durant. Okay. You say no ego as well. If they go for Giannis or KD, we won’t get any of these guys. Oh, yeah. It could be part of a package to go to the Bucks, you know. True. But the discussion for tonight, for this show, this podcast, whatever you want to call it, and the year of 2025 is assuming the Rockets keep the pick, stay at 10, and will they draft somewhat? And these are the first four names for discussion. I’ll probably have I will have different names as the days pass and we get closer to the draft and get more intel and all those great things. As Bobby says, I agree with this needs to be an EA style of player to get playing time and that is not eagor. That’s not not at all. But even of the other of the other other three, Carter Bryant, Thomas Sorber, even Casper, they’re all freshman. Do y’all believe any of these guys will get playing time next year? I don’t. I don’t. Some have higher upside. I mean, you know, than others, but I’m not convinced any of them will get playing time next year. But I saw athletic athletic has a whole bunch of NBA guys doing discussing the draft. Uh their beat writers eco for the rockets didn’t I think Colin Mur Murray Boils was already gone. So Eco went a different direction. I think Sam Bassini with Athletic had the Rockets picking Colin Murray Boils. He’s I mean he’s he’s a good player. I think he’s kind of redundant up front. No one so far really has the Rockets getting a shooter with a 10th pick. [Applause] And based on, you know, consider, take this for what it’s worth, but day one of coverage by the four letters from the NBA draft combine today, there was a segment discussing common Mali watch And everyone on the panel was just raving about his upside. So much so that he’ll be gone by 10. He going to be around. So, I mean, his his his height, his wingspan, his shot blocking ability, his team player mentality, accepting his role at Duke to do what he did this past season, his one year at Duke, but he’s he’s expanded his game. He’s working on perimeter shooting, becoming a perimeter three-point threat. So upside is is is high. So much so he’ll be gone by 10, you know. So now if the Rockets are in love with him and his potential and his fit, then of course they could always trade up and move up to get him and I’d be okay with that. I like his upside. I like the potential. I really do. I think he’s going to be hell of a player. Dorian says Ky is gone. Valentino says he believes Reed and Cam need to be in rotation. I’m not saying that. I don’t think either one will be here next year. If they’re going to make a trade, I think they’re going to be included in the trade. Dorian says, “Keep Shepard get rid of Cam.” We’ll see. We’ll see how what they do in terms of the players specifically, the work they put in. They should be at the practice facility right now, you know, in May, June. take take a week off, you know, for a vacation or whatever. Spend time with the family, then get back in the gym and strengthen those strengths and strengthen those weaknesses. But I’m still I do not I’m going to be consistent for now because I don’t have reason to believe otherwise that the Rockets won’t make a big deal this summer. So I think they’re going to stand pat for now unless prodded by a superstar who says I want to be a rocket. So barring that, they’ll stand pat look at their players internal development and then wait till pre-season training camp the preseason games then October, November, December to see how everything’s per fitting, if they’re winning, if they’re losing, if they’re losing, if things aren’t going well, teams in the West are passing them I then I make a trade as and Bobby says if they keep Cam and Reed there is no reason for the Rockets to do anything but trade the pick for down the road. I think if they trade the pick for future assets, that is probably an indication that they are really going to sit tight this summer and run it back and depend on continuity. Y’all can decide if that’s a good thing, if y’all agree with that or not. I believe the Rockets come March 1st, 2026 will look different than the Rockets May 14th. I don’t think it’ll be the same. It should not be the same. Now, I will say if Jaylen Green wakes up and shows and becomes that dude, then I’ll be here long term. I’m not really counting on that though. So based on him not becoming that dude, I believe he will be elsewhere before day of the NBA trade deadline. It’s on him. If Cam Whitmore, Cam, the light comes on for him. He becomes a a two-way threat on offense and defense. then he could stick around. I’m not counting on that either. You know, if he’s matures on the court, in practice, off the court, then he could stick around. But again, I’m not counting on that. So, anyone in favor of the Rockets selecting Igor Demon? And if you are, please tell me why. No wrong answer. I’m just curious as to why you think he’d be a good fit for the Rockets. Carter Bryant, young upside. I mean, he’s kind of redundant, too. You know the comparison to Tar Een, he’s a solid spot up three-point shooter. Cannot create his own shot. Casperus, I think of the four, I like Casper probably the best than Thomas Sorber. But Thomas Sorber is not a great athlete. He’s has skills in the low post. He’s a good passer, but I mean, he’s a freshman. He had a solid freshman season. Some would say he should have been Big East freshman of the year, but the injury and then he shut it down basically in February. So, but he was putting up numbers for Georgetown. Was that a product of Georgetown not being a very good team? And somebody had to score. questions that, you know, teams will have to answer for themselves. Is he a fit? Oh, but what I wanted to say, Asa Newell, Carter Bryant, and Asa, young men, talented men. Both will be drafted. The two worst shooting numbers at the combine. the worst shooting numbers at the combine with those two young men. And let me see if I can get the exact spot for it here in the shooting drills off the dribble. It’s more of an issue for Carter Bryant. Like I said, he’s a spot-up shooter. He’s he’s not much else right now. But off the dribble, Carter Bryant dead last off the dribble. He made 11 of his 30 shots. Everyone who participated in the shooting drill took 30 shots in that in the off the dribble drill. Carter made 11. That dead last. Ace made 11. So they tied for last. Now, of course, Asa is a is a big, so he’s not going to really be asked to shoot off the dribble. Carter has more of an issue. Spot up. Carter did a little better. He made 16 of 25 shots. Asa, again, that’s not his not his area. He made 11 of 25. the three-point star drill going across the court in a star pattern. Ironically, Asa made one more than Carter did. Asa made 14 of his 25. Carter made 13. So, you get an indication neither one of them are are really great shooters right now. And even on the side, Asa made more two more threes than Carter did. So Carter did not have a great showing from three-point range while in at the combine. So Valentino going back to earlier question, it’s tough because Rockets have really good players. We really do need a sharpshooter and the sharpshooter as Wilson says is that young man Khan Canipple. He is the sharpshooter, but he will not be around that tent. He will be gone. He will be gone most likely, barring some medical flag, something like that. So, if the Rockets are high high on Keniple, then he will probably have to make a trade to move up in the draft to select him. But in terms of fit, I think Khan Canipple is the best fit of the out of the prospects discussed tonight. Better than Demon, better than Sorber, better than Casperis, better than Bryant. Mr. Big Tesco says Carter stay in school. He won’t. He probably should, but he won’t. Um, he’s he’s he’s going to be a first round pick. That’s guaranteed money. So, you know, I tell any young man, if you’re getting guaranteed money, go to the NBA. Dorian says, “As long as we get a starting big.” We got someone in mind, Dorian, who you got in mind? Wilson says trade can whit more to I mean they’ll have to do something they want to move up in the draft Bobby agrees Khan is the best fit Dorian this a name for Trey Young Dorian Trey Young is not a EA player he’s not an EMA player he’s talented but you know Trey Young flops a lot. A lot. Giannis. I like Giannis as a rocket. Jeremiah Fears is intrig intriguing. That’s a good word to describe him. Intriguing. I’m just not I I I’m not sure what the Rockets are going to do because what they’re going to do is probably not what what I think they should do. Clearly, CA37, thank you as well, all as usual for joining the discussion. Like to see the Rockets pick up LJ Crier as a free agent. I think that’s possible. Summer camp, things of that sort. Space Age, Mr. Wolf from Michigan, big fella. Uh, could run offense. Well, I mean, Wolf is similar. He’s probably a little taller than Thomas Sorber. Thomas Sorber might have a brighter future, though. I think Thomas is good enough passer will become a good enough passer where he could be a facilitator at the high post. Joseph still thinks the lottery lotto is rigged. And I’ll say this for folks who believe that the lot lottery is rigged. If it is, why has the NBA just forsaken the teams in the Eastern Conference? The West has been so great and fortuitous lottery. Look at the Mad. Look at the Spurs. Look at teams in this division, in the Rockets division, have had success in the lottery, moving up in the lottery. terms of population, you need teams in the east to be good. Well, NBA hasn’t done that. Has not done them many favors. You know, Nicks, uh, New York says hi, Joseph. New York says hi. Boston is an elite franchise in the NBA. Brooklyn got money when they had their brief brief moment in the in the sun. They were they were a hot ticket. You know, Detroit when the Bad Boys were winning had the had the highest merch sales in the league. Folks don’t realize that, but the Bad Boys led league in merchandise sales when they win for all all the the boohh and there’s they’re so they’re bad for the NBA and blah blah blah. They led league in merch sales. So, Mr. Big Texco says the lottery is not good for the NBA. Space A. Space A. Yeah, I’m not doubting that. I’m just saying I think Thomas Sorba can do those same things. He might have more upside. OKC is going to sweep the finals. Don’t know about that. Now this I where you see here wolf has better handles than Sorber. Yes. And you know Joseph said don’t be surprised if the Spurs get a top three next year. The Spurs won’t be in the lottery next year unless they got the teams and they might. We might have a it’s someone else’s pick that ends up in the lottery. But yeah, they’re not they’re not going to do uh barring injuries. The Spurs will be in the playin slashplayoffs barring injury. Why? Why not show the whole lot? Well, you can argue that. I mean, but who does, you know, and I could say it there are different people in the room to see the ping pong balls picked and it’s four balls picked. So four different balls are picked and whoever has that combination of those four numbers wins and then do for the second pick and then the third pick on and so forth. So, I mean, you know, put it on TV, it’d probably be intriguing TV, but some someone would find fault with that would say, “Uh, well, the machine was bent or the light was bad here or something, you know? I mean, come um Wilson says Rockets need a six-man player like Quinnon Grimes who can score, assist, and defend well like Derek White. Uh so why is it a secret? Well, I mean, you know, hell, I don’t know. But I even there are people who have problems with the states lottery being and those are televised and you see the machine. You see the ball going through the machine. Oh, it’s too cold or or it’s too hot or it’s too the ball’s awaited. I mean there some folks you can’t please with whatever you do. Janiah Broom CA says believes would be a good back fill if a big gets traded. Uh, well, I like Jan Broom. Get healthy. Going to need some time to get healthy this summer. Um, he’s talented. Not a great athlete. I guess he could replace uh Jock Landale because he’s not better than Stephen Adams. draft should be like the NFL says Mr. Big TCO. Their draft starts with the worst teams. I like the I think I didn’t know this until I read it a few days ago. I think it’s the NHL. Um where a team cannot finish in the top three or top four more than two years in a row. I like that. That way you really limit the incentive to tank. You get lucky twice, okay, you’re done. You shouldn’t be in this draft three or anyway. That kind of stuff. But the Mavs landed into it. Good for them. Spurs moved up. Good for them. They had a 1.8% chance. Joseph, there’s nothing I can say to you that’s going to change your mind. Okay. And you’re not going to change my mind. I don’t believe it’s it’s rigged. Okay. And I’m a Pistons fan. They sucked for three years and fell in the draft twice. They picked fifth what, three, four years in a row. I still don’t believe it’s rigged. I just don’t I don’t put that much into it. You know, back when the when they decided to buy a coin toss in the Rockets went coin flip two years in a row, some folks have problem with that. I mean, you can’t please everybody. One, Joseph, right? And they still finished last more than once. Right now, if you want to wait it for the teams with the worst record, I don’t believe it should be three teams that have a equal chance of winning. I don’t believe that. But I’m not I just don’t put all this. I’m not I don’t care that much. You know, who’s to say Cooper Flag doesn’t have a short career? He gets hurt. Hopefully, he doesn’t. I just don’t care. You know, before Jason Tatum’s injury, Boston was going to run the East for the next four years. They’re not expect to do that now. I mean, there’s too many ifs. I I just I’m too old and too broke to worry about conspiracy theories. I’m just not going to do that. If I if you had to choose, would you rather have Jaylen Green or Quinton Grimes right now? Well, I mean, Quinton Grimes, we’re not gonna be the second pick in the draft. Second, third, you know, none of that. you know, Q worked himself into being a first round pick. I give I give him much credit for that. But hell, Quinn Grimes first year at Kansas, Jay-Hawks fans ran him out of Kansas. He was a five-star prospect in high school. He’s doing this. He sucks. He stinks. He’s trash. He transferred, came back to the Houston area, put in the work, that light bulb came on over him and not but he’s bounced around too. Finally found a team I think that he’s a good fit for. He’s healthy because he has some injuries, ankle, knee, but he’s seems seems to be in the right spot to get paid. But, you know, it’s all part of that as well. A lot of a lot of NBA players are going to get traded in the NBA career. Question of fit, question of production, question of coach, all of those things. Now, I’ll go with this CA. I like this from Valentino. The Rockets blew it when they drafted Josh Christopher over Quinn. Now that area, Quinn would have been there. Yeah. Yeah. But way up there at two or three. No, no, no, no. And you know, you can say you rich, you can say that as well, but again, what is it in what is it in for the NBA to rig it? Because if it’s rigged, then the Knicks should win lottery every year. They’re not in playoffs. Oh, there’s trade for pick. They got enough picks at Well, they had enough picks. Win the lottery. Knicks haven’t been great for what 40 years. The media capital of the NBA has sucked. Has been nasty relevant until recently. So if it were rigged, then they’d find a way for the major market teams. The Spurs aren’t a major market city. They won five titles, right? And who’s to say Wimby won’t have more health issues? He’s tall. He’s slim. He’s already had one health scare. The blood clot. His career might be cut short. Rockets had y’all mean they won lottery then. Was it rigged then? Come on folks. You’re spending too much time on on that. We’re never going to know. We’re never going to prove it. Even if even if I one day get chosen to be in the room to see it, you still won’t believe me if I tell you that when I tell you that it’s not rigged. So, there’s nothing I can say to you, you won’t believe it. That’s fine. But back to the prospects. I think we believe we agree that Khan Canippo would be the best fit for the Rockets. Now, how would they go about obtaining him? That’s the thing. But they can’t get him. Then you go with do you want Thomas Sorber? Do you want Asa Newell? Do you want um let me see Danny Wolf possibly. That’s kind of high at 10 or you could trade down and get him if you want to. Derek Queen probably be right around there. Do you want Caspers? Uh, let’s see. Let’s see. No one has said anything. I think 10 is too high for him, but no one so far has said Walter Clayton Jr., do you want Colin Murray Broyle Boils? Um, young man who had a very good performance today on day one of the five on five. He’s not a a pick at 10 for the Rockets, but he’ll be a first round pick, I believe, is Auburn’s Tahad Pettyford. Very good showing today. Has shot the ball well thus far in combine. Athlete, shooter, confident, bright future. New name right here. Chris Dennis, how are you? Thank you very much. Utah love to have them both. Grimes over Fred for sure. So TJ, we talked about Carter Bryant trade down for it. He was one of the the four players discussed earlier in today’s show. But in one mock draft, he was the Rockets pick by Kelly Eco from the Athletic. I think it’s too high for him, but at 10. But Valentino says truly wants Derek Queen. He’s compared to Zack Randolph. Bright future, young man. Had Houston as one of his final two or three, even though he was not going to leave. the DMV. He was not that was not going to happen. Um, no, the ASA no was the other big I was thinking about regarding his shooting. He did not shoot the ball well at the combine. If I’m the Rockets, like I said, I believe Khan Canipple is the best fit for the Rockets for what they need. Now, if they want him, if they believe they agree with me, then most likely they’ll have to trade up to get him. I mean, it’s possible he could fall down to them at 10, and that does happen. He’s still, I think, recovering from an ankle injury. So, I think his agent said he’s like 85% or so. So, he’s not participating in any of the f5 or anything physical oncourt activity. I don’t I don’t believe he participated in the shooting drills. I don’t think he did yesterday, but in terms of fit need, I believe Khan Caniple is a guy. But beyond that, I don’t see the Rockets I think the Rockets going to trade the pick anyway. Move down for future assets. They got enough youngsters as it is who don’t play, you know. So, one more. Now, of course, they could draft that 10 and then then decide to trade Cam and or Reed because they like the 10th pick more than they like. Well, they’re not going to do that for Reed, but I just too many youngsters for the team to keep this pick. Wilson believes says this. If we draft Khan, Rockets will have the next Curry and Klay Thompson, Reed and Khan. Oh, slow down there. Slow down there. Don’t Don’t disrespect two Hall of Famers like that. Future Hall of Famers. And TJ TJ K. Penny says asks, “Can we run Reed Shepard and Khan together in the back court?” Khan is not at some folks are assuming the wrong thing based on his complexion. Okay? you know, he’s not as as unathletic as y’all think. I don’t think he’s unathletic at all. But yeah, I don’t I mean, I don’t I don’t know about that. Uh, what position? Khan is a two guard. He gonna be two guard in the NBA. Good size. He can shoot. Demo is different sport. Space age. I mean, different sport, different areas of need, different coach. And see, Valentino says this about Khan has that dog in him. See, that’s different. See, Bobby goes this believes Khan might be a better fit than Reed. But ego should not play a part, but it does because we’re talking about human beings here. Rafale may want to keep Reed around a little while longer because he’s was so high on him last last draft. Shouldn’t do that. Got a better player. Got a better player. Los from the bid I saw today was decent. He shot the ball well Tuesday in the drills. I think he made I think I saw the number by Draft Express of the guards he shot. He made 72% of his shots at the all the stations. I think Mark Sears from Bama made like 83% of all the shots. We’re talking like 150. He made 83% of them. Los was decent today. ESPN’s coverage of the draft combine. It was four hours today. The game was on. The players were participating in the five on five, but the the panel, the analysts spent more time talking to the lottery picks and talking to coaches like Coach Samson, and they didn’t even discuss the game. So, there was hardly any play-by-play action about who’s doing well or who did what. I don’t I think Los’s team lost. They had a big lead in the first quarter, you know, but I mean, he had a few he had a few good passes. He missed a couple threes. I did see that, but it wasn’t enough commentary from the people there to let you know who was doing what. I think Derek White might be a money casualty in Boston for them to to start reducing payroll. He’d be he’d be a fit for the Rockets, that’s for sure. So Boston now with Tatum’s injury and probably missing next season will have a definite impact on what they do to decrease payroll, but they probably might look at get getting rid of Drew Holiday before Derek White, you know, and Horford. Rich, you said that. But I mean, but at some point Reed won’t be here. His job is to shoot. So if you are drafted to shoot, then don’t hesitate to shoot when you’re on the court because your first job is to shoot, not think about it, and then shoot. Let that stuff fly. That’ll do it everybody. This was phase one, part one or whatever you want to call it. I’ll do a few more of these regarding prospects for the Rockets with the 10th pick. Move up, move down. We’ll do more of it. Uh Chris asked a question as I wrap it up. What I tr would ask all of us, would you trade Cam or this year’s first round pick for Grimes in a signing trade? I mean, Daryl my take it for what it’s worth. He said he wants to keep Quinton and he’ll he’s figured out the way to pay him enough to keep Quinn and so we’ll see you know but right offer I think Quinn Grimes he would help the Rockets he would be an upgrade for the Rockets. Now, if Rafel believes that, go get it done. But deals like that, see, I I kind of lean to Bobby with this as well. And I’m not sure the Rockets would either. My won’t do a signing trade with the Rockets. There’s some kind of There is some bad blood there still. But that’ll do it. Join me in a few hours at high noon central time on the Houston Round Ball Review YouTube channel for the next edition of the Houston Round Ball Review Takeover of the Lunch Breakak Throwback Thursday. You can watch it on YouTube as well as on Roku via the BS3 network. Thursday show. Probably gonna talk more Cougs, Cougs news, Cougs moving on from coaches, thank goodness, a little bit about uh men’s hoops as well. And then some TSU news also Texas Southern. So tune in for that high noon Thursday on the Houston Round Ball Review YouTube channel. And we would have more Rocket Draft discussions. So, subscribe to this channel. Click on the bell so you are notified when new shows are posted and spread the word about the shows. 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