Crystal Ballin' takes a team-by-team look at what should, could, and probably will happen in the June 26th NBA Draft.The Rockets had a nice 22-game win streak to hang their hats on in 2008, but that was about it. The injury to Yao really wrecked the team's chances of advancing deep into the playoffs (or even past the first round). If the team can add some athleticism and boost their bench a bit, they could be contenders in 2009.
Picks: #25, #54.
Needs: Not to have the Chinese government force their All-Star center to shut it down mid-season to make sure he's ready for the Olympics. That, and some size to back up said center when he does play. I know it seems like Dikembe Mutombo might just play forever. But I promise you, Rockets fans: he won't.
Best case scenario: Chris Douglas-Roberts would be a nice player to get here, but if the fans were drafting, I don't think he'd be available.
More likely scenario: That the Rockets take the obligatory "best player available"here, which could be Nicolas Batum, CDR, or even J.J. Hickson.
Please don't take: Serge Ibaka, or again, any young player who is going to be a "project" and require time to develop. There's some quality still on the board at 25 I think, so try to get someone who can contribute immediately.
Trade possibilities: The Rockets would like to move up, but who wouldn't? They don't really have anything to offer to get them into a substantially better spot, so look for them to stand pat.
