Shane Battier is a Rocket

Ok, so all that late night analysis proved even more worthless than it already was.

The Rockets didn't even make a 1st round pick. Instead, we drafted Rudy Gay and shipped him off with Stromile Swift (included to make the deal work monetarily) to Memphis for Shane "The Sharpei" Battier.

The move resulted in outrage and mutiny on ClutchFans forums, so serious that the site was rendered useless for most of the night after the draft. Hilarity ensued. Psycho fans screamed "Murder Carroll Dawson". Fair weather fans nullified their vows of marriage to the organization.

When the deal was announced my initial thoughts were "What the fuck?? There ain't no way its true". We gave up a player with potential to become a superstar for unexciting, albeit solid-typical-JVG type player? Then to add insult to injury the Chronicle reports we lost Stro in deal too? Didn't we need more depth? Why are we giving up two players for one? I'm now thinking "fuck the management of the Houston Rockets".

After the emotion from my initial reaction subsided reason began to kick in. They pulled the trigger because of future GM Daryl Morey's Moneyball philosophy. Basically, we wanted Brandon Roy, Adam Morrison, Sheldon Williams, or Randy Foye. Since none of the four remained when it was our turn we had a choices to make --draft the next best available player in the eyes of scouts, Rudy Gay even if we weren't particularly high on him. Draft the next player on our draft board no matter who it was (Ronnie Brewer). Or we could trade the pick to a team which highly covets Gay (Memphis) for a player who can fill holes for us and "pays his own way" (Battier).

We chose the last option.

Although, deep down I think the trade was a mistake (I'm a gambler who woud've rolled the dice), but I'm cool with it. I like Battier. We get a dude who's on-court value exceeds his salary's value (double in fact). He gives us a guy who can play 3 positions, hustle, and play with heart. Most importantly he fills the key quality this team lacks severely: leadership.

By no means is this a cop out. I am not just trying to cover all angles if I'm wrong. Honesly, this is not the case here. Simply put, I disagree with the trade but approve of who we received in return.

All #8 Pick Team

I can't sleep due to overwhelming curiosity of who the hell has been drafted at the 8 spot in previous NBA drafts (1976 and later). Yeah, I'm a fuckin' nerd.

Here's my squad:

PG tj ford
SG larry hughes
SF bernard king
PF detlef shrempf
C robert parish

Bench
andre miller
ron harper
larry hughes
channing frye
tom chambers
adonal foyle
brian grant

Rockets Draft Wish List

Ahh the eve of the 2006 NBA draft. As a lifelong Rockets fan praying for a resurgence next year I can hardly contain my excitement.

Chaotic and highly unpredictable as any draft ever, this one has everyone baffled --Experts and homers alike. Here's my little Rockets wishlist:

1) Adam Morrison - He'd allow TMac to move over to the 2 and provide us with a crafty wing who can score from anywhere. No more doubling TMac or Yao when this dude is camping out behind the arc.

2) Brandon Roy - Disciplined. Mature. Versatile. High Basketball IQ. All qualities we lack severely. I believe the guy could be groomed into a leadership role.

3) Andrea Bargnani - There are rumors the guy might slip to us at 8. I haven't seen his play outside of a few clips but what I've read looks appealing. He might blossom into a Dirk or Peja or bomb like Darko or Tskitihsomething. Drafting him is worth the gamble.

4) Rudy Gay - I don't like the Pippen comparisons because frankly Pippen sucked during his employment with the Rockets. I have, however, seen his highlights --the dood can fly. Plus, he's only 19 and raw.

5) Shelden Williams - Again, another highly disciplined Dukie. He probably won't become an All-Star but who needs another All-Star. We need someone to take the pressure off Yao and bang ala' Antonio Davis.

6) Ronnie Brewer - I like the reputation as a defensive juggernaut. I like the NBA pedigree (father played in the NBA). Probably too early at 8 but hey I wouldn't be pissed if we reached for him at that spot.

Oh yeah, we better not draft that faggot Redick.

My mock draft can be found here

Spots I need to check out

Orginally written back in March. Adding to it again.

Pagolac, 655 Larkin (at Ellis) - New Cheap Vietnamese spot in the TL.

Lucca Ravioli Co., 1100 Valencia St. - Italian delicatessen

Lone Palm, 3394 22nd St. - Classy dive bar (been there but this is a note to visit again)

Super 7, 1630 Post St. - Amazing collection of rare and collectible toys, art books, prints, and gear

Tartine Bakery, 600 Guerrero St. - Breakfast and sandwich place

Chin Sushi, 4406 California St. - "Best sushi on the planet"

Blue Plate, 3218 Mission St. - Embodiment of the the term comfort food

Bimbo's 365 Club, 1025 Columbus Ave. - Best venue for music in SF. Catch talent here before they perform at the Fillmore or Warfield.