Houston Rockets Daily Rocket Science: Break of Dawn

When LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers raised the Larry O’Brian trophy in the air, it marked the signature capstone of another season. As Cleveland celebrated their first championship since 1964, NBA teams and fans are hoping that next season will be their year to enter basketball immortality. Among the teams dreaming of a championship are the Houston Rockets, and a dawn of a new era is about to start in Clutch City.

With the NBA Draft set for Thursday, there is an excitement in the air to welcome the next wave of talents into the league. Despite being far from drafting Ben Simmons, Brandon Ingram, or Buddy Hield, this year’s draft class has given hope to the Houston Rockets with their second round pick.

According to the Dream Shake’s Darren Yuvan, general manager Daryl Morey is pretty confident in the Rockets selection despite not having a first-round pick.

"Since Morey’s came aboard, the Rockets have either  , , Chase Bundinger, , , , , , Sergio Lull, , Brad Newley and Maarty Leunen. It’s hardly a murderer’s row, but there are some players in there. In fact, Morey believes he’s had better luck in the second over the years than the first round, telling the Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan Feigen drafted or acquired via trade the following players in the second round: Chandler Parsons Carl Landry Joey Dorsey Isaiah Canaan Nick Johnson Montrezl Harrell Jermaine Taylor Alessandro Gentile"

Although the Rockets will have to wait until the 37th pick before making a selection, there are plenty of great players projected to go in the second around.

Best case scenario here is to hope that Saint Joseph’s DeAndre Bembry can fall into the hands of Houston in the second round. If not, Space City Scoops own Tamberlyn Richardson believes Spaniard forward Juan Hernangomez may become a tremendous steal for Houston.

"He’s also the type of player Houston Rockets GM could trade up for without it costing much since he’s ranked anywhere from 20 to the pick just prior to Houston’s first at 37.  With his defensive abilities (or perhaps that’s better phrased as the passion for delivering on that end) even if he takes the time to progress in the NBA offensively he’ll still contribute. Plus the Rockets could divide his time with the Vipers so he learns the system. I’m high on this player especially in D’Antoni’s system as one of his top qualities was the ability to run the floor in transition. If I was Morey I’d be taking a long hard look at the Spaniard."

Although it is exciting to see what new players the Rockets will acquire, it’s going to be sad saying goodbye to the few who are leaving. Most notably Dwight Howard.

When Howard came to Houston three years ago, it seems has if he and James Harden were on the verge of becoming the next Shaq and Kobe for Clutch City. However, after failing to deliver a champion and the reported dispute between the two stars, Superman is all but ready to take flight.

As the Rockets prepare for life without Howard, there have been a few big men in mind that can replace the eight-time all-star. According to Mitch De Leon of The Gospel Herald, Paul Gasol may be heading to Houston, as Howard is rumored to join the Bulls.

"The Houston Rockets are in the process of figuring out how to maximize their roster. With James Harden on the lead and the Kevin Durant free agency promising to be a tough competition, the Jason Terry are looking into measures to boost the team. A new solution offered is to trade Dwight Howard to the Chicago Bulls and sign Pau Gasol. Both big men have the veteran experience. Moreover, Howard and Gasol seem to be looking at fresh starts somewhere else."

Regardless where Howard goes this summer, his departure is a painful reminder of his unfulfilled goal in Houston.

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