May 3, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets small forward Chandler Parsons (25) warms up before game six of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN’s Marc Stein has reported that USA Basketball has extended an invitation to Houston Rockets forward Chandler Parsons to take part in Team USA’s Mini-Camp this July.

The rest of the group has yet to be announced, but the former second round draft pick is now beginning to gain recognition on the national scene.  Parsons averaged 15.5 points and 5.3 rebounds in his second season after becoming the Rockets starting small forward in his rookie campaign.  He had a break-out playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, in which he averaged 18.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.7 assists.  Parsons had a stellar performance in game 4, finishing with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists.

Parsons has also been in the news recently for hiring Dan Fegan as his agent, who also represents Dwight Howard.  While it could just be a coincidence, the hiring can help put more interest in the Rockets for Fegan and Howard.  Fegan was behind trying to get Howard to the Brooklyn Nets over the past year and a half, and eventually admitting to purposefully leaking scoops to reporters as part of an information war with Orlando Magic management as they tried to establish value for Howard.

Mar 30, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Wichita State Shockers forward Cleanthony Early (11) defends against Ohio State Buckeyes forward Deshaun Thomas (1) during the second half of the finals of the West regional of the 2013 NCAA tournament at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

With the lottery results all set, and the Cleveland Cavaliers winning the first pick for the second time in three years, the NBA Draft preparations are now in full swing.

The Houston Rockets do not own a first round pick for this year, with their lone pick coming in the second round at pick number 34.

It will be an interesting pick as this year’s draft class is believed to be one of the weakest fields in several years, but the Daryl Morey and the rest of the front office have struck some luck in the second round in the past (Carl Landry, Chase Budinger, Chandler Parsons).  Some mock drafts like this one from HoopsWorld have the Rockets picking Ohio State forward Deshaun Thomas.

Pk	Team	Player
31		Lorenzo BrownPG 22 years old; 6’5″; 189 lbs.N.C. State, Junior
32		Colton Iverson C 23 years old; 7’0″; 263 lbs.Colorado State, Senior
33		Mike Muscala C 21 years old; 6’11″; 230 lbs.Bucknell, Senior
34		Deshaun ThomasSF/PF 21 years old; 6’7″; 220 lbs. Ohio State, Junior
35		Jackie CarmichaelPF 23 years old; 6’9″; 241 lbs.Illinois State, Senior
36		Archie GoodwinSG 18 years old; 6’5″; 189 lbs.Kentucky, Freshman
37		Ricky Ledo SG 20 years old; 6’6″; 197 lbs.Providence, Freshman
38		Lucas Nogueira C 20 years old; 6’11″; 215 lbs.Estudiantes, International
39		Giannis Adetokunbo SF 18 years old; 6’9″; 196 lbs.Filathlitikos, International
40		C.J. Leslie SF/PF 21 years old; 6’9″; 209 lbs.N.C. State, Junior

In the first look at potential draft picks for the Rockets, Thomas’s length and offensive abilities make him a favorable choice.  A 6’7, 225 pounds, Thomas led the tough Big Ten conference in scoring, at 19.8 points in his third and final year with the Buckeyes.  Early scouting reports of Thomas indicate that his biggest strength is his ability to catch and shoot, as he shot over 44 percent from the field throughout his junior season.

Matt Kamalsky of DraftExpress assessed Thomas’ NBA potential as a good role player on offensive, but stresses concerns about him on the defensive end, and the dangerous label of potentially being a “tweener” as a small/power forward:
.

 “The main question regarding Thomas’s NBA potential is what position he can defend effectively. His versatile offensive game affords him some flexibility on that end of the floor, but his lack of footspeed for a three, size and length for a four, and overall consistency on the defensive end are troubling. He alleviated some concerns about his work ethic by coming into the season in the best shape of his career and has played with good intensity on the perimeter for stretches, but his ability on this end of the floor will surely face close scrutiny from NBA decision-makers during the pre-draft process whenever he decides to leave Ohio State.

Another concern revolves around his lackluster rebounding production, particularly on the defensive end, where he ranks dead last at his position amongst top-100 power forwards. Thomas doesn’t contribute much on the offensive glass either, so it remains to be seen how much he can help a team on nights when his shot isn’t falling.”

 The Rockets have had their fair shares of drafting “tweeners” under the Morey era, most recently Marcus Morris, who have not panned out.  Drafting Thomas would add to the plethora of young forwards already on the roster so it would be hard to see him making any kind of contributions for Houston in the near future. It’s also alarming that Thomas shot just 37 percent from the college three-point line last season, and 40 percent from three throughout his college career.  With the Rockets offensive plan to spread the floor and put players on the floor who can knock down three-pointers, Thomas would have to make tremendous strides in developing his shot from beyond the NBA three-point line, something the front office and coaching staff may not be patient on.

Thomas has also been in the news recently when reports came out of him refusing to give his phone number to the San Antonio Spurs.

Apr 28, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (12) during the game against the San Antonio Spurs in game four of the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

I am really hoping that this summer can be a Dwight Howard drama-free offseason.  While he is going to be the most coveted free agent, we could be in for a long, waiting game for Howard to make his ultimate decision.

According to ESPN, Howard was one of several players who had an extended separate meeting with GM Mitch Kupchak after his exit interview with the team.  The conversation was centered on his frustrations with head coach Mike D’Antoni, as Howard has said that he felt marginalized and misused, specifically in regards to D’Antoni favoring to Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash for leadership and suggestions throughout the season, and discounting Howard.

This comes after Kupchak stated that he was “hopeful” and “optimistic” that Howard would be back with the Lakers for next season and beyond, but there have been several developments that could impact his decision.

The Lakers have announced that D’Antoni will not retain assistant coach Chuck Person, who the Lakers brought in this season to be Howard’s confidant.  Also, assistant coach Steve Clifford, who was with Howard for five seasons in Orlando, has become a head coaching candidate for the Milwaukee Bucks and Charlotte Bobcats.  Howard has the closest relationship with the two assistants.

This could dramatically impact Howard’s choice, and make signing with the Houston Rockets a more likely scenario.  The Rockets are considered a top choice for the perennial all-star according to multiple reports.

There are a number of reasons why Houston is a top choice for Howard, most notably the fact that there are no state income taxes in Texas, the Rockets’ young core led by James Harden, and his relationship with Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon from working out with him two summers ago.

The Dallas Mavericks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Atlanta Hawks reportedly are the other suitors.  Whatever the case may be, get ready for another season of the Dwight Howard-saga this summer.

Jan 4, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Houston Rockets assistant coach Chris Finch (right) talks with player Jeremy Lin as their team plays the Milwaukee Bucks at the Bradley Center. Houston defeated Milwaukee 115-101. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports

According to reports, the Philadelphia 76ers are rumored to target Houston Rockets assistant coaches Chris Finch and Kelvin Sampson as their top candidates to be their next head coach.  This comes as no surprise considering new general manager’s Sam Hinkie’s background with Houston.

Sampson is also currently a candidate for the Milwaukee Bucks and Detroit Pistons head coaching positions, along with another Rockets assistant coach, J.B. Bickerstaff.

Finch, 43, played in the British Basketball League in the early 1990’s, before earning his first head coaching job with the Sheffield Sharks, and was named the BBL Coach of the Year in the 1998-’99 season.   He began coaching in the states in 2009, when he was named as head coach of the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, and was named D-League Coach of the Year in the 2009-2010 season.  Finch has been touted by some in the Rockets organization as a potential successor to current coach Kevin McHale.

Three of the four assistants on the current staff have all emerged as head coaching candidates, and it’s a possibility that Sampson, Bickerstaff, and Finch can all be on the bench as a head coach for some team next season.

May 15, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) drives to the basket as Chicago Bulls small forward Jimmy Butler (21) defends during the second half in game five of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Miami Heat won 94-91. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

There’s no question that all the talk of the Houston Rockets offseason priorities are aimed at Dwight Howard.  But early reports have pointed towards Howard staying with the Los Angeles Lakers.  If that’s the case, then the Rockets don’t have too many options with big men.

The only other viable free agent options would be Josh Smith, Paul Millsap, Al Jefferson, and Andrew Bynum.  Smith is the most talented player out of the bunch, but will demand a maximum contract.  While he would fit in perfectly with the Rockets as the power forward with his defense, versatility, athleticism, and rebounding, his inconsistencies throughout his career makes it a huge risk to sign Smith to that level of money.

Millsap could be a safer choice, and the Rockets can sign him to a shorter-term contract, but I’m not sure how much better of a player he is at this point than what Greg Smith, Terrence Jones, or Donatas Motiejunas can turn out to be.  Jefferson would be a horrible fit for the Rockets because of his lack of defense, and the Rockets front office most likely will not want to roll the dice by bringing in Bynum.

With Houston not owning a first-round pick in the upcoming draft, the Rockets really can save their salary cap space for next summer.  That’s when Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, and Carmelo Anthony all will have options to become free agents.  Beyond them, Pau Gasol, Dirk Nowitzki, Danny Granger, Luol Deng, and Paul Pierce.

It might also make more sense financially as the Rockets need to re-sign Chandler Parsons soon to a fair deal (two years remaining for a combined $2 million). Both Omer Asik and Jeremy Lin will also have their contracts set to expire the following season as well.

In both cases, the Rockets are in a good place.  Houston has no need to commit to a questionable player such as Smith, Millsap or Bynum out of desperation this summer. The Rockets have the luxury of surveying their options and seeing what makes sense for them this offseason, all while being able to save their decisions until next offseason.

November 23, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets interim coach Kelvin Sampson reacts after a play during the second quarter against the New York Knicks at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today has reported that former Utah Jazz head coach Jerry Sloan will pass on the Milwaukee Bucks head coaching offer.

Sloan ranks third all-time in career wins with 1,221, and coached the Jazz for 23 years before resigning in February 2011.

The Bucks have been in the market for a new coach after not retaining interim coach Jim Boylan. Milwaukee made the playoffs for the first time in three years despite its third straight losing season, but was swept in the first round by the Miami Heat.

With Sloan out of the running for the Bucks position, it leaves Houston Rocket assistant coaches Kelvin Sampson and J.B. Bickerstaff among the group of candidates, along with former Portland Trail Blazers head coach Nate McMillan and Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Steve Clifford.

Sampson and Bickerstaff are also leading candidates for the Detroit Pistons head coaching job as well.  However it turns out, it looks like the Rockets can possibly lose at least one of their top assistant coaches.

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The lights have dimmed. The audience is oozing with anticipation as they await the latest eye-opening trick from the great magician, Master Morey. As an off-season ago would prove, you can’t blink or you’ll miss it. In one fail swoop, Daryl Morey pressed a button that the entire Houston Rockets roster fell through only to pull back the sheet and unveil a brand new one. No other general manager would have dreamed of pulling off a stunt like this, taking a team that had missed the playoffs three years in a row to a team that was challenging for the sixth spot of the western conference on the final day of the regular season. Not only that but Morey managed to pull off the greatest heist of the pre-season.  He handed over an over-paid veteran (Kevin Martin), a rookie who didn’t sniff the court (Jeremy Lamb), and what turned out to be the 12th pick in the upcoming draft that has been projected to be a weak field, for a 23 year old all-star who came in fifth in the league in scoring, James Harden. You have my permission to stand up and applaud if you’d like. After pushing the Oklahoma City Thunder to an exhilarating six games, expectations, for the first time in a long time in Houston, are sky-high.

As if every off-season isn’t already a spectacle around these parts, Morey’s encore performance has become one of the most anticipated ones in the history of the franchise. “What will he do next?” seems to be the most popular question among the citizens residing in Houston. Over-loaded with enough ammo to make WWE pyrotechnics look like a sewer-water soaked Blackcat, there’s no reason not to assume that the sparks will fly as Morey takes this off-season by the hand. Only instead of flowers and candy it’s an endless amount of cap-room and a young, exciting team. Not to mention beautiful weather and no state-income tax.

Apr 28, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (12) handles the ball against San Antonio Spurs power forward Aron Baynes (16) in game four of the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Although it sounds like a walk-off hit, it’s not. Even though the perks are piled up, the free-agent that the Rockets general manager will be looking to woo the most is a bit on the ditsy side. Dwight Howard’s torn labrum might force him to covet the extra year, for a feeling of security, that only the Los Angeles Lakers can offer him. But a rumor had surfaced that the soon-to-be sought after center lost more than a few million during his stint in Orlando by letting a close family member handle his money. Couple that with the fact that California’s state-income tax is on the rise and Morey’s seduction may become irresistible.

Howard isn’t the only free-agent in Morey’s scope. Above average power-forwards like Al Jefferson, David West, and Josh Smith are also looking to better their career’s with a fresh new relationship. I’ve compiled a list of other players who will be available and categorized them as restricted or unrestricted:

Al Jefferson (UR) Avery Bradley (R)
Josh Smith (UR), Nikola Pecovic (R)
Nate Robinson (UR) Byron Mullens (R)
Elton Brand (UR) Eric Bledsoe (R)
Andre Iguodala (UR)
David West (UR)
Jarrett Jack (UR)Paul Millsap (UR)

Any one of these borderline all-stars would help the Rockets get to a level that it hadn’t been at in quite some time. It’s up to “Magic Morey” and his unique brand of analytics to compile the pieces that fit the best and try to get his team treading in that upward stream he had already started last year.

May 3, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets head coach Kevin McHale laughs before game six of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

With the Philadelphia 76ers announcement of hiring Houston Rockets executive Sam Hinkie as their new president of basketball operations and general manager, the Rockets lose a key contributor in their front office.  Hinkie spent the past eight seasons with the Rockets and his work has been huge for Houston’s player management decisions.

The Rockets front office are known around the league with their use of analytics and advanced stats to measure players, and Hinkie played a big part in that.  He was a pioneer of analytics, and had a huge role in the Rockets’ use of SportVU, a program that tracks players at all times.

It will be very difficult for the Rockets to fill the void left by HInkie in their front office, but his hiring shows that management is gaining league-wide recognition.  Not only has Hinkie now been swayed away, but Kelvin Sampson is being pursued by a number of teams as a head coaching candidate.  J.B. Bickerstaff has also interviewed with a number of NBA teams as a potential head coach.

This proves that the Rockets front office is doing something right to be garnering so much attention and recognition from other organizations.  We’ll see who fills the void left by Hinkie.

May 1, 2013; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Houston Rockets forward Francisco Garcia (32) reacts to a call in action against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half in game five of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. The Rockets defeated the Thunder 107-100. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

In Part 1, James Harden, Chandler Parsons, Omer Asik, Jeremy Lin, Carlos Delfino, and Greg Smith all received their performance grades for the season.  In Part 2, we take a look at the remaining players on the Houston Rockets roster.

Francisco Garcia: B+

Garcia came to Houston as a throw-in in the trade that brought Thomas Robinson in town.  A solid veteran who has spent his entire career with the Sacramento Kings, Garcia’s role with the Rockets was to provide veteran leadership and solid contributions off the bench when called upon.  In 18 games with the Rockets, Garcia averaged 6.4 points in 17 minutes, and shot 36 percent from behind the arc.

But Garcia stepped up when the Rockets needed a role player to step up down the stretch, which is why I bumped his grade to a B+.  Garcia made 5 spot starts down the stretch, and came up big in the playoffs when he was pressed into the starting lineup after Jeremy Lin went down.  His veteran presence, defense on Kevin Durant, and ability to knock down open threes played a big part in the Rockets small success in the playoffs.

The Rockets have a decision this offseason regarding Garcia.  He has a $6.4 million option for next season.  Garcia has already expressed his desire to return to Houston, but the decision lies in the hands of Daryl Morey.

Patrick Beverley: B+ 

Apr 29, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets point guard Patrick Beverley (12) makes a hand gesture against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the fourth quarter in game four of the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs at the Toyota Center. The Rockets defeated the Thunder 105-103. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Beverley came to the Rockets in January after the team signed him to a 3 year contract while he was playing in Russia.  Not much was known about Beverley but he showed signs of being a maximum effort player.  He quickly outperformed got minutes as the back-up point guard over Toney Douglas when he was still with the team, and eventually took over the role after Douglas was shipped away.

Beverley averaged 5.6 points and 2.9 rebounds in 17 minutes in the regular season, but his performance in the playoffs is what had people talking.  Beverley was inserted into the starting lineup in game 2 of the Thunder series and excelled, scoring in double digits in three of the five games he started.  For the six game series, Beverley averaged 11.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists, while shooting 43 percent from the field and 38 percent from behind the arc.

The Rockets have to figure out what to do at the point guard position going into next season, but Beverley will definitely play a big part in the Rockets plans, whether as a starter or reserve.

Donatas Motiejunas: C

Motiejunas spent most of the first half of the season in the D-League, but got his chance to be in the Rockets rotation after the deadline trade.  D-Mo made 14 starts, showed glimpses of incredible offensive talent, but also showed inconsistencies and inability to rebound.  He averaged 5.7 points in 12 minutes for the season, and the Rockets are still high on Motiejunas, who can be an ideal power forward for the Rockets system.

Motiejunas must work on his three point shot and low post defense in the offseason.  He was able to stretch his game out to the three point line, but shot just 29 percent from three.  The Rockets have a plethora of young, talented power forwards and they are just waiting to see which ones will develop the fastest.

Terrence Jones: C+ 

Jones is another one of the young, talented power forwards on the roster.  He spent most of the season in the D-League, but made huge strides during his time there.  He was a D-League all-star, and upon his return to the Rockets in March, Jones looked like a different player than he was at the beginning of the season.  He became more polished, more skilled as a power forward and stretched his jump shot out to the three point line.  In 19 games with the Rockets, Jones averaged 5.5 points in 15 minutes, and also recorded a double-double.

Jones is very much in the future plans of the Rockets.  It’s just a matter of how much he develops this offseason.

Aaron Brooks: C+

Brooks came back to the Rockets in February after the Kings released him.  It was originally assumed that Brooks would eventually be slated as the back-up point guard, but Beverley’s production off the bench was so good that Brooks just couldn’t get any minutes.

Brooks was solid when he was pressed into the rotation in the playoffs.  His best game was in game 5 when he scored 10 points in 19 minutes off the bench.  The Rockets have a decision to make on Brooks, as he has a $2.5 million option for next season.

Thomas Robinson: C- 

April 14, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Sacramento Kings power forward Thomas Robinson (41) on the bench against the Houston Rockets in the third quarter at the Toyota Center. The Rockets defeated the Kings 121-100. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Robinson may be the biggest disappointment on the Rockets roster thus far.  The number five overall pick from last summer was seen by many as a steal when Houston acquired him at the trade deadline.  Robinson played in 19 games with Houston, but just didn’t look fully comfortable whenever he was on the floor.  He averaged 4.5 points and 4.1 rebounds in 13 minutes with the Rockets, and was out of the rotation by mid-March.

Robinson is tremendously talented and athletic, but still is very raw.  It’s just a matter of time for him to develop into the impactful player that many scouts think he will blossom into when he was coming out of Kansas.