Mock Draft: Mavs Fanatic First Round 1.0

by Damian Jackson on June 6, 2013 in Mavs 09 comments

The NBA Draft is three weeks away and player workouts have prospects shifting positions on a daily basis. It’s time that we break out our first edition of the Mock Draft and share our thoughts on who we think will go where based on team need, workout impressions and daily reports.

 

 

1. Cleveland Cavaliers – Nerlens Noel, C Kentucky | Ht: 6’11″ Wt: 206

Noel has long been slotted as the top pick in this year’s draft and that hasn’t changed. Expect the Cavs to select the slender defensive center who’s aiming for a December return to the court.

 

 

2. Orlando Magic – Ben McLemore, SG Kansas | Ht: 6’5″ Wt: 188

McLemore has a pure jump shot and great size at SG for the NBA. Along with his shooting, Ben is an incredible athlete and many say he’s likely to be an All-Star level player for years. The Magic need that scoring infusion and McLemore can be that guy.

 

 

3. Washington Wizards – Otto Porter, SF Georgetown | Ht: 6’9″ Wt: 198

Otto Porter wins the Naismith College Player of the Year award if not for Trey Burke’s very impressive run in the tournament. Porter has an all-around game with intangibles that make him as NBA-ready an anyone in this class. Wizards keep Otto in DC.

 

 

4. Charlotte Bobcats – Alex Len, C Maryland | Ht: 7’1″ Wt: 255

Alex Len provides the Bobcats a center they need. With Byron Mullens likely gone it leaves Brendan Haywood. Bismack Biyombo could move to PF while Len offers Charlotte a solid defensive anchor in the middle who isn’t offensively challenged.

 

 

5. Phoenix Suns – Victor Oladipo, SG Indiana | Ht: 6’4″ Wt: 213

The Suns need stability. Victor Oladipo helps in that regard, he’s a relentless worker and plays hard on both ends of the floor. Oladipo would infuse energy into the U.S. Airways crowd, a step in the right direction with a new GM and head coach.

 

 

6. New Orleans Pelicans – Shabazz Muhammad, SF UCLA | Ht: 6’6″ Wt: 222

ShaMu this high?! The popular pick is Trey Burke, but they do have the 6-foot-6 Greivis Vasquez running point who averaged 9.0 assists in 78 games last season. The Pelicans have a more pressing need at SF and Shabazz could be the right guy.

 

 

7. Sacramento Kings – Anthony Bennett, PF UNLV | Ht: 6’8″ Wt: 240

Kings need a PG more, but it’d be tough to pass on Bennett if he were to drop here. SI.com says Bennett may have the most star potential in the draft, but is he a tweener? Sneaky skilled for a PF-type, AB would compliment Boogie Cousins well.

 

 

8. Detroit Pistons – Trey Burke, PG Michigan | Ht: 6’1″ Wt: 187

It’s no secret the Pistons want a PG. Michael Carter-Williams could be the choice, but with   Wolverine and College Player of the Year Burke available they may go that route. Burke’s heart and competitiveness would be welcomed in Detroit.

 

 

9. Minnesota Timberwolves – C.J. McCollum, PG/SG Lehigh | Ht: 6’3″ Wt: 197

McCollum makes perfect sense for the Wolves. A combo guard with advanced scoring ability and versatility. The foot injury no longer an issue, McCollum would step in next to Ricky Rubio and relieve some of Kevin Love’s scoring responsibilities.

 

 

10. Portland Trail Blazers – Steven Adams, C Pittsburgh | Ht: 6’11″ Wt: 235

Portland hit a homerun (Damian Lillard) and a ground out (Meyers Leonard) in last year’s lottery. Steven Adams represents a true NBA center with his physical tools, rebounding and defense. Tons of upside and an solid fit next to LaMarcus Aldridge.

 

 

11. Philadelphia 76ers – Cody Zeller, PF/C Indiana | Ht: 7’0″ Wt: 230

Some have the Blazers snagging Zeller, but he’ll be more of a PF in the NBA. Either way the Sixers will be satisfied to see Zeller fall to them. Cody showed impressive athleticism at the combine and he’d be able to play the 4/5 in Philly.

 

 

12. Oklahoma City Thunder – Mason Plumlee, C Duke | Ht: 7’0″ Wt: 238

OKC could go in several directions with this pick, but smart money says they address the center position. Kendrick Perkins has been disappointing. Plumlee gives the Thunder an explosive big who rebounds very well and finishes with authority above the rim.

 

 

13. Dallas Mavericks – Michael Carter-Williams, PG Syracuse | Ht: 6’6″ Wt: 185

The Mavs have their eye set on Carter-Williams. If he makes it to 13, they draft him. His size is special for the position and he owns the best court vision and PG instincts in this class. MCW would be nice addition if Dallas whiffs on Chris Paul.

 

 

14. Utah Jazz – Dennis Schröder, PG Germany | Ht: 6’2″ Wt: 165

Utah has strong interest in Schröder to replace free agent Mo Williams. The 19-year-old PG has a lot of Rajon Rondo in his repertoire. Reports say he received a promise from the Boston Celtics, but he may not make it that far.

 

 

15. Milwaukee Bucks – Jamaal Franklin, SG San Diego State | Ht: 6’5″ Wt: 191

The Bucks face a lot of uncertainties in their backcourt. If Brandon Jennings stays, Milwaukee could use help on the wing. Franklin fits the bill as an above average rebounder, elite athlete and plays aggressive on offense and defense.

 

 

16. Boston Celtics – Gorgui Dieng, C Louisville | Ht: 6’11″ Wt: 230

With Schröder likely gone, the Celtics could switch gears and find a center. Dieng owns NBA center size and is skilled defensively. There are other options, but many scouts are high on Dieng ability to contribute immediately.

 

 

17. Atlanta Hawks – Dario Saric, SF Croatia | Ht: 6’10″ Wt: 223

Saric is believed to be the draft’s top international prospect and could go as high as No. 6 to the Pelicans. Naturally this would be quite to steal for the Hawks who will be carefully utilizing their cap space this summer. Saric to withdraw from the draft?

 

 

18. Atlanta Hawks - Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG Georgia | Ht: 6’6″ Wt: 204

The Hawks’ only guards with guaranteed deals are Lou Williams (ACL) and John Jenkins. There’s buzz about Caldwell-Pope and this seems like a good fit for both parties. Hometown kid stays around and Hawks get a legit all-around player.

 

 

19. Cleveland Cavaliers - Sergey Karasev, SG/SF Russia | Ht: 6’7″ Wt: 197

According to reports, sounds like Karasev’s already received a promise and word out there says this is the floor for Karasev. The Cavs really like him. He provides Cleveland a player with immense shooting ability and the size to play either wing position.

 

 

20. Chicago Bulls – Kelly Olynyk, PF/C Gonzaga | Ht: 7’0″ Wt: 238

A slide of sorts for Olynyk, but he could still crack the lottery. If the Bulls consider amnesty with Carlos Boozer, the Gonzaga product provides Chicago an ample replacement (along w/ Taj Gibson) whose skill set fit an NBA four.

 

 

21. Utah Jazz – Rudy Gobert, C France | Ht: 7’2″ Wt: 238

The Jazz could double dip in international waters by going Gobert after Schroder. Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap are set to leave, so Utah could be enticed to take Gobert as a development behind ripe big men Enes Kanter and Derrick Favors.

 

 

22. Brooklyn Nets – Tony Mitchell, PF North Texas | Ht: 6’9″ Wt: 237

Mitchell is scheduled to work out for city rival NY Knicks tomorrow, but the Nets have interest as well. Brooklyn could use a PG unless they trust TyShawn Taylor as Deron Williams’ backup. Mitchell’s stock is on the rise nonetheless.

 

 

23. Indiana Pacers – Shane Larkin, PG Miami | Ht: 6’0″ Wt: 171

This would be too sweet for the Pacers. Point guard is an area of need and Larkin falling in their lap is a miracle. Chances of it happening are slim though as he could go as high as 14th or 15th to the Jazz or Bucks.

 

 

24. New York Knicks - Jeff Withey, C Kansas | Ht: 7’0″ Wt: 222

Roy Hibbert’s size was too much for Tyson Chandler and the Knicks. Marcus Camby doesn’t play anymore, Kenyon Martin was too small. Withey plugs in as the immediate backup with great basketball knowledge, physical tools and shot-blocking.

 

 

25. Los Angeles Clippers – Allen Crabbe, SG California | Ht: 6’6″ Wt: 198

Crabbe is a talented player with a terrific stroke. The Clippers believe Chris Paul isn’t going anywhere and it’s always wise to surround a PG with shooters. Crabbe works well off screens and in transition, perfect wing type for a Paul-run offense.

 

 

26. Minnesota Timberwolves – Ricky Ledo, SG Providence | Ht: 6’6″ Wt: 197

Ledo appears to be the mystery and possible best sleeper of the draft. Someone mentioned he had a Kevin Durant-like shot and it’s not far off. He looks like a top-notch scorer and special wing this late in the first round. Minny can use ‘em!

 

 

27. Denver Nuggets – Glen Rice Jr., SF Rio Grande Valley (NBDL) | Ht: 6’6″ Wt: 211

Glen Rice Jr. looks to go from the D-League to the NBA by way of draft. The Nuggets who recently severed ties with George Karl will probably lose SG Andre Iguodala to free agency and seek his replacement. Denver will like that Rice Jr. is ready NOW.

 

 

28. San Antonio Spurs – Lucas Nogueira, C Brazil | Ht: 6’11″ Wt: 215

With already one Brazlian center on the roster in Tiago Splitter, the Spurs may entertain the idea of selecting Nogueira and stash him away for a year or two. This gives Lucas time to advance his skills and the Spurs to prep a role for him down the road.

 

 

29. Oklahoma City Thunder – Tim Hardaway Jr., SG Michigan | Ht: 6’6″ Wt: 200

The Thunder addressed a vital need in the lottery, but could seek a cheaper SG option here rather than retain free agent Kevin Martin. OKC still has Jeremy Lamb as well and could have two younger, more affordable guard competition in camp.

 

 

30. Phoenix Suns - Giannis Adetokunbo, SF/PF Greece | Ht: 6’9″ Wt: 196

Adetokunbo this late would be amazing for the Suns, who want to ignite new enthusiasm to it’s fan base. He brings different elements to the game than any Suns forward. Channing Frye remains a health concern and there’s zero faith in Michael Beasley.

 

 

 

 

Damian Jackson is a partner at Mavs Fanatic. Follow Damian on Twitter @thedfactor and like our site’s page on Facebook.

 

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Mavs Game Night: Mavs Attempt to Tame Wolves

by Damian Jackson on March 10, 2013 in Mavs 09 comments

These are the games the Dallas Mavericks must win. Simple as that.

Last night the Mavericks received help from the Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns and New York Knicks. Each of those teams defeated the squads currently seeded six through eight.

Now it’s the Mavs turn to capitalize and gain some ground if they want to make one last serious push for a 13th consecutive trip to the NBA’s second season.

“We’re just taking them one game at a time,” Dirk Nowitzki said. “We can’t really look at the big picture, because it doesn’t really look that great. We just have to stay positive and keep working.”

The Wolves lead the season series with the Mavs 2-1, but Dallas won the last meeting and will want to make it two straight. Minnesota has dropped seven of their past eight games.

Mavs forward Shawn will miss his second game in a row with a calf injury.

“A couple more days,” Marion told reporters after the Mavs’ shootaround in Minnesota.

Without their best defender, the Mavs still managed to slip out of Detroit on Friday night with a 102-99 victory.

Like the Mavericks, the Timberwolves have surely been dealt their share of injuries. Kevin Love remains out with a hand injury, Nikola Pekovic (abdominal strain) and Andrei Kirilenko (calf) will likely miss tonight’s game as well.

We’re well aware how disappointing this season has been for the Mavs, but the T-Wolves have to be just as frustrated. Injuries have been a strong detriment to their overall growth into a competitive young Western Conference team.

The Dallas Mavericks made a transaction yesterday, trimming the roster from 15 to 14.

 

 

 

 

According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, the move to release DoJo was sealed when he recently balked at going down to the Texas Legends. It trims the number of 2011 champion Mavs down to three – Dirk, Marion and Roddy B.

The Mavs may look into the D-League to fill the final roster spot, but nothing set in stone yet. Any player to sign, would be eligible only for the remainder of the regular season; no playoffs.

Wolves and Mavs will tip around 6:00 p.m. CT and airs on FsSW/WFCT

We’re 3 GB of the final playoff spot! Let’s Go Mavs!

Source: ESPN Dallas

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Mavs Game Night: Mavs Welcome Barea Back To The AAC

by Ryan Wilson on January 14, 2013 in Mavs 09 comments

As I sit at my desk mixing office work and contemplating what to write about the Dallas Mavericks, I’m reminded how fast time flies. I had originally planned to attend this 3-game stretch against Minnesota, Houston and Oklahoma City. It would have been my first time ever stepping foot on Texas soil, but the time is here and I’m still in New York.

Yeah, I’m bummed out a little, but in due time I will make my way to Dallas, TX and into the American Airlines Center for the one and only true Dallas Mavericks basketball experience.

The Mavericks are currently in a decent state as they host the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight. No, 15-23 isn’t a good record at all, but the Mavs are in positive spirits because they’ve strung together two wins and looking to make it three straight. Dallas has momentum on its side since pulling out the overtime victory in Sacramento and handily defeating the Memphis Grizzlies Saturday night.

“This was definitely a good one to get and build on the momentum we got in Sacramento with a win,” said Nowitzki, averaging 27.3 points in his last four matchups against Minnesota. “And hopefully we can build on that.”

Dirk missed both games already played against the T-Wolves this season, two Mavs losses. Wolves’ big man Kevin Love reinjured the hand which kept him out early this year and will not play.

You have to sense that the Mavs are starting to come together and play better with their star in the lineup. Whether it was just Dirk slowly getting his leg back or the sets or the comfort level of his teammates, the results have looked much improved the last two games.

We know the defense still remains the main concern for this team going forward. The offense improves when your best player is on the court, but Dirk isn’t a defensive anchor by any means. Mavs also are among the league’s worst defensively while Chris Kaman is out there. No one questions Kaman’s offensive skills, but the center spot defense has declined drastically from Tyson Chandler and Brendan Haywood.

Former Mavericks guard J.J. Barea will play for the first time in the AAC after being inactive the previous two opportunities. Shawn Marion acknowledged the fact, but was all business in the process.

“We’re all bonded together for the rest of our life, but that (bleep) is over with. I want another one”

The Matrix habitually provides the media with real talk. How can you not appreciate the passion in his statements? Marion isn’t blind; he understands the Mavs are deep in a hole. That doesn’t keep his spirits down there as well. The culture in the Mavs organization continues to be winning and Marion’s accustomed to it.

Dallas needs to win, if not sweep the remainder of the homestand, to make a strong case for a turnaround and chance to claim one of the final playoff seeds. Eight games under .500 isn’t a pretty place to be, but with three more wins they’ll be at 18-23. It gives them a lifeline to survival. The West isn’t doing anyone favors.

The action starts at 7:30 p.m. CT and airs on FsSW/FSN.

Here we go, make it 3 straight wins Mavs!

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Mavs Game Night: Mavs(11-12) @ Wolves(11-9)

by Ryan Wilson on December 15, 2012 in Mavs 09 comments

The Dallas Mavericks road trip isn’t going the way they want. A tough double overtime loss in Boston was followed by an embarrassing 21-point loss against the 4-19 Toronto Raptors. Tonight it’ll be the Minnesota Timberwolves who have already beaten Dallas earlier this season 90-82.

The buzz of the evening will be the return of Wolves point guard Ricky Rubio. Rubio suffered a season-ending ACL injury last year and is ready to debut tonight against the Mavericks. In his rookie season (41 games) the guard averaged 10.6 points, 8.2 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 2.2 steals. He’s expected to play within a restriction of 18-20 minutes.

Would you believe that five teams actually turn the ball over more than the Mavericks?

Probably not, but Dallas’ 15.7 turnvers per game ranks as the 6th most in the league. Still an incredibly poor place to be.

If the Mavs don’t figure out how to start protecting the ball, the Wolves should have they’re way tonight. It doesn’t take a basketball expert to understand that concept.

With Rubio returning and Kevin Love expected to play with a bruised thumb, the Wolves will basically have their full roster ready. Josh Howard (knee) will not be active. Nikola “The Bull” Pekovic enters tonight fresh off a 31-point effort Friday night. Andrei Kirilenko added 21 points and 11 rebounds.

Rebounds going to bite Dallas in the rear. While the Mavericks are the worst in rebounding diffential, the Wolves come in third best in the league. The killer has been surrendering the offensive board. Second chance points are poison and the Mavs know the feeling. I don’t see how Dallas outrebounds the Wolves in this one, but it starts with finding the man, boxing out and simply effort.

The Mavericks attempt to begin a new three point shot streak tonight after their NBA-record 1,108 game string was snapped in Toronto when they went 0-13. It summed up an evening that saw absolutely nothing go right.

Looking for some positive news?

We’ve heard and saw Dirk Nowitzki putting in some pregame work last night before the Raps game. Today some reports say Dirk could start practicing with the team next week. This would be excellent news. It’s important to keep in mind, Dirk doesn’t need to rush back. No sense it returning until he’s 100% ready to avoid risking further injury.

It’s time to return to the winning ways. Let’s go Mavs!

Mavs @ Wolves tip 7:00 p.m. CT and airs on FSSW and WFTC.

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The TC Report – Pump The Brakes Mavs Fans

by Ryan Wilson on November 13, 2012 in Mavs 09 comments

Walking into work this morning I noticed the Christmas decorations were out in full force.  Light posts were dressed up with red and green and the building had lights on the lower section.  That’s funny. I don’t even remember eating Thanksgiving dinner yet.  Did I miss something?  Did I sleep through the Cowboys/Redskins Thanksgiving day game?  We win?

My point?  We’re jumping the gun on Christmas.  Much like we’re jumping the gun now on the latest Mavs losing streak.

First of all, all three recent losses were winnable games.  Mavs hung tough against a good New York Knicks team only to fall short in the 4^th.  It was more frustrating as the Mavs lost their first game EVER to Charlotte on Saturday night after a miserable effort to close out the game.  And last nights loss to the Timberwolves was there for the taking if not for our awful shooting percentage.

By the way, I’m reading and hearing a lot of negative reaction towards the loss to the Bobcats.  Let’s try taking the glass-half-full approach to this.  This Bobcats team is the same team that we throttled in the 3^rd game of the season, 126-99.  I understand that sports are a “what have you done for me lately” type of scenario.  But let’s not freak out over an OT loss to a team that we already beat earlier in the season.  Plus, we were due for a loss to the Bobcats at some point.

“We have to play desperate basketball every night,” said sixth man Vince Carter, who endured his worst offensive performance of the season (four points, 1-7 FG). “We’re not one of the best teams. We have the ability to be, but we have to play harder than teams.”

With the Mavericks hot 4-1 start, it resulted in some unreasonable expectations.  Not saying that this team is not that good, but the team also shot 62% from the field vs. the Blazers and Bobcats in games 3 and 4 of the season.  Obviously, this wouldn’t sustain.  Mavs were able to mask the negative rebounding proportions by making a lot of shots.  A lot of these shots came from the 3 point line as OJ Mayo quickly found himself on the top of the 3pt shooting list for the league. On Friday night inNew   York, the Mavs turnover machine was cranked up to a high level.  20 turnovers in NY and 19 in Charlotte were the main cause for the losses.  Mavs reduced the turnovers to 8 against the Timberwolves but only shot 36%.

Some of you have commented that the Mavs defense needs work.  This is true to a certain degree but it’s not the reason that we’re losing.  Last night we surrendered the highest shooting percentage by an opponent all season, 46.2% but we also created 17 turnovers.  The second highest percentage was given up to the Raptors at 44%, a game we won.   The defense has been stingy this season for the most part.  Grabbing more defensive rebounds would be beneficial given that we’re stopping a lot of first attempts.  This is where an injured Shawn Marion would help.  He was our leading rebounder before his injury.

The MAIN issue with this current Mavs team, without Dirk and Marion, is that they can not win games if they’re severely struggling in any of the categories of Shooting percentage, Rebounding, and Turnovers in one specific game.   All three categories have to be at average or better to produce a win.  (Season Averages:  Shooting: 46.3%. Rebounding: 41.9. Turnovers: 15).  With a scorer like Dirk on the floor, the Mavs can afford to have a bad turnover night simply due to the fact that Dirk can keep them in a game offensively.  But this current Mavs team has limited scorers and once defenses close in on Mayo, the offense panics. Hence the desperation 3’s by Carter and company when down by 5 or more.  Had the Mavs shot closer to their season average and not a abysmal 36% vs. the Timberwolves, they would’ve won.

Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda.

Let’s credit the opponents some for creating turnovers, grabbing boards, and forcing us into bad shots.  But mostly these issues can be solved by the Mavs.  The last 3 losses hurt but in no way is it showing the teams “true colors” and the first 4 wins were not as much of a “fluke” as some of Dallas’ own would say.  No matter what Jean-Jacques Taylor wants us to believe, this Mavs team is better than what you think.

Stay strong Mavs fans, we’ll be ok.  Just weather the storm until @Swish41 is back.

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Mavs Game Night: Minnesota Timberwolves (4-2) @ Dallas Mavericks (4-3)

by Ryan Wilson on November 12, 2012 in Mavs 09 comments

The Dallas Mavericks are back home and ready to host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night. Our Mavs return to Texas after a disappointing two-game road trip that included the first loss ever to the Charlotte Bobcats. After dropping two in a row, the Mavs look to avoid a third consecutive loss. They are undefeated at home at 3-0.

Perhaps the injuries to Dirk Nowitzki and Shawn Marion weren’t missed until this past weekend. Both Dirk and Matrix will not play tonight, but there’s no room for excuses. The Timberwolves come into the game riddled by injuries too. Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio have yet to play this season, while the team will be without Chase Budinger, ex-Mav J.J. Barea and likely Brandon Roy as well.

Several factors have played into the Mavericks’ struggles en route to a pair of losses.

• Darren Collison had a rough weekend, more so just not playing his game. He was out there thinking too often than acting and reacting. No need to panic though, DC is a smart floor general that learns and improves from challenges.
• Careless turnovers will always hinder success. The Mavs didn’t protect the ball and committed 39 combined giveaways which provided the Knicks and Bobcats extra scoring opportunities.
• Mavs only shot a tidbit over 40% on the road trip and were outrebounded by the Bobcats 53-43 which ended up being crucial in the 101-97 overtime loss.

Even though the Wolves enter tonight’s game with the better record, you figure the Mavs should be considered the favorites. The AAC has been kind to the Mavs and they will need to get the crowd involved early and often.

Vince Carter played through a hip flexor injury on Saturday night and tallied 19 points (5-8 3PT), 5 boards and 3 steals. He’s been effective in the absence of key starters missing extended time.

O.J. Mayo continues to stroll alone as the NBA’s top 3-point shooter with 28 makes. Carter has made 16 triples himself and together they have paced the Mavs as the league’s top shooting team from deep.

Mayo has been the focus of opposing defenses as currently he’s the Mavs No. 1 offensive option, averaging 25.8 points in November. He’s gotten a bit sloppy with the ball at times (10 TO in NY/CHA), so he’ll have to make some adjustments.

The Mavs will see plenty of Russians Andrei Kirilenko and Alexey Shved tonight. Without both Rubio and Barea, Shved and veteran Luke Ridnour will see all the minutes at point. Kirilenko joined the Wolves in the offseason after a strong performance in the Olympics. He’s their only healthy small forward, but Derrick Williams and Dante Cunningham could slide down and play reserve minutes behind AK47.

With numerous injuries on both sides, the lineups are sure to be unorthodox and at times undersized.

The Mavs need to come out with energy and get off to a fast start. After an underwhelming trip out east, what better way to get back into the winning column than a home game against the injury-plagued Minnesota Timberwolves? Get that DUB!! Let’s Go Mavs!

Catch all the action locally on Fox Sports Southwest!

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Rockets Trade Budinger To Wolves

by Ryan Wilson on June 26, 2012 in Mavs 09 comments

The Minnesota Timberwolves have agreed, pending league approval, to send the 18th pick in the 2012 NBA draft to the Houston Rockets for Chase Budinger and the draft rights to Lior Eliyahu, two league sources confirmed to ESPN.com.

The Houston Chronicle earlier reported the trade agreement.

The Rockets have been discussing deals with several teams in the top 10 about moving up in the draft. Adding the 18th pick should give them even more ammunition.

Although sources stressed that no deal is imminent, the Rockets have had substantive discussion about sending their other two first-round picks (No. 14 and No. 16) to theSacramento Kings for the No. 5 pick. The Rockets have also been exploring moving point guard Kyle Lowry to a team in the top 10 to acquire another pick.

Sources say the Rockets are hoping to acquire enough assets to entice the Magic to trade Dwight Howard to them.

The Rockets’ willingness to trade for Howard — even without the All-Star center’s signature on a contract extension — is an open secret around the league. But it’s believed that two top 10 picks, assuming Houston managed to complete trades with both Sacramento and another team, would seriously pique the interest of new Magic general manager Rob Hennigan, who could then quickly start following the same sort of roster-building blueprint relied on by his previous employers in Oklahoma City.

Acquiring those early lottery picks, though, only represents half of Houston’s challenge if Howard is indeed the Rockets’ target.

The other hurdle is convincing Hennigan, who hasn’t even been on the job for a week, to part with Howard so quickly. As much as he’s been schooled in building through the draft while working alongside Thunder GM Sam Presti, Hennigan could opt to take a more measured approach, make one more run at trying to convince Howard to sign an extension before entering the final year of his contract and then trade him later in the summer if those efforts go nowhere.

Although several rival teams now believe that the Rockets are determined to stockpile a fistful of first-round draft picks to offer Orlando for Howard, sources say there are other established players they’re interested in acquiring. One of them, sources say, is Atlanta Hawks swingman Josh Smith, who also happens to be one of Howard’s closest friends.

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