Courtney Alexander on the Rockets?

Alexander certainly would be a great fit in the running gig Rudy T has going, but with Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley and Shandon Anderson in the backcourt, Courtney doesn't fill an immediate need for the Rocks.... one of the big reasons we hope and expect him to go in the Top 8.

Erick Barkley on the Rockets?

Barkley is one of the more talented point guards in this draft, but it's another case of a talented player playing a position the Rockets don't need. Don't expect Barkley to be sporting a Rockets uniform anytime soon.

Chris Carrawell on the Rockets?

Rudy T is a sucker for senior talent who can use their brains as much as their hops, and Carrawell would fit that mold... but it's another case of a player who probably doesn't fill the Rockets' greatest need.

Craig Claxton on the Rockets?

Point guard, the least of the Rockets concerns. Barring the unforseen, such as a pending trade or Bryce Drew and Moochie Norris being involved in a deal, there would be no need for Claxton on the current roster.

Mateen Cleaves on the Rockets?

Rudy T loves guys with heart, guts and err, lets say intestinal fortitude, but with the point guard position all but taken up by Steve Francis and Mobley and Shandon shoring up the 2-guard role, Mateen isn't a target of the Rocks in this draft.

Jason Collier on the Rockets?

Rudy T is looking for inside guys who can come out and set picks for their guards and hit the outside shot when defenders clog the lane on Mobley/Francis/Shandon penetrations. Collier could be a good fit for that reason, though don't expect him to get any real consideration with a lottery pick.

Keyon Dooling on the Rockets?

If it weren't for Steve Francis most likely the Rockets would love to get a player of Dooling's caliber. However, adding a point guard to the roster has to be at the bottom of the priority pile for Rudy T and the Rockets.

Marcus Fizer on the Rockets?

For the Rockets to get a player like Marcus Fizer, they'd have to move up in the Draft. Fizer, a fierce competitor, most likely won't go past pick #4. He'd be a welcome addition to the Rockets, providing interior toughness, rebounding, scoring and leadership. Barkley retires, in comes Fizer who draws Chuck comparisons? Would be an interesting story.

Donnell Harvey on the Rockets?

Where will Harvey go? Mid to late first round looks likely. Not a very big prospect for the Rockets with the 9th selection, but we would love to see CD, Rudy and company take a chance on a guy like Harvey if a later first round pick does come the Rockets way. He could be a big asset triggering the Rockets' fast break and doing the dirty work inside. Guys like this, who aren't in it for the offensive glory, don't come around often.

DerMarr Johnson on the Rockets?

DerMarr Johnson will definitely get some looks from the Rockets' brass as despite the fact he's targeted as a shooting guard, his outside touch and height could make him an asset at small forward as well as in the backcourt. Rudy loves versatile players -- guys who can play multiple positions -- and DerMarr can do that and has unlimited potential.

Kenyon Martin on the Rockets?

You're kidding, right? Martin on the Rockets would be almost too good to be true. The Rockets need as much help as they can get in the paint: interior defense, shot blocking, rebounding, post-up scorer. I'd say Martin fits the bill, and no player would have more of an immediate impact on the Rockets in the paint. But don't look for Kenyon to end up in the pinstriped PJ's. He's a very safe bet to go with the top pick and the Rockets probably won't get as high as #1.

Desmond Mason on the Rockets?

Mason is certainly a talent who excels in the running game and finishing off the fast break, but it's doubtful he will get strong consideration at the #9 pick from the Rockets. Shandon Anderson and Cuttino Mobley man the 2-guard spot, and though Mason can play some small forward, his height raises concerns about his long term status at the three.

Chris Mihm on the Rockets?

Mihm is likely to be gone by the time the Rockets select and it is doubtful they would take him even if they did move up seeing as how they are leaning towards a forward, but his skills and the fact he is a native Texan should prove tempting if the opportunity arises.

Darius Miles on the Rockets?

Miles would be a perfect fit for the Rockets new up and down style of play and he seems to be high on their list from all indications. He and Francis would make a tandem similar to Carter and McGrady in Toronto. Being drafted by the Rockets would be a distinct advantage to a youngster like Miles because he would have a great group of young players to work with and the time to develop his skills without being rushed.

Mike Miller on the Rockets?

Miller would make a nice compliment to Francis, Mobley and Anderson. His offensive skills would have an immediate impact and the Rockets really like him. From all reports, Rudy T. loves this kid. He could also help take some of the pressure off Francis by handling the ball at times. He should be available around number 9 as well.

Jerome Moiso on the Rockets?

Moiso should be available around the 9th pick although some mock drafts have him going as high as 7. He would be an ideal fit for the Rockets because of his athleticism and ability to run the floor although he does, in many ways, resemble Carlos Rogers. He won't command the ball and will be satisfied to rebound, run the floor and take frequent alley-oop's from Francis and Mobley.

Olumide Oyedeji on the Rockets?

He will likely be a middle first rounder so he's not an overwhelming favorite at #9. An interesting side note: Oyedeji pulled out of the 1999 NBA draft and was expected to go in the second round. There was quite a bit of speculation that the Rockets were interested in him at the time. Looks like he made the right decision to wait.

Morris Peterson on the Rockets?

The Rockets don't need a two in the draft, but, if they did, Peterson would be an ideal fit.

Joel Przybilla on the Rockets?

Some mock drafts have suggested that the Rockets might take Przybilla but he really doesn't fit the typical Rockets center mold unless Serge Zwikker is your typical Rockets center! There is a distinct possiblity that he will be gone by the number 9 pick, but even if he is around, Przybilla probably won't be the pick the Rockets make because, despite his defensive skills, athletic he is NOT.

Quentin Richardson on the Rockets?

The Rockets already have a Shandon Anderson so it is doubtful Richardson will be at the top of their list. He is expected to go middle of the first round after number 9 as well.

Stromile Swift on the Rockets?

Swift's favorite team is the Rockets and all indications are that the Rockets are drooling over Swift and want to move up to get him. Who can blame them? This kid would be a perfect fit with Francis, Anderson and Mobley. His ability to fill the lanes on the break, block shots and dunk are exactly what they need. Unfortunately, everyone knows how good he is and he will be difficult to pry away from one of the top 3 teams.

Etan Thomas on the Rockets?

Thomas is expected to go somewhere in the middle of the first round so he will certainly be available at 9 but he probably won't be the best player available at that time. Thomas would make an excellent defensive addition to the Rockets, but there will probably be more skilled players available at 9 than Thomas.

Iakovos Tsakalidis on the Rockets?

We hope the Rockets don't opt for 007 at number 9 if for no other reason than the fact that he could be a Russian hit man or something. Seriously, though, he seems more like a project than a lottery pick but with so few centers available, we assume that at least our neighbor to the north will be interested. God love ya' Nellie!