TWTWTNBA: Draft Prediction (Southwest)

Houston Rockets

Draft Position: 14th

Unrestricted Free Agents: Chuck Hayes (Team), Yao Ming (ET option), Jared Jeffries (ET option)

Restricted Free Agents: Kyle Lowry, Luis Scola

Considering they missed Yao the whole year, this team were relatively decent. They need this pick simply to draft the best player available, may it be a Yao caddy or another player who can do the Princeton. They are also open to trading the pick, because a healthy Yao will translate into being contenders with the growth of Aaron Brooks and the all-out effort of the roster.

If I were the GM, 5 interesting not-so-obvious players I would go after: Randy Foye, Mike Miller, Jermaine O'Neal, Craig Smith, Theo Ratliff

Memphis Grizzlies

Draft Position: 12th, 25th, 28th

Unrestricted Free Agents: Steven Hunter, Jamaal Tinsley, Marcus Williams

Restricted Free Agents: Rudy Gay, Ronnie Brewer

Word is out that Mike Conley has not impressed the Grizzlies brass, so they will go with the OJ Mayo-at-point experience and draft a trusty wingman. There is also word that they are open to trading their picks. Much-maligned GM Chris Wallace has actually been a little decent with the draft. Of course, the Pau deal killed him permanently. Memphis has a relatively OK core lineup. They just need some varnishing and compliments.

If I were the GM, 5 interesting not-so-obvious players I would go after: Jannero Pargo, Eddie House, Shaun Livingston, Travis Outlaw, Craig Smith

San Antonio Spurs

Draft Position: 20th, 49th

Unrestricted Free Agents: Keith Bogans, Matt Bonner, Ian Mahinmi, Roger Mason, Richard Jefferson (ET option)

Watershed moment for the Spurs. They have gotten good breaks in drafting the likes of Tony Parker to stall their impending decline. Their stopgap measures last season did not really work (talking to Richard Jefferson, in particular). They need a talent infusion to freshen up this roster. Hungry players who want a chance to snag a ring. That's their M.O. This might also be the year that finally, yes, finally, Tiago Splitter makes his NBA debut.

If I were the GM, 5 interesting not-so-obvious players I would go after: Rasual Butler, Anthony Morrow, Travis Outlaw, Jermaine O'Neal, Jerry Stackhouse.

New Orleans Hornets

Draft Position: 11th,

Unrestricted Free Agents: Ike Diogu, Sean Marks, Darius Songaila (ET option), Peja Stojakovic (ET option)

Restricted Free Agents: Aaron Gray

They have been front and center of the rumor circle, involving CP3. As much they would be of help, they'd rather jettison the burdens of Peterson, Posey and the remainder of Songaila and Stojakovic. They don't really have much wiggle room, but they do have some good pieces knowing that adding either a talented wingman would be a better upgrade than the sorry state of Julian Wright. New Monty Williams will have to find a way to get the max out of the David West-Emeka Okafor tandem as well.

If I were the GM, 5 interesting not-so-obvious players I would go after: Ime Udoka, Craig Smith, Marquis Daniels, Kurt Thomas, Channing Frye

Dallas Mavericks

Draft Position: 50th

Unrestricted Free Agents: Brendan Haywood, Tim Thomas, Dirk Nowitzki (ET option)

Mark Cuban always, ALWAYS makes a splash every season. They also ALWAYS seem to be a missing piece away from the title. They only have one pick, and they have the means to maneuver a deal. They always do, especially with Erick Dampier contract. They are also known as the wildcard in the Lebron sweepstakes.

If I were the GM, 5 interesting not-so-obvious players I would go after: Shaquille O'Neal, Jermaine O'Neal, Udonis Haslem, David Lee, Mike Miller