---

Through all the chat about this pick swap I've come to a not-so-hidden conclusion that we all have failed to understand the truth in this.

No matter what happens the Houston Rockets will be picking ahead of the New York Knicks in the 2011 first round draft.

How? Simple.

Here are some examples:

Houston wins 45 games, misses the playoffs, Knicks win 40 games, make the playoffs = NO PICK SWAP.

Result: Houston is a lotto team, Knicks not, Houston picks in the lotto, Knicks do not.

Fact: Houston will pick higher in the 2011 draft than the Knicks.

==

Houston wins 50 games, makes the playoffs. Knicks win 40 games, make or miss the playoffs = PICK SWAP.

Result: Knicks are a lotto team (or even a marginal playoff team). Houston is a playoff team with a better record. Knicks would pick at a higher point in the first round. Houston will then exercise their right to swap picks.

Fact: Houston will pick higher in the 2011 draft than the Knicks.

==

Both teams miss the playoffs. Houston has a worse record than NY = No Swap.

Fact: Houston will pick higher in the 2011 draft than the Knicks.

==

Both teams miss the playoffs. Knicks have a worse record than Houston = SWAP OF PICKS.

Fact: Houston will pick higher in the 2011 draft than the Knicks.

_______________________________________________________

Conclusion: No MATTER the scenario the Houston Rockets will pick higher in the 2011 draft than the Knicks.

Closing: It's a matter of a technicality here. Not giving up the 2011 swap of picks makes the Jordan Hill trade seem "better" to those who disliked it.

Reality: Rockets will still be picking ahead of the Knicks in 2011. The question is will they be using our pick or will they be using theirs.

--

Just found it interesting is all. Especially given how much attention it gets.

Vmart wrote:Wouldn't it be funny if both teams didn't make the playoffs and Knicks had worse record the swap takes place and Knicks win the lottery with Houston's lottery chance. I wonder if there is a swap back?

I think it's just the right to swap. Houston can choose not to swap, most likely. Likewise, if we had say the #10 and Houston had the #12, they could choose not to swap, so they can offer a slightly lower salary. It's not a guarantee that they will swap.

I think the Rockets have just as many questions as we do heading into the season. They've made few major additions and will be losing Scola and maybe Lowry and have to hope Yao is still the player he was after nearly a year and a half away from the game.

It'll be an interesting subplot to the season - but if anyone is still hung up on this trade after we were able to add Amare, AR, Felton, Kelenna and Turiaf BECAUSE OF THE TRADE, they are insane or clinging to some idea that they have proven some major point by disliking a good trade. The Knicks would not have Amare, AR, Felton, Kelenna and Turiaf if they did not make that trade. They might not have gotten any of those guys. Extra flexibility this year made us more attractive to Felton and Amare (we would not have been able to sign both without the extra space) and it also allowed the Knicks to get a great package for David Lee that is on a par or better than what some teams got for guys like KG, Lebron or Bosh.

It's really time to let this trade go.

I wasn't looking to revisit the trade... I just had the interesting thought that no matter how Houston and New York do this season: Pick swap or not: The Rockets will pick ahead of the Knicks in the 2011 draft.

Just a random thought.

Vmart wrote:Wouldn't it be funny if both teams didn't make the playoffs and Knicks had worse record the swap takes place and Knicks win the lottery with Houston's lottery chance. I wonder if there is a swap back?

Wow, what a thought. Brilliant. But we all know the Knicks don't have enough luck to make it happen. It sure would be a hoot if it did.

Moonangie wrote:

Vmart wrote:Wouldn't it be funny if both teams didn't make the playoffs and Knicks had worse record the swap takes place and Knicks win the lottery with Houston's lottery chance. I wonder if there is a swap back?

Wow, what a thought. Brilliant. But we all know the Knicks don't have enough luck to make it happen. It sure would be a hoot if it did.

not so briliant at all..houston will wait to the end of draft lottery to determine if they will swap picks

alau53 wrote:

Moonangie wrote:

Vmart wrote:Wouldn't it be funny if both teams didn't make the playoffs and Knicks had worse record the swap takes place and Knicks win the lottery with Houston's lottery chance. I wonder if there is a swap back?

Wow, what a thought. Brilliant. But we all know the Knicks don't have enough luck to make it happen. It sure would be a hoot if it did.

not so briliant at all..houston will wait to the end of draft lottery to determine if they will swap picks

Guess the only thing to do is have a better record than the Rockets. It is possible.