So the Houston Rockets are in a free-fall right now, having dropped 5 straight games just as they appeared to be closing in on clinching a playoff berth. After watching these clowns the past few games, I'm pretty convinced they will not make the post-season this year. They seem to always get torn apart in the third quarter, and they just have no real team identity and they look pretty lost in crunch time. I know they have a few winnable games down the stretch, but I'm not even convinced they can beat the Hornets right now (especially w/Eric Gordon back in the mix).

So unless the Nets get lucky w/the ping pong balls, they're looking at likely entering the 2012 NBA draft w/only a second-round pick from Miami. Not good news for a team that has so many needs to fill.

Just curious what happens if and when the Rockets don't make the playoffs. Would they get Houston's pick in 2013 w/less protection? Anyone know how that shakes out for the Nets?

Thanks.