Broussard: Rocket Chances Slim

In an interview on ESPN, Chris Broussard said the Rockets strategy of stockpiling draft picks for a run at Dwight Howard is likely to fail because the Magic are not ready to deal him. The Rockets now control the #14, #16 and #18 picks in Thursday's draft and are reportedly trying to get #8 by trading Kyle Lowry to the Raptors.

"Their chances re slim," said Broussard, noting that their new GM, Rob Hennigan "hasn't even spoken to Dwight Howard. He's not going to trade him, not for picks, without sitting down with Dwight ... It's a long shot.." The Houston back-up plan, said Broussard, is likely to get "the fifth pick or higher." If they succeed, he said they will likely use it on Andre Drummond, the athletic but raw UConn center.

Later, Stephen A. Smith was asked about the Rockets' moves. "So what?" he replied. "So what? You're not getting Dwight Howard for three draft picks, three mid-round draft picks."

Broussard reiterated what he wrote earlier Wednesday about Deron Williams, adding, "he and Avery (Johnson) are very close. Avery has been catching his shots during drills. They're probably working together right now."

At his press conference, Billy King was asked about the Rockets moves: "I don't think it affects us." King responded, according to a Rod Boone tweet. Boone added that "King paused and said: 'We have their pick next year.' Then he smiled." Under league rules, the Rockets cannot trade all their picks in this draft since the Nets control their 2013 pick.

• Rockets trade for draft pick, reportedly to gather assets for Howard push - Tim Bontemps - New York Post