Q&A (from 3 years ago) with new Rockets scout Cole Zwicker.

Sweet! His Dad, Serge, is a Rockets legend.

 

It's not in the article, but he also had Luka clearly #1 in that draft with Trey Young, Bridges, JJJ and Porter as guys he liked. The only player I remember him liking that have disappointed is Wendell Carter. He was not as high on Mo Bamba, DeAndre Ayton and Bagley as others were.

Overall a review of his evaluations are well above other commercial evaluators.... he clearly isn't perfect, but he does appear to be realistic and able to avoid excessive hyperbole.

 

Also, I am sure someone is going to complain about the Rockets hiring a scout that ran a website..... What I can say is that the Suns, Grizzlies and Rockets under Daryl Morey have hired him in the past for draft related assignments. My point being that the selection of Zwicker isn't as far out of left field as some likely think.

 

Who is the head scout right now? More importantly, does Stone have a good relationship with him?

 

They don't have a head scout as far as I know. The scout they relied heavily on died last year.

Chris Wallace is in charge of scouting, so he would arguably be the head scout.

Anthony Nila arguably is the most influential person in the scouting department but he mostly specializes in international players.

Supposedly Stone will gather all the scouts, analytic guys and others in the organization.... debate with everyone and make the decision.

I haven't heard of Stone having any issues with any of the people still in the front office... most of those guys left.

The Rockets have beefed up their draft staff, but are still low on guys with traditional scouting experience. There are former players, but not any former coaches like I had hoped..... the Rockets are still weak on player development staffing, but they likely will have some guys like Hayes work on player development as well.

 

______ is the most modern big in the class, armed with 3-point shooting off the catch/pick-and-pops, the feet to guard in space with the length to contest and high-level team defense awareness reacting quickly as a rim protector. He also throws in an underrated handle to attack closeouts and has enough pop to finish in space. The only valuable trait _____ lacks is quick decision-making, and he’s at least wired to be unselfish.

This scouting report sounds remarkably similar to a player being currently considered for #2. This comparison was also made on the Nate Duncan podcast.

This player is Jaren Jackson.

 

I think it's the most obvious comparison. They're both tall with outrageous wingspans. Both are incredibly fluid athletes and good defensively on the perimeter for their size, but not super explosive or strong. They're good scorers and ballhandlers, but are not 100% aggressive down low or on the boards. A JJJ type player would be a fine pick, although I know we need a franchise player.

 

Except for 1 key distinction.

Mobley has quick decision making.

And also has better vision/handles.

 

Right, and I believe the Rockets still have Marko Radavanovic involved... and now Bullard as well.

The Rockets are well represented by former players, I personally would like to see a stronger influence from former coaches... there are some things that coaches can see that players and self made scouts cannot. The problem is that most of the good former coaches want a high title, and that isn't something that Stone would likely want.....

Steve Clifford, Terry Stotts, Nate Bjorkgren all would be nice voices in the front office.

Jaren Jackson was on his way to being an elite player before he was hurt. At this point it is hard to know how good JJJ will ultimately be. He is a very good defender, is actually longer than Mobley. He however lacks the natural instincts that Mobley has.

They absolutely do drive the league. The issue is determining whether a young perimeter player is good enough for that role. A team is sacrificing a lot when they give a perimeter player control of the offense, so they better be efficient at scoring, able to score at a high volume, do so consistently and also create well for other players. The only thing worse than not having an elite dynamic perimeter player is having one that is very good but not good enough to win. When it comes to Green, the Rockets need to decide if he marks all the boxes needed to be an elite perimeter player..... if he does, then you take him, if he doesn't, then you likely pass on him.

 

Mobley is also significantly lankier.

Who knows, Giannis was skinny when drafted. But he also got the frame to be bigger.

Not sure Mobley can be substantially stronger than he is now.

Skillset wise Mobley is so well-rounded though.

 

His dad was Antawn Jamison's teammate at NC?

 

Nice.

 

Based on what he said this scout had Doncic no 1, followed by JJJ and MPJ/Trae Young. He believed a lot in impact of modern big, ability to defend perimeter is the main thing followed by 3 (he mentioned Wendell Carter Jr having better 3 pt shot but still had him below JJJ and Porter/Young)

If we convert to today's situation then it would be Cade, Mobley and then Green.

 

Fascinating article.

Almost seems Zwikker would provide highest grades for Suggs, Cade and Mobley.

Would be interested to see his analysis for this draft.

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Overall, I think the league is moving away from sheer athleticism and more into high-level skill and basketball intelligence. With more space than ever it requires more quick and correct decision-making, necessitating quick processing, and with more space less athletic players can win more now with their craft. But for bigs, even in the modern game, it’s starts with defensive versatility/IQ, and to better enable teams to play optimal 5-out ball offensively, shooting is paramount (as are perimeter skills).

 

Yup, this is where I feel the biggest divide happens on Green vs Mobley... roster reconstruction from the ground up. Most people agree they're both great prospects