2012 NBA Redraft: How wrong we were in real time
By Corey Rausch
#16 Pick: Maurice Harkless (Originally: Royce White)
Houston was all over the place in this draft and Royce White was one of the bigger question marks at the time. The talent was undeniable, averaging 13.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.9 blocks in his single season at Iowa State University. Mental health issues derailed his career and one cannot help but imagine if he came into college today with some of the advancements in understanding and treatment how that could have been different.
That being said, Maurice Harkless perfectly fits the Rockets whether they stick with Will Barton (who I chose for them earlier) or if they bring in James Harden as planned. A defensive-minded role player who had a decent shooting range fits the Rockets system perfectly.
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The ceiling is much lower on Harkless than White but the floor is clearly considerably higher. During this time Daryl Morey was taking as many chances in the draft to collect tradeable assets and Harkless is the kind of player who has a role in this league for years. He is the perfect Morey draft pick and this makes far too much sense.
With the 17th pick in the 2012 NBA Redraft the Cleveland Cavaliers select…