Daryl Morey discusses Rockets' 2011 NBA Draft picks

Posted: June 24, 2011, 9:50am CDT.

HOUSTON, TX (Toyota Center) - Very late Thursday night, Daryl Morey, Houston Rockets' general manager, spoke with the media about the Rockets three new draft picks: forwards Marcus Morris, Donatas Motiejunas, and Chandler Parsons; and two-year NBA veteran guard Jonny Flynn.

Marcus Morris, 6'9", 235, played three seasons of college basketball at Kansas. The Rockets selected him with the 14th overall pick.

Morey said, "I really like Marcus Morris. We thought he was one of the top players in the Draft. Skilled player on both ends (of the court). Two way player. A guy who can score in the post; score from the elbow. He can play the four (power of forward) or the power three (small forward). He can play two positions. We were really excited he made it to 14."

Motiejunas is listed at 7'0", 222 pounds. The Rockets acquired Motiejunas' draft rights in a trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves which also sent center Brad Miller to Minnesota as well as obtaining Jonny Flynn.

Motiejunas has played professionally over seas since 2007-2008.

Morey commented, "We're thrilled to get Motiejunas. He's been a top player in Europe. He's really mobile; near seven feet tall. A guy with lots of potential. He's somebody who is already very skilled offensively. He has a great low post game which is something that me and Kevin (McHale) value. He has a perimeter game as well; and, he can move his feet really well on the defensive end."

Morey also informed the media of Motiejunas' contract situation.

"It looks like he'll be here next season," said Morey. "We do have to work those details out. But, I say it's nearly certain he'll be here next season."

Parsons, 6'9", 200, was the Player of the Year in the Southeastern Conference in 2010-2011. The Rockets selected Parsons with the 38th overall pick.

"Finally, Chandler Parsons," said Morey. "He's somebody we didn't expect to be available that late. We think he's a first round quality player. We couldn't pass up acquiring him. We think he's somebody who - just like Chase (Budinger) a few years ago proved he's better than somebody on our team that year - I think Chandler is a guy we got for a very good price and can come in and potentially win minutes over time."

Morey added the Rockets are thrilled to pick up Flynn; but, he admitted Flynn will have a difficult time receiving minutes behind Kyle Lowry and Goran Dragic.

"We were thrilled to pick up Jonny Flynn tonight," Morey said. "He, obviously, will be competing for minutes because (Kyle) Lowry and (Goran) Dragic, I think, are really tough."

Flynn did not play well in Minnesota; but, Morey believes a change of scenery to Houston will benefit Flynn.

"I do think so. He struggled in the offense in Minnesota; and, there's definitely upside there. We like getting guys who may have struggled in the past one time and get them a little less than having to get the sixth pick in the Draft. We like guys who have maybe had a rough start and can show us something. I think Jordan Hill is like that and Terrence Williams, too. We have a bunch guys on the roster that may be ready to turn the corner."

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