So what do we know for sure about the Rockets draft intentions this season?

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Honestly, not much.

Courtesy of the regime of Jeff Van Gundy, the Rockets have been shutting out all media organizations concerning the draft -- making a concerted effort this season to keep their draft workouts and analysis completely behind doors. They did not send out any releases to the media about which college, high school and international prospects that they had in for workouts, which was a common practice in past offseasons.

Complicating matters is the fact that the Rockets have several needs, and could go in a number of different directions on the free agent market. Negotiating with those players can not start until after the draft (July 1), and contracts can not be signed until July 22.

Realistically, the Rockets could draft a player at any position with the exception of possibly center. Power forward and point guard are their two primary needs, but an athletic swingman that could play the two and/or three would also fit the bill.

The good news is there could potentially be some help at the 24th pick on Tuesday.

Our feeling is that power forwards Wayne Simien of Kansas and Ike Diogu of Arizona State along with Georgia Tech's point guard Jarrett Jack seem to be safe Van Gundy choices if they are on the board.

Simien

Simien's height (between 6-foot-7 and 6-foot-8) and injury history (missed a total of 32 games while with the Jayhawks for numerous different issues) have him sliding to mid/late first round, but he doesn't lack strength (255 pounds) and desire. The First-team All-American and unanimous Big 12 Conference Player of the Year has a solid mid-range game and is a tough rebounder. The only real concern is how he will do against guys longer than him on most nights. More steak than sizzle, Simien could play some right away for Van Gundy.

Diogu

Diogu was a second-team All-American after averaging 22.4 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.34 blocks with the Sun Devils. Like Simien, he's not tall for the position (listed also between 6-foot-7 and 6-foot-8), but he has a tremendous wingspan (reportedly measuring 7-foot-4). In the areas of rebounding and scoring in the post, Diogu is skilled and has shown just that in workouts. He could become a solid pro. He has gone as high as 15-17 in many mock drafts and is not likely to fall past the local Suns at #21, so he may not be available to the Rockets barring a trade-up in the draft.

Jack

For the backcourt, Georgia Tech's Jarrett Jack has to intrigue Van Gundy. He's a well-built 6-foot-3 and isn't afraid to use his body and play defense. It helps that he hit over 40% from three-point land and plays the game unselfishly (despite being turnover prone). Given that this draft is blessed with point guard talent, Jack may be a solid floor leader that has just fallen due to the draft's depth.

There are others that are interesting as well.

The 6-foot-10 Chris Taft of Pittsburgh, who was a sure-fire lottery pick a few months ago, has slid on many draft boards. He would be risky if available, but could be a high-payoff pick. The athleticism of Syracuse forward Hakim Warrick is very impressive, but he's not likely to still be on the board past the teens.

While Van Gundy is no doubt looking for immediate help, if the franchise does look long-term, Roko Ukic and Andray Blatche could draw interest.

Ukic, a 6-foot-5 built-like-a-toothpick point guard out of Croatia, is a pick for the future. He is an exciting passer with a flare for creativity but does not have close to an NBA body yet. According to Aran Smith of NBADraft.net, Rockets GM Carroll Dawson was spotted in Italy last week scouting Ukic.

The Connecticut highschooler Blatche is a tempting roll of the dice. The 18-year old is just under 7-feet tall and has skills to play out on the perimeter, averaging 27.5 points, 16.0 rebounds and 6 blocks at South Kent Prep. You are likely looking here at a guy who won't be able to significantly contribute for a few years however.