The Rockets thought the Grizzlies would have to accept that pick if it was conveyed to them to complete the Steve Francis trade. Instead, the Grizzlies only have to accept a pick other than the Rockets' own selection -- which they are not about to surrender -- if the pick in question is among the top 13.

"There's nothing in the rules that says we have to send it or they have to take it," Rockets general manager Carroll Dawson said. "They can wait til next year to take our pick for sure. It's up to them. From their point of view, we've been in the lottery now (for three seasons). They might roll the dice and wait until next year."

Next season, the Rockets must send their pick or another team's lottery pick to complete the deal. The Grizzlies could choose to take this season's pick if they lose their own pick to Detroit. But that only would happen in the long-shot chance they fall out of the top five.

But the Rockets' second first-round pick has become more valuable with every addition to the draft mix -- Duke's Mike Dunleavy is the latest -- and the rise in stature of some of the European players, especially 19-year-old forward Nickoloz Tskitishvili. With the improved draft, the second pick might help the Rockets move up or add a pick to make up for the choice they would lose next season.