As the Rockets' brass is reminded this week of all the first-round talent it cannot choose, the decisions it cannot make and party it really cannot attend, it can console itself with the knowledge of why the Rockets do not have a first-round draft pick.

The Rockets remain sure that their decision, even in hindsight, was a good one.

They are also pleased to have picked up Steve Francis.

Technically, the Rockets do not have a first-round pick in Thursday's NBA draft because they sent their pick, 13th overall, to the Grizzlies to complete the 11-player, three-team deal that brought them Francis.

But in many ways, it is another deal with the Grizzlies, the one they did not make, that has them sitting out the first round.