I would be surprised if the Rockets were still interested now that James is the full time PG and is better at it than Dragic. We need a pure shooting big 2 or 3 who can lock down his opponent and help Harden on the perimeter. Maybe they need to see if they can slide Ariza to the 2 and try and acquire another 3 and D wing. Maybe easier to find than a SG. Either way we need Defense in that 2 spot. Maybe KJ? Don't think he's the guy though.
He's our best defender and he is always put on the best offensive player on the other team and is successful. He can guard the 2 - 4 relatively well except big body 4's who can over power him.
What are the possible upgrades at the small forward position, if we were willing to give up the better defense of Ariza, to get a more reliable 3 point shooter and scorer in that position to fit our offensive narrative this year? I would like either of the two guys below, although last year even with his streakiness, Ariza had the better 3pt percentage. And while Ariza is the better defender of them, I like both of the other's ability to put the ball on the floor better and score, and I think their 3pt percentages would go up with all the wide open looks they would get from Harden like Ariza does. I would package any of Brewer, Dekker, Harrell, picks and our over seas prospects to get one of these two guys here with us this year, even add Ariza to the deal if we had to, although I would prefer to keep Ariza for off the bench at his salary. Any other names that may be available and that we could possibly get in a trade that comes to mind? 2015-2016 avgs T. Ariza 6'8" 12.65 ppg .371% 3pt 4.52 rpg 2.32 ast 1.98 stl 1.40 tov R.Gay 6'8" 17.20 ppg .344% 3pt 5.04 rpg 1.71 ast 1.43 stl 1.99 tov D. Gallinari 6'10" 19.55ppg .364% 3pt 5.30 rpg 2.55 ast .79 stl 1.45 tov
Kevin Martin is still looking for a home! Under Pringles, I think he would resurrect his status as a deadly gunslinger! ....... ....... .......
I mean is there any realistic way we can trade Brewer? I'm not even sure a 1st rounder would work. It costs us a 1st for Lin and at least he can play.
In looking back, I wonder if Morey's plan A with D'antoni's system was: Capela/Nene Horford Ariza Bazemore Harden Thats basically surrounding Harden with decent shooters, length, and defense.
plan a probably would of been better but plan b just a bit more funner to watch but just to think surrounding harden with defensive specialist like bazemore and ariza with horford and capela at the 4 and 5 that would be a nice ass defensive lineup
That was probably Plan B if Durant didn't sign. That would be a great lineup, though I like Anderson and Gordon in this offense, their shooting has been outstanding! We have a tremendous offense. Shooters, shooters everywhere as far as the eye can see! Hardens job is easy this year. Penetrate and score or kick it to 3 sharp shooters or lob it to Capela. Rinse and repeat.
http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=jtu4hae HOU Out: Ariza, Brewer, Bev HOU In: McConnell, Covington, Noel. This gives us 3 young players to surround Harden. The Sixers are looking to trade either Okafor or Noel for wings I'd assume considering their log jam. Philly Pros: Vets to help young players. Wing depth. Houston Pros: Young players to make us an even younger team. Lateral move at the SF and PG (bev is always hurt. McConnell would hopefully stay on the floor) McConnell provides more offense when Harden sits, and is a good shooter (can never have too many shooters, right?) Upgrade at the C. Thoughts?
Seems too good of trade for us. I don't think Sixers would ever do this trade. But, Covington and Noel would be amazing, but losing Bev and Ariza could really damage our defense. Noel Anderson Covington Gordon Harden
There is some discussion the Philly forums of what they think a Houston offer could work. If we did the above deal, I would ask for Brewer and Sergio Rodriguez to be added as well. That gives us a pretty talented team and clears up our cap fairly well for next offseason.
http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=hlwkacb HOU Out: Ariza, Brewer, Ennis HOU In: Porter, Burke Philly Out: Hollis Thompson Philly In: Brewer, Ennis Washington Out: Porter, Burke Washington In: Ariza, Thompson Who says no and why? We get the backup PG we need and a young athletic forward who's shooting %'s are improving every year. Philly gets a young PG and a vet wing. Washington gets their shooter back and an athletic guard to run the break with Wall.
