[Too Early Speculation] Melo or No Melo - WHO ARE THE ROCKETS STARTING 5?

Was there a time limit on the Rockets' offer? Because if they said "here's our offer, let us know if someone else beats it" then he's doing what he ought to do. But if they said "here's our offer, stands only for 24 hours" then he has messed up. But I doubt the Rockets would take that hardline approach.

 

That's a good point however it's 10 days since free agency opened and a lot of teams have already used their capspace. I'd think, as an agent, I would advise my client to negotiate around that 5/85 instead of looking for something that might not be there this summer (e.g. 4/100)

 

This lineup would be stout.

PG: CP3 / MCW / Melton
SG: Harden / Gordon / Green
SF: Bazemore / Ennis
PF: Tucker / Melo / Zhou
C: Capela / Nene / Hartenstein

2-Ways: Edwards / Clark

14 players. Leave a roster spot open for financials and flexibility
-Get Melo.
-Get Ennis.
-Trade Anderson/Nanu and sweeteners/cash for Bazemore.

 

Tucker is definitely starting, and I wouldn't rule out Ryno starting next to him assuming that he doesn't get traded this offseason. If he does get traded, it will inevitably be for a starting wing who can play next to Tucker. But if the Rockets add Melo, I do think there' a chance he starts. But I think he'll have to earn that starting spot over the next few months. If he plays well with the starters, I wouldn't rule out him playing in the starting five. If he's better with the second unit, though, that's where D'Antoni and Morey will expect him to play.

 

Chris Paul
James Harden
PJ Tucker
Carmelo Anthony
Clint Capela

6th man off bench: Eric Gordon

End of rotation guys: Gerald Green, Nene some nights, and we're not done yet...

I mean, that's just my feel. Tucker can guard 1 through 5 so him at 3 doesn't seem off. With respect towards defense, I think with Paul at 1, Tucker at 3, and Capela at 5...then Melo could fit in the starting line up at the 4 and not have our Net Rtg suffer.

 

Cp3/Gordon/Melton
Beard/Swag/Mcw
Ennis/GG/Scrub
Melo/Tuck/Scrub
Capela/Nene/Joe Chee

Ryno and a #1 were traded for a protected 2045 2nd round pick.

 

Paul
Harden
Tucker
Anderson
Capela

 

Definately would say this is an improved team

CP3/Ennis/MCW/Melton
Harden/Gordon
Bazemore/Green
Tucker/Melo/Clark
Capela/Hartenstein/Nene/Zhou

 

The Kings still have space, I think, since Chicago matched LaVine. Who the hell knows what they'll do at any given time.

I don't see how he has anything to lose by waiting, but he might gain something. So, I'd wait. He can negotiate around that 5/85 next week or the week after. Either way he won't be getting paid again until November (I think).