[NBA FanHouse] Summary of Melo Talks/More Evidence of the Greatness of Clutch & Crew

OGKashMoney · Jan 11, 2011

First, here is the cite to the great work by Clutch & Crew. It links to this this great post by Clutch.

As analyzed by the Rockets blog, Clutch Fans, the Rockets do have the Knicks' pick from last season's Tracy McGrady trade, but it is protected in the top five.
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It contains a nice summary of the Rockets predatory-position in the Melo talks. Nothing too new, but the article basically says that the Rockets are hoping to get a deadline deal done while the Nuggets are trying to use whatever threats and leverage to get the Nets to keep increasing their deal. Hopefully the Rockets can pick off Melo at a deadline deal!

Houston Hopes to Enter Picture

Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets, according to league sources, remain engaged with the Nuggets on the periphery about a possible Anthony deal as a possible Plan B for Ujiri and Kroenke. While the specifics of their latest talks are not known, the significant changes that have occurred since Denver's four-team deal with New Jersey, Utah and Charlotte fell apart are worth reviewing because of what they might mean. In late-September, the Rockets, who have the built-in disadvantage that we discussed on Friday of being a Western Conference rival of Denver's, had very little urgency to do an Anthony deal and even less to offer. Specifically, forward Luis Scola was not yet available to be traded, as the veteran who signed a five-year, $47 million in the summer could not be dealt until Dec. 15. And while the Nuggets are clearly looking to shed future salary that isn't deemed relevant to their future plans, their frontcourt needs far exceed any other area on the roster and sources say Scola has a favorable reputation among their decision makers. What's more, the expiring contracts of Yao Ming ($17.7 million), Shane Battier ($7.3 million), Jared Jeffries ($6.9 million), Chuck Hayes ($2.3 million) and Aaron Brooks ($2 million) offer plenty of financial flexibility when it comes to the Nuggets' possible savings. Houston is trailing the Nets by a large margin on the picks front, though, as it can't trade its 2011 pick because of last month's trade that also involved the Lakers in which the Rockets gave New Jersey their lottery-protected 2012 first-round pick. As analyzed by the Rockets blog, Clutch Fans, the Rockets do have the Knicks' pick from last season's Tracy McGrady trade, but it is protected in the top five.

The possibility for increased incentive on Houston's part can't be overlooked either, as the Rockets have gone from learning Yao would be out for the season (and perhaps his career) with an ankle injury to seeing their team lose five straight and fall to 16-21 on Sunday (they broke the streak with a win over Boston on Monday). While it's not known whether Anthony would consider signing an extension with the Rockets, sources have maintained for months that Houston has a confidence, or at least guarded optimism, similar to that of the Nets when it comes to that aspect of the deal.

Yet the Nets remain in a class all their own as potential suitors, seemingly unfazed by the frustrations and forced to face a new reality as this longest of rides continues on. Barring an announcement from Anthony that he will only sign an extension with New York or that he'll join his dream team as a free agent this summer, there's no question who's sitting in the operator's chair. The Nuggets, like it or not, are in control.
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Link to Article. Interesting read as far as the Nuggets strategy goes.

However, I am not sure if I want to sacrifice Scola for Melo. I think we need them both to contend.

il italiano · Jan 11, 2011

I would love to sacrafice scola for melo. for one scola is 30+, plays no defense, and is a very weak rebounder. we could start ppat and let him develop, wouldnt be too bad because i feel he is NBA ready

UTAllTheWay · Jan 11, 2011

This is why I think they should start upping the minutes for Patterson. See what he can do with the starters a little bit, and if he looks good, definitely throw Scola into the mix.

iconoclastic · Jan 11, 2011

Poor Scola. He finally gets a chance to show his 20-10 stuff after Landry is traded away, and now is about to get his minutes cut by a rookie who was drafted to replace Landry.

Commodore · Jan 11, 2011

I'm sure there must be a metric that shows Scola costs us near as many points as he produces, it sure seems that way lately.

jopatmc · Jan 11, 2011

Commodore said:

I'm sure there must be a metric that shows Scola costs us near as many points as he produces, it sure seems that way lately.
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Sadly, I agree. He was destroyed in the Utah game in OT.

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topfive · Jan 11, 2011

Scola has played for us with fire and passion, and I admire him greatly for that. However, he's maximized his limited athleticism and isn't likely to get much better than he is right now. If we can use him as trade bait to upgrade the team, it's a no-brainer.

Prince · Jan 11, 2011

Scola has some intangibles too.

RocketRick · Jan 11, 2011

It is so sad to see someone work so hard on the offensive end then just give up on the defensive end like he does. Any person he defends just rapes the Rockets and the sad thing is they do it over and over again. Scola never picks them up, example the Denver game in Houston Al Harrington was wide open and hit 5 3-pointers due to Scola's defense. After the first few you would think he would stay with him but no Scola would run off to double team someone else when his man had the hot hand. I love Scola but with no Yao or defensive big behind him he seems to be a liability most the time.

Entropy · Jan 11, 2011

Prince said:

Scola has some intangibles too.
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Like his hand-down defense.

jopatmc · Jan 11, 2011

RocketRick said:

It is so sad to see someone work so hard on the offensive end then just give up on the defensive end like he does. Any person he defends just rapes the Rockets and the sad thing is they do it over and over again. Scola never picks them up, example the Denver game in Houston Al Harrington was wide open and hit 5 3-pointers due to Scola's defense. After the first few you would think he would stay with him but no Scola would run off to double team someone else when his man had the hot hand. I love Scola but with no Yao or defensive big behind him he seems to be a liability most the time.
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He is. He's a defensive gambler that is used to taking chances and playing with an eraser behind him. You get him in the popcorn machine pick and roll and he is just absolutely horrible.

And I actually love the guy. I'd give anything if he could D up.

BowlingBaller · Jan 11, 2011

Entropy said:

Like his hand-down defense.
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LOL! But seriously, Scola plays a type of D that you can't really measure. I'm pretty sure he spends pre-game time mentally breaking down his opponents. That way even if the Rockets lose, at least Carlos Boozer is still a douche bag.

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[NBA FanHouse] Summary of Melo Talks/More Evidence of the Greatness of Clutch & Crew

OGKashMoney Member

il italiano Member

UTAllTheWay Member

iconoclastic Member

Commodore Contributing Member

jopatmc Contributing Member

topfive CF OG

Prince Member

RocketRick Member

Entropy Member

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BowlingBaller Member

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