Will Rafer be released outright before the start of the season?

No! He will be our starting point guard. Right SamFisher?

 

No. If the Rockets can't trade him, they'll keep him.

 

he'll be our backup center.

 

We could have alreayd traded him, but Morey said basically its a 'no' unless we feel we get equal value back for Rafer. Meaning he still holds Rafer is some mid-regard. He has a roster spot if he isn't traded and I hope he isn't traded.

 

No way we simply release him at this point. Come trading deadline, we'll definately find a way to move him. He's a legitimate NBA player ...hell Moochie Norris got traded for some value. Rafer is 50x better than Moochie.

Somebody will want him.

Besides, Rafer is the only vet PG we have that is under contract next season.

 

Why on earth would we release a serviceable PG? You think competent PG's can be found anywhere?? We're going to keep Alston until the trading deadline, and if there's a deal out there Morey will pull the trigger. Until then, there is absolutely no good reason to simply release a guy and pay him 12mill so he can play for another contender.

Seriously how dense are you?

 

I hope they don't simply release him. He's still under contract for three more years, and he's owed a little over $14.7 million. Rafer's decent as a backup on the Rockets. If anything, they could trade him to Indiana or Cleveland who need PGs badly.

 

What the heck is wrong with you? I know you might hate rafer as much as everyone else on this board (not me). But you have to realize rafer isnt a 3rd or 4th option for us anymore. He's our 9th option now, and you know what he's a hell of alot better than almost every team's ninth options. Morey might not get alot for him right now, but you know what..... some team is gonna desperate around the trade deadline. There's no point in cutting him because you still have to pay him and have him on the salary cap too. Seriously that has to be the worst idea ever negative 5 star thread.

 

There's 7 teams that would improve their PG situation with the addition of Rafer. Capable PGs that can run an offense simply aren't easy to find. Despite all the knocks on his pathetic shooting, Rafer handles the ball well and gets you assists with very few TO.

We don't need much if anything in return for him, in fact, sending him to the Bobcats for a TE and 2nd rounder would be fine. Hopefully, we can package him with some combination of Head, Sura, and Reed to get a capable 4.

Drew Gooden of the Cavs, Najera with Denver, Brian Cook (LAL), Etan Thomas (WAS), Lorenzen Wright (ATL).....we could probably get something from someone. I want to see what happens come Aug 14.

Evan

 

I think Rafers the best point guard for the rockets this year. Last year no.

He's the only point guard on the rockets. All other guards are short SG's playing the point.

He's our most effective point guard when playing w/ players that can score, and he's least effective when playing w/ players that can't score.

Last year, we only had 2 scorers in the rotation.

 

at 25 mpg, Rafer is fine. At 40mpg, you are in trouble.

 

exactly......we'll see a lot more production from him when he's playing against tired starters and second stringers. Francis and James may not be pure points, but opposing guards will have to work hard to defend them. The opposing point guards will be a lot more tired after games this year than they were last year. At the end of games, fatigue will be a factor. If we get stuck with Rafer, I still think there is enough minutes to go around. Luther will have more time on the bench to develop that clutch three pointer, Bonzi will have more time eat, and Brooks will have more time to reach puberty.........but there will be enough minutes for Francis, James, and Rafer.

 

I agree. With a PG of Alston's caliber its best he be used as a change up. Someone who brings a different mentality at PG, someone the defense must be forced to adjust to. It makes a mediocre talent like Alston have a greater impact without even trying. Alston's style contrasts our other two options well.

I love that Morey is holding out. During the year teams will get desperate, injuries will occur, and Alston's value will increase.

 

opposing guards may be tired, but rest of the opposing defense won't work as hard. Francis and James are not even mid-entry level play makers. Their mentality is only to score.

 

someone has to play superbowl weekend

 

silly question. of course not. makes no sense at all.

thats a very good point. only knowing that MJ and brooks return as PGs next year is a bit unsettling.

 

no, i don't think so.

 

That may be true, but where is he gonna find 25 minutes on this team??

 

That's f*cking hilarious!