Chron.com: Interesting comments from Morey about team strategy

Sounds like the same ****, different day.

Let's see, we knew we wanted a star.

We kinda assumed if you didn't trade for one, you would like for one to come up through the ranks (fat chance considering the drafting method lately).

And how much did Lee really want? I didn't see the #. But I do know you just let a starter (yes he will start elsewhere for another team) to save what? 6 or 7 million? In the pursuit of Dwight who may never happen

 

Both are young. Asik is the defensive presence you would want (if you can't get a Howard or Bynum) and Lin is a good offensive PG who draws media and fan attention.

Having Lin on the team can't help but encourage other good players to come play here since the press will no longer be ignoring the Rockets like they have for a while. Also, Lin's popularity will get the Rockets national TV games, which is something they haven't been getting much of for years.

That said, chances are NY matches on Lin. Not sure about the Bulls. I think it depends on whether or not they can peddle some of their other higher priced guys instead, like Noah.

 

If every player on the roster needs to have high upside, why pass up Perry Jones in the draft? Granted, he's high risk, but he also has unlimited potential.

This isn't true, and no one is buying it. Yao was done three years ago, and they knew it. The whole 24 minutes a game fiasco told us everything we need to know about their priorities.

The org has had three years to replace Yao, and they are no closer now than they were then.

And if Dragic has a great year, couldn't he be used to trade up in the 2013 draft?

First Morey gobbles up unknown "assets" and now he let's known "assets" walk?

Or is it that Les has told him to slash payroll until we get a super star?

 

some other interesting comments:

- Morey thinks that between last year's group and this year's rookies, there is a collectively decent chance that there will be a star.
What it probably means is that based on their calculations for example, DMo has a 5%, Parsons a 2.5%, Morris a 1%, White a 3% etc and if you add them together, it becomes like 20%. LOLxLOL. This sounds like an episode of Numbers.

- The difference between this year and the years before is that while we did not have a foundational peice, Morey believed in previous years that we were good enough to be the 4-8th best team in the west. If that is the case, then you have to think that adding a star to that already established team can make you into a contender. That is why the moves were oriented toward keeping the team relatively intact or getting incrementally better and then trying to pick up that last few pieces. However this year is different in that they are going "all in" toward picking up that franchise player and are willing to clean house to do so. That is why if we do make a trade then they would be willing to give up the farm, barnshed, outhouse, and the neighbor's yard for that piece.



That being said, I'm surprised that Morey hasn't convinced Les that getting 2-3 years of high lottery (1-5) is the best chance of picking up a few foundational pieces.
Especially since Morey is a really good talent evaluator. If we get a top 5 pick then it makes it really that much easier to get a star than any of the other 3 routes they mentioned.

The best way to rebuild aka the OKC model is as follows.


1. Suck 2-3 consecutive years in drafts that have potential franchise players.
2. Try to stash your high lotto pick or don't give him much help in those years so that you don't get good too quick. For example, if Cleveland picked Irving and Valanciunas last year and got rid of the veterans in their squad, they would have had a chance to pick higher than 4th. It could have been a combo of Irving + Valanciunas + Davis/Beal/MKG/Robinson + a low lotto pick this year + tons of cap space for trade or free agent.

 

Perpetual purgatory.

 

Hell, sometimes all it takes is 1 year to find that foundational piece. We sucked for 1 year and got Yao out of it. We got Tracy largely because he told his agent, "get me to Houston"' because he wanted to play with Yao. Those foundational pieces become magnets for other talent. plus, there's always a chance late lotto or mid 1st rounders turn into building blocks as well. bynum was drafted 10th for example; Nash was drafted 15th.

My point is that yes you have to suck for a season, but it doesn't have to be multiple seasons. Getting a little lucky doesn't hurt either

 

It's striking to me that player development is isolated as one of the four ways to obtain a foundational player. It's understandable when you think about it, since the team could trade, sign, or draft a player not perceived to be a star because of previous circumstances. This would require, however, a sense of pride and ownership in the organization and coaching relationships by the player. Do we have this type of environment now?

 

That's why this article is full of nonsense and also a lot of common sense. Fact is, Morey either couldn't convince Les or never and still doesn't believe what he is stating here, meaning build through draft.

 

The real unknown is how will an unbalanced roster, which does not have success on the court as a primary objective, impact player development (and morale).

With limited game minutes, the team will have to rely on D-League, training camp, and practice for much of their player development.

 

Great point. It's like we need an external GM (Maury) and an internal GM. Doesn't sound like McHale is creating the environment you describe either.

 

logical, calculated, unemotional, resolute but flexible

There are only about 10 superstars and 20 other difference makers in the entire league. And of the 30 teams, some teams have more than one. The other 420 players are somewhat equal. This franchise got fated out of ours so the climb back to get one or two is a huge struggle. Especially since we know having a star attracts other stars and not having one deflects them. And, having a glamour city attracts stars and not being one repels them.

We are doing everything we can.

 

LOL - I don't think anyone's copying this blueprint anytime soon.

 

Sounds like we're done treading water. That should be good news to everyone.

 

Good read, your comments are good. One question, tho - - let's just say that Dwight lands in TheToyShop this month. Then what happens about the Lees and Dragics etc one had to turn into pieces to get Howard now that you have Howard?

Arithmetic, to me, says to get Howard is to not be able to keep him because the good surrounding pieces went to getting him. Thus, develop this year and go all-in next summer.

 

Really, would you get your blueprints from a guy that has never built a house? Not only that, just because you have a blueprint doesn't mean you can build a house either.

Morey has a plan, thats good. Can Morey build a championship team? We shall see. One thing is certain, if we don't get Dwight or someone else to build around next year is going to be painful.

 

There is a solid chance Lamb, White, and Montiejunas will grow into stars in this league.

There is a solid chance that the team's current assets, playing with Howard could make the playoffs and winning solves everything. Maybe Dwight would see a bright future playing with the kids.

There is a solid chance Dwight would stay if we made a full max run at CP3 for 2013.

 

There's a solid chance with those expectations, you're going to be completely depressed during the next two NBA seasons.

 

Those "assets" you are referring to would likely be included in any trade to get drama Dwight. We'd also be taking back bad contracts which would hurt our cap flexibility. I think you are being overly optimistic.

 

Just two? Promise? Promise???

(Worse yet I'll be with'm; and when the Parade comes? It's for me! OK, all of us.)

 

Thats exactly what I was thinking. Both, asik and lin, are being over paid. Why did he not resign Goran dragic give him that 4th yr, player option. That way he has a solid point guard to build on. If it doesnt work out he could trade that contract. Morey is full of contradictions. Im beginning to wonder if there is another GM who could do a better job.