It is almost unanimously accepted that toughness at the forward positions is what the Rockets lack. Numerous trades have been suggeted for power forward position. However, the three position has received lesser attention. How about a trade with Indiana with Eddie Griffin for Ron Artest as the cre players. This will bolster Rockets 2/3 position and give Indiana a young forward with alot of potential and some much needed cap space to resign O,Neal/Reggie Miller and Brad Miller. For the power forward position, Rockets can either sign a decent (but not star)free agent -P.J. Brown/Juwan Howard/Elden Campbell with MLE or trade Glen Rice and M. Norris and future first rounder for Brian Grant or Dale davis or Antonio Davis. This will make us the tough JVG style team (and a possible contender) without a New York like Pay roll. Think carefully before you trash this trade. Rockets Roster could be like: Y.Ming/K. Cato B. Grant/Mo-Taylor R. Artest/J.Posey/B. Nachbar C.Mobley/J.Posey S. Fransis/Veteran free agent (at Vet min). ---and our Pay roll will still be under the projected 52-54 million, Luxuray tax cut-off.
I don't know if you make a run at Artest or not, but I'd be interested to see what kind of value Indiana would put on him. Basically, he single-handedly made that Indiana team implode. But the intagibles he brings to the court, on his "good" nights, are exactly what every team in the league wants. Plus, he can put the ball in the rack at times. Interesting, wouldn't hate the deal, but wouldn't love it.
Good point, but I don't think that's what Pat was getting at! Hum! Do you suppose Barkley would have kissed Pippen if Kenny would have brought him into the studio instead of the animal?
With this lineup, you will have a great defensive team. However, it seems to me there is no enough fire power (outside shooting) to make our inside-out game strategy work.
I love the toughness style. Trade Griffin, Taylor, and Cato, all first class p*****s for men their size. I mean, hey if im 6'10 and I'm eating peanutbutter straight out of the jar and smoking weed, I'm not going to front like i'm hard by not participating in the pre-game shooting drill like Cato, or hang out with the 5th ward posse like Griffin, or act like I'm Yao's protector for one game like Taylor. My respect will be gained with my play because I dont indulge in the lazy fat luxurys that a prosperous society offers, like pot, the cheescake factory, and peanutbutter jars. Hey what does this hypocrite know though..
I would have to guess the way Indiana feels about Artest would be alot closer to how we felt about Mad Max. most of us loved him, some of us didn't.
