Ok, assuming we keep #1 and #15, at least two current guys will be gone. We're still stuck (unless I am wrong) with Collier and Langhi for one more year [ question: I know their contracts are guaranteed, but couldn't we cut one or both anyway, just to open roster spot(s)? How much $ would that cost, or could we maybe trade one or both for someone with non-guaranteed money?] So that leaves people like Torres (who I think Rudy will keep), Brown, Walt (isn't he already gone?), Willis, Morris (who I think the Rockets keep because Francis truly believes he can become worth keeping, who knows maybe he will), etc. So we have what, 13 slots to fill? Let's see.. 1 - Francis (keeper) 2 - Mobley (keeper) 3 - Griffin (keeper) 4 - Ming (new) 5 - Nachbar(or whoever@15, new) 6 - Taylor (may be good, but still stuck with contract) 7 - Rice (may be a keeper, but still stuck with contract) 8 - Cato (stuck with contract) 9 - Collier (stuck with contract) 10 - Langhi (stuck with contract) 11 - Moochie(decent backup, but still stuck with contract) 12 - Kenny Thomas (wildcard - do we keep him? Heck he was arguably our best player last year. But his contract is up for renewal next year, and the popular thinking seems to be that he will not be re-signed at that time, since he would be too expensive and conflict with the projected PF starter, Griffin/Taylor. So Let's assume we trade him, so we at least get SOMETHING for this quite-talented player, or else we lose him and get zero. I suspect we will probably trade him for a future mid-to-late 1st rd pick from someone like Miami, or maybe KT and #15 for Miami's #10 - depends on who is still on the board when Miami picks - either way that leaves 2 roster spots to fight over..) 13 - Let's assume the trade for KT goes through, either way we still have 2 more spots. Who will be fighting for those spots? Looks like Tierre Brown, Torres, Walt, K. Willis, Morris, and the #37 pick. (if we don't trade KT, then only one spot left) IMO, I think, of those guys, Rudy keeps Torres, since we really don't have any other option as a backup 2 guard. Maybe Morris. Not both, I don't think. So that leaves the final roster spot. My question now is, who is going to be that cheap sleeper guy at #37, and will he be able to beat out Tierre (or whatever other non-drafted free-agents Rudy picks up [Lee Benson?] .. Also, this still leaves open the other possibility of the Rockets trying to grab one decent free-agent - ie Rashard Lewis anyone? This is all off the top of my head, and I am sure I have screwed it up somewhere along the way.. so please, I am really interested to know what everyone thinks about our roster next year.. now that we have the green light on Ming, I am getting really excited about the coming season!
Dang I knew it! why the heck did I think Langhi was a first rounder? Hmm, excellent though, that means we probably get to keep both Morris and Torres..
That's right, then we just pop Morris in the slot where Langhi was, and still same situation otherwise..
second rounders have a team option for the 2nd year. The Rockets would have to pick up the second year.
