Scenario: *Dwight's health is still in question (still resting on B2B's, etc) *It's abundantly clear we're going to part ways with TJ *Brewer is deemed expendable *Charlotte is tanking *Overall, we need a shakeup and insurance in the frontcourt Houston trades: TJ/Brewer/KJ + sweeteners, if necessary Charlotte trades: Al Jefferson Why Houston does it: We do it for insurance in the frontcourt. With Dwight's health in question, he gives us a reliable option in the post. Yeah, he doesn't draw fouls, but truth be told: he's one of the most skilled post players in the league. He could give our offense a new dimension with Dwight off of the court and could spell him when healthy/active. Dwight is averaging a little under 30 MPG; it's not unreasonable to think a player like Big Al, that's played on mostly losing teams, would be willing to accept such a role. Plus, it reunites him with McHale -- something that would probably help ease the transition and/or any concerns about his minutes or role. Why Charlotte does it: Assuming they're tanking, Big Al is in the final year of his contract. They're obviously not moving the needle, so the idea here is to get something of value in return for him (cap-friendly contracts in KJ/Brewer and a flyer on TJ). Just an idea. Unlikely, I realize...just thinking outside the box for a minute here.
Al Jefferson was caught on camera on national tv in a 20+ point blowout win fighting with his coach because he didnt' like that he couldn't play Alfence anymore (= the offence goes through the post to Al , which he never passes out of). If you think he will fit here well you may be the only one. Also Charlotte will be happy to get rid fo him for free if we had the cap to absorb him. They were not so happy that he opted in.
I think you're being too hard on him. Apart from the bizarre incident you mentioned the other night, I've never heard of a single issue regarding his reputation as a player or teammate. That and he's never made more than $15M in a single season in league where 5's get grossly overpaid. His numbers have always justified his contracts...and then some. As for fit, yeah, I think it works. I'm sure you remember the Brook Lopez rumors last January. Provided that rumor was valid (reported by Woj), the front office is obviously open to a move of this nature also. It's what I consider a low risk "all in" move that doesn't jeopardize much of anything beyond this season. Like I said, Dwight's averaging under 30 MPG when he plays, so there's playing time available. He's still resting on B2B's and let's not forget his propensity to get into foul trouble when he does play. Plus, I live in NC now so i'm paying a lot more attention to the Lolcats, by default. What Steve Clifford is doing with Big Al is very interesting. He's essentially using him like an NFL team uses a grinder RB. He's posting him up excessively whenever they're protecting a lead because A) Most players struggle defending him one-on-one, B) His post ups chew up a lot of clock and C) Your transition defense is set since post moves rarely lead to long rebounds. I get it. I like it. For a team that asks James Harden to do literally everything in the 4th quarter, it would be nice to have another option available to help close out games.
We need a shooting 4 badly. Pelicans are losing and might look for change. Ryan Anderson should fits our system. Trade Brewer or Jones to get him please! Also wondering if Novak can be our shooting 4? Has his defense improved? I really miss his strokes!
I would love Al on the Rockets as a PF,but I dont see him leaving Charlotte. It will have to be a lot to see him leave Charlotte. Houston will also either have to get rid of like Jones,DMO, or a 1st rounder cause Al still has value in the league. He would also be option for the FA. Either way a half season rental of Al in the end run for this season could actually help.
I like Jefferson more then most but I don't see it. The Rockets value spacing immensely. So much that even though Harrell was playing fantastic in the first 3 games, and Howard, Jones and Motie have been out, he has been glued to the bench while Ariza starts at the 4, because the Rockets refuse to play 2 bigs who don't have range together. Howard, Jefferson, Capela and Harrell = spacing nightmare. If we get another big he will have to have range.
I know I'm going out of topic, but I don't know why so many people here like Harrell. Yes, he was playing hard and got some putbacks/alley-oops, made 1 or 2 good post moves, but he was completely lost on offense and especially on defense and opposing teams were having a lay up drill when he was on the court. I am not saying that he can't be good in the future, but playing him right now is wrong if you want to win. Plus, you can say that it is good for him to get some experience, but when DMo and TJones come back, no matter how good Harrell plays, he will be glued to the bench.
Harrell was a low draft pick, has tremendous upside, and has shown glimpses of brilliance. He seems to have a nose for the ball and a high motor. His ceiling is unlimited. He was, by any definition, a draft day steal. No way he should have fallen as far as he did. His value will only increase. I don't see any scenario where Morey trades him for anything less than a package which brings back a star.
That trade doesn't work - Money doesn't match up. Only $5.678m in outgoing salary while Morris accounts for $8.5m incoming. This one could work .... There is a ~$300k salary deficit that has to be made up. You could do that by cutting Hayes unguaranteed contract. The only issue is that the trade can't be executed until Jan 15th 2016 when Brewer is trade eligible. This one is interesting .... and works out salary wise. Jefferson can score and rebound .... but isn't much defensively. But that's an awful lot of $$ to tie up at one position with Dwert , Capela & Jefferson while it weakens the already weak PF position by shipping Jones out. Again , KJ cant be traded until December 15th and Brewer January 15th .... I think you could play Jefferson & Capela together .... with Capela guarding the PF spot but offensively , it might really magnify the spacing problems. Just can't put together a package that works within the cap structure until Jan 15th because of the hard cap. Thing is , IF New Orleans are sellers (Big IF) - Other teams will be able to make better offers as the Rockets have no first round picks to sweeten the pot and ... the Rockets not being able to make a deal like that prior to Jan15th , the Pelicans may want to make a move much sooner. I really think Thornton's play has made Brewer expendable if he keeps up his play between now and that Jan15th date which would allow the team to make a move to address the 4 spot at that time. If they want to make a move before that , the options are much more limited salary wise and you are looking at players who make much less $$$. Here's a timeline of when players most mentioned in trade scenario's can be moved: Now - Jones , Lawson , DMo , Dekker , Capela , Harrell. December 15th - KJ , Thornton , Terry Jan 15th Brewer , PatBev. Of the Now group , I doubt most people are willing to move Lawson , DMo or Capela. Jones , Dekker & Harrell combined allow for ~$5.135m in incoming salary. December 15th you can add KJ's $3.189m to that figure. Jan 15th Brewer $8.229m and PatBev $6.486m
I think the theory that we need an outside shooter at the four is completely over blown. I agree that Dwight needs his space to optimize his inside game. However, I think that we need someone that plays physical on defense and on the boards. Offensively, I believe that we need a guy that has a solid 12-15 shot. I am not sure who that guy is right now though. My thought is that someone who mirrors Carlos Boozers game 5-6 years ago. My opinion, is that this team relies heavily enough on the three point shot. We live or die by the three and if no one has there outside shot that night the offensive flow is miserable. We also have major deficiencies in rebounding if we are playing a team that is bigger than us and right now we are the smallest lineup in the league. I won't suggest any names because this board has a tendency to destroy people with specific opinions so I will keep my opinion vague.
Well you are half right. The rockets need a stretch 4 not for Dwight space but harden and lawsons driving lanes. Kicking it out to 3 point shooters is what we want.
Patterson, Marcus Morris, Ryan Anderson, channing frye, markieff morris. All guys that could stretch the floor for us
Well what about eating so much and come totally out of shape to camp for two years straight after talking big words and now only trying to slim down because it's his contract year? Is that not bad for someone's reputation and indicative of their work ethic and dedication? Al won't fit because he is a bad bad defender and a black hole. He won't pass out to the three pointers if he's doubled, or he will do so at the last 5-3 sec of the shotclock. That's another characteristic of the Alfence. And he has already problems accepting his new role(since it's also his contract year, a year when players want to play as much as possible to raise their value). And you will ask him to come off the bench behind Dwight DMO and possibly even Capela depending on matchups. (Hey, I dont' think you should call them the Lolcats anymore. They are a nice interesting team with very nice fans. They are trying to build something over there even with a stupid FO and management.). He's a rookie. If a rookie gives you good defence or even mediocre defence that is a surprise not the other way around. Not that there aren't severe homeristic overreaction like this one : LOL :grin: Hmmm.. let's consider who may be interested in Rhyno who expires enough to give up a first round pick for rent. It will have to be a team with the following : A) hole at pf or frontcourt B) contract to match C) first round pick to give but not too high so their record at the time will have to be good The only possibillities I can think of are : Toronto. (major hole at pf , plays at atlantic , has 4 picks in the next 2 years , didn't check but probably has some spare contracts to match . Added incentive of wanting his bird rights since the Ross extension has limited next years' capspace for them.) Indiana (major hole at pf, has first round pick to give , but doesnt' trade first round picks too often. Yet it's win now with a young star). Detroit ( Ilyasova gets always injured and SVG likes Ryno. And yes its' very likely that they will be in the playoffs or near the playoffs and already have a lot of young talent in most positions.). And that's it out of those I can think of. Now there will be more pfs on the market like one of the 4 boston's pf, t.jones, maybeee Z-BO (yup. if they continue sucking), perhaps one of Charlotte's ones. So I dont' think there will be so much demand for Ryno. The most suspect will be SVG.
So the guy cuts 25 pounds over the span of the summer - one summer - and you're insulting his work ethic? Got it. We get it: you don't like him. Bottom line: it's an idea. I'm not saying it's the way, but it's the type of proposition that's a little outside of the box and could greatly help our team out mid-season if the conditions I mentioned were met. I don't think I've ever heard anyone make the argument that a championship caliber team needs less reliable post play. Especially, a team who's 4th quarter offense is essentially "James Harden ISO, James Harden ISO, James Harden ISO". We've long had issues closing out games and with the Dwight health situation, some frontcourt insurance would be a wise avenue to pursue. Hell, there are plenty of basketball reasons why a move of this nature could be beneficial for us. Reasons that far outweigh this "he sucks because I said so" rhetoric.
