Great points, Joe. You're right. Many of the respected analysts have pointed out that this year's draft is universally recognized as a shallow draft pool especially relative to this year's draft class. I look at the FRP as one more chance albeit a long shot to find a player to add to the core of the Rockets. Trading up is a good idea. Packaging the Brooklyn FRP and whatever we get for EG may get us into the top 15. We really don't have the roster space for three more rookies, so trading up is a good alternative route.
No, but I think it is possible. Like someone with the Bulls told me, let’s see how uncomfortable Harden makes it in Brooklyn. I do know for a fact that the Sixers don’t think Harden is washed or slowing down yet.
The Theis/Nwaba signings were garbage FA moves but I really did not expect any better from Stone. And KPJ should have been part of Harden trade from start. That KPJ eventually ended up on Rockets was more serendipitous than strategic. Stone GM's about as well as he speaks publicly.
A great “deal maker” is a great relationship manager. The fact that the Jazz moved today and didn’t hold this deal a bit longer speaks volumes that Stone isn’t that close with a lot of these guys. If he was he’d have been having fluid enough discussions to where the Jazz would have said that it’s worth their time to play this out a bit. You simply cannot sell me that Gordon isn’t substantially better for the Jazz. They had to know that, but they had no reason to believe Stone had room to work with them more. That’s disappointing. Stone better have a monster deal in his pocket to let the Jazz and Cavs think it’s not worth their time to wait. Also if Patrick Fert is the heir apparent then why isn’t he paired with someone that has the relationships around the league? The most important thing for him to learn is the people on the other line and what they need and value. Training with Stone seems like the absolute worst pairing ever.
Trade up as high as possible with Nets FRP, EGo and even Garuba if necessary. I want a top 3 guy AND either Griff or Ivey.
While I agree on face value, the other side of the coin was that we would possibly have won too many games last season with both of them to qualify for a top 4 pick - increasing the chances we lose the pick altogether. Rinse and repeat for this year - probably 20-30 wins this year if those guys had been playing. Then we cash them in for?? Not a top 5 pick, I'm certain of that. So by keeping them we (possibly) would have screwed our draft chances last year AND this year. Neither Allen nor LaVert are franchise players, so going for the highest possible picks was the best option. Also the whole KPjr explosion saw him come here. Still a headcase, but talented (just needs to learn how to run properly)
Rockets about to get played 2 trade deadlines in a row? Rockets think they’re offering but other teams see
LeVert did not play all of last season, cancer and injury. And JA and Prince both played for the more talented Cavs, who ending up picking 3rd. This excuse needs to stop.
Stone needs to get gangsta and tell those cheap Suns execs, "YESTERDAY'S PRICE IS NOT TODAY'S PRICE!"
