I understand the better than nothing equation, but I am trying to get a handle on the big picture here. I see Gay, Battier and Hill making contributions to teams that for the most part still playing. They were our assets, we traded them, we should have some assets of near equal value. Something seems wrong somewhere, unless you are banking on a draft pick really performing beyond expectations.
Uh, that is the big picture. Jordan HIll's playoff PER is 12.0, meaning he is currently playing at a level below that of the average player. It's actually even worse than what he was giving the Rockets this year, despite the gleeful premontion that a Jordan Hill renaissance had arrived and the sillly revisionism that he wasn't given a chance in Houston and was playing out of position, and related idiocy. The question is, are you better off with Jordan' Hill's production at whatever his price next year ($3-5 mm? who knows) or a low first round pick. I can tell you right now, that if he continues his current level of play, having Jordan Hill on your team at his expected price point is literally worse than nothing. If he continues at the same level, the Rockets could probably convert the pick to a few second rounders, draft DaDakota out of his basement and run him out there in the preseason and then cut him, and be better off than they would be paying big money for Jordan Hill.
Remember what the Rockets got when they traded Battier to Memphis last year? A 2013 first rounder, which the Rockets traded along with the 23rd overall pick in 2012 received from PHX in the Brooks/Dragic trade for the 20th pick in the 2012 draft, which they used on Motiejunas. So, while folks may not be happy about one or both of the 2011 deadline trades at the time (I was happy with the Brooks trade, not so much with the Battier trade because Battier was doing fine while Brooks stunk it up with his injuries and attitude that season), looking back I would say that Dragic/Motiejunas was a decent haul for two guys who were unlikely to come back in 2012. The Rockets managed to do something similar with Jordan Hill-- turning a guy they reasonably did not want back at the $3.6 million team option and probably would not sign back as an unrestricted FA into a future asset. Actually, if the Rockets do want Hill back, they have the cap room to sign him back this offseason and the Lakers do not have the ability to match all offers. All that they lost in trading Hill was his "Bird Rights." So, let me ask you pro-Hill people this: How much would you offer Jordan Hill as a free agent this summer if you were running the Rockets?
I am not a big Hill fan, but the Lakers are probably the most successful franchise, having done it without drafting high, and they are putting him to use. One of those things that make you stop and think. I think watching the playoffs, and how well teams play has jerked those rose colored glasses right off my face. I look at our number 14 picks, and wonder how we are going to get out of this mess.
We can re-sign Hill this summer. He is an Unrestricted Free Agent-- just like he would be if the Rockets had not traded him. How much would you pay to bring him back?
Hey Carl, thanks for reminding me of the details of the trades. To answer your question, those questions are well above my pay grade, but he would not be a player I would be looking to sign. I suppose nearly every player is a steal at some price. It will be interesting to see with whom he signs and for how much. I had forgotten about Motiejunas. His videos show him to be a decent player, but I don't see him as a big fat asset that will play a significant role in turning this mess around. Aside from Yao, who we let die on the vine, it seems that the Rockets have rid themselves of the assets we did have, just to get something. The question is what is the true value of this collection of assets.
Nice, so when you have utterly no argument at all and can't find even the smallest of life preservers on which to desperately grab hold, appeal to the authority of the LOS ANGELES BASKETBALL LAKERS and hope for the best. May the spirit of Magic, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, and George Mikan guide you on your quest, young man. BTW, I smell the stench of troll. Don't care enough to speculate who.
I am not attempting to argue with anyone, but if the fact that the Lakers are one of the top franchises in all of sports upsets you, I'm sorry, but it is not my fault. I am not a Lakers fan, only a Rockets fan in search of understanding just what the heck we are doing. Your take on Hill is not that different than mine, so I don't really see the need to start labeling folks. The fact still remains that Hill is just one of the players we traded in one of those "better than nothing" trades. I understand how that is a situation that you can get yourself into, but if it becomes standard operating procedure, it makes accumulating assets problematic.
Based on his performance so far in the playoffs, he can get payment of $5mil per. 6.7 reb, 5 points in less than 20 min per game, that is solid stat, especially in playoffs. He could be double-double guy as a starter once Lakers put onsale sign on Paul Gasol in this summer. Big is rare and expensive.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/new-orleans-pelicans-los-angeles-lakers-2013111213/ Career night for Jordan Hill. Finally becoming a man? Seriously, Jordan Hill is a much better player now than he was as a Rocket. Finally stopped getting lost so now he's making use of his energy and rebounding ability. Sure took a while, though. Good for him.
I think it's a bit premature. Did you watch the game? He was still getting lost and missed a few bunnies. Remember that game against the Bobcats a few years back? He had a double-double and I believe 4 or 5 blocks for us. What I'm getting at is that he needs to show some consistency. This is the first time (since opening night) he's reached double-digit scoring. He'll get the minutes, let's just see if he can put a few good games together.
