I don't agree with your football analogy or obtaining a 2nd tier star (likely late 20's to early 30's) before acquiring a franchise player. I think it will work against the value of our own draft pick, and keep us in mediocrity. I think it's got to be all about finding that franchise player. But I respect your opinion.
I think it depends on the situation-- age of player, contract of player and everything else all play a part in this. I'm not saying that the Rockets should automatically chase after every 2nd tier star out there, just that there might be one worth getting if he becomes available. As for the value of the Rockets own draft picks-- Rightly or wrongly, I don't think the Rockets are very much focused on it right now. That's just one of the many assets that they have. If they think having a "2nd tier star" (maybe a good defensive center like Joakim Noah) helps the rest of the young player develop and increase their value, I doube they turn down an opportunity to get him at a reasonable price if offered solely because it will hurt their draft pick. Remember, the Rockets did go after Eric Gordon, Omer Asik and Jeremey Lin. They are trying to rebuild and find young talent, not tank for a higher pick. In fact, even if you don't add such a player to the team, actual "development" of the young players on the roster (say, Royce White looking like an in-his-prime Anthony Mason right away) will hurt the Rockets draft status, too, and I don't think they are too worried about it.
I think you guys are reading too much into the Bynum thing... The only way I can see him coming to Houston as a free agent is if he somehow gets traded to the Magic without agreeing to an extension. And even then I'd call that a huge long shot - If Bynum stays with the Lakers he gets more money, a better chance to compete, a more "glamorous" city, a front office that seems to be all in on making this his team once Kobe's gone... really, I can't see a reason for him to come to Houston other than to make us happy!
At least they're not Biedrins, Darko, or Blatche. If Morey trades for any of these three it means everything has gone wrong.
I'm good with them waking up to where they are. That's what happened to the Astros..and while it sucks now, there's reason for optimism down the road with homegrown talent. The two sports are very different...but I'd be fine with the Rockets rebuilding and getting rid of the veteran talent that had them just good enough to miss the playoffs year after year.
Howard is gone and we won't catch Bynum next year. It's not time to continue to build but it's time to try to return into the playoffs and win. Our biggests neads are Center and Point Guard. I would go after experiences players: Kaman and Felton.
why is everyone so caught up on getting the superstar center. there is only one and he is a drama queen. the rest are to close to decide who to get. plan B is pray asik and lin get matched and shoot for younger free agents. we have potential on our team. just let them develop and get picks with our veterns.
Sit back and watch the young ones grow. See if we can find Mchale's pain threshold. Make bets on who DD makes untouchable. There's lots of fun this season. I'm looking forward to it. Wish I was there to enjoy it more.
In Rio Grande? Because they're all buried on the depth chart here, and McHale is operating under WIN NOW orders.
I do see a problem in too much depth and there still needs to be some additional housecleaning. However, if they go into this season with a young roster, the orders will be changed to find/mold me some players - stars if you can. Win now was the goal for years past but I don't Morey or Les are going to expect playoffs or bust with this roster.
That won't be the case if they miss out on Howard. I don't think they'll go the Pau/Smith route if they do.
Plan B is to play the young guns until McHale is fed up and resigns upon which we let Bickerstaff run the show or hire Elie / Cassell as head coach. It will be fun to watch a young team grow with a rookie coach. Nuggets did the same with the Horse in 92-93.
