Let me preface by saying I have a special fondness of home grown guys. I stated it in this thread. bbs.clutchfans.net/showthread.php?t=216660 I like guys that start their NBA career in Houston. Dream Sampson Murphy Cassell Horry Francis Mobley Parsons Kenny Thomas Landry Scola Novak Boki This is the reason why I was never really fond of the Barkley or McGrady trade even though those guys were pretty good with us. Now that we have the young guys playing well in the summer league, I have grown attached to them. I can honestly say that I would rather watch these guys grow this season on our way to a high lottery pick than to get the best center in the NBA. Its not that I don't think Howard would make us better. When healthy, he can get to the playoffs by himself. I just like watching guys grow with the team. My ideal scenario would be that one of our young guys develops into something special while the rockets suck enough to get a top 5 pick in the next draft. If Morey pulls off some draft magic, we would be set for a long time with guys that I can "grow old" with. We would also have max cap room next off-season to get some veteran help.
The odds of any of our rookies (who were drafted outside of the top ten) becoming a player of Dream or to a lesser extent, Dwight Howard's caliber is less than 1% and that's taking in account Kobe who was drafted in the teens. The odds that we draft a player at dwights caliber in 3 years is less than 25% 1% 25%
Do something: Go back through the last 15 drafts or so, and look at all of the top 5 draftees. Yes there are a few bonafide stars. But there are a huge number of terrible busts. Understand, 'getting a top 5 pick' is not a guarantee of ANYTHING. In fact, the odds are highly against getting our own Durant or LeBron or Howard in the draft, it's just extremely rare, and you have to not only suck for a prolonged period, but you also have to get very very lucky as well. Why would you pass on a sure thing in favor of a longshot maybe? Oh and I notice you left Drexler off your list. I assume you didn't like the Drexler trade either? Even though that led directly to our 2nd title, and in fact the greatest single NBA post-season run ever? Nah, Drexler wasn't one of 'our guys'. Don't get me wrong, I want to keep as many of the guys from our past two drafts as well, and I am hoping Morey can do that. I would love to see Lamb and Jones and White and Parsons and DMo alongside Howard and Lin. That would be a dream come true. But you ALWAYS go for the more sure thing. Always.
I loved these guys as soon as they were picked, BUT: IT'S THE SUMMER LEAGUE GUYS!!! These guys may get to all-star level eventually but they are not going to come into the NBA and still play at the same level against better competition THIS year. Dwight gives us the chance to finally get back into the playoffs now and in the near future contend for a championship. And those who are saying Bynum >>> Dwight now, because of his back injury, keep in mind Bynum's first near-full healthy season came in a lockout shortened one. So imo he has the better chance of breaking down quicker than Howard's one back surgery.
You forgot Chase Budinger. Although he was drafted by another team, so was Scola. Both are Rockets the Rockets will miss (IMO).
but what if those kids that go to Disneyworld got what they wanted - going to Disneyworld? I like Disneyworld, it's a fun place. If you were to ask me right now, do you want to go to Disneyworld, I would retort with "Yes."
Question: How do you KNOW that any of the guys on our team really WANT (or don't want) to be here? In fact, you don't. All we can know is what they sometimes say, and we know that they say what they say to try to manipulate things the way they want them to go, but that is not really a true indicator of how they truly feel. Unless you are a close confidant or friend, you are unlikely to ever know for sure. Dwight has never actually said it anyway. He just wanted to try to work it so he could go to Brooklyn. That's fair enough, can't begrudge him that. He has tried everything in his power to pull the strings and manipulate the situation so he would eventually wind up there. But it didn't work, so he is going to move on. It's not about us, it was about his desire to be in Brooklyn, he has no particular hate for Houston. And Houston is where is will get paid the lax money he can be paid, and we are committed to building a champion around him, which Orlando was either unwilling to do or incapable of doing. So relax.
That not being able to run yet DM worries me...a lot. And personally, I don't trust our Drs. Don't give up any more than you'd give up for Lopez and Hump.
Question: What team in all of the Howard rumors have a chance at winnig a championship next season if they get Howard? Cause thats what he wants.
I feel the same way.I just enjoy the game and love watching talent develop..I think it's much more rewarding when your own guys win.. Today's NBA has become more of a mercenary type of league.Even if we trade for Howard and were to miraculously win a championship,even though it would be awesome,it would still feel a bit hollow to me. Don't get me wrong .. I'd be thrilled but I just know it would never live up to the exhilaration of our first two championships.I had watched Akeem grow from an awkward young kid from Nigeria into a legend.It was truly magical to witness. On the other hand...I can put myself into the shoes of younger fans that have known only heartbreak.I'm sure I'd be willing to go all in on Howard too.
