Thanks. I put them in a second category because of their potential to still improve dramatically & their age. Morey could still place upside as a value when looking at acquiring a player of their caliber. Not saying Im the biggest fan of these two, or that they definitely will improve, but I do think its possible that both haven't yet peaked in their abilities.
Sure, but it doesn't change the fact that if Aldridge displayed frustration or displeasure with the direction it could have changed their plans almost overnight. Damien Lillard is probably a big reason why Aldridge is bought in for a few the time being. If they would have drafted Dion Waiters or Thomas Robinson instead of Lillard it could have made LaMarcus very unhappy & he could very well have asked for to be traded very politely.
Rudy Gay, yes. Josh Smith, no. Their salaries are waay too much to both be acquired without damaging our nucleus. However, I'd love to see Gay paired with Harden, Lin and Asik. Gay should have been a Rocket all along, but I don't want to dive back into that well of tears.
also thought it was interesting that you put Monroe in the Cousins category. And while i would rather have Love, Griffin, or Cousins, i think that's probably the category Monroe belongs in. Many folks probably wouldn't think of him among those players though. Interesting that Morey had been rumored to be working Detroit hard to get Monroe in the past.
Not a PF perse, but saw this tweet: <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>I have a feeling Hassan Whiteside will land on an NBA roster. He's only 23 and he still has potential. He has been working out in Houston.</p>— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexKennedyNBA/status/264374329440100354" data-datetime="2012-11-02T14:32:06+00:00">November 2, 2012</a></blockquote> <script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Antonio McDyess considering return to NBA After sitting out a season in retirement, former All-Star forward Antonio McDyess is contemplating a return to the NBA. Antonio McDyess played with the Detroit Pistons for five seasons. (Getty) McDyess, 38, has been working out in Houston and has instructed his agent, Andy Miller, to gauge league interest in him. http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--antonio-mcdyess-considering-return-to-nba.html
For the vet min. I think he'd be worth a go round - he could teach our youngs tons. We have no vet PF presence (or, come to think of it, any vet presence?).
I agree. Their damage to Houston's flexibilty might be crippling, that's why it comes with a caveat. -with a down year Memphis could look at a Gay move just as a salary dump. I just dont see how they can expect to really get much more for him than Houston has to offer in expendable assets. Even then, Morey has some numbers to crunch in order to make sure that his salary is not going to potentially kill any other deals out there on the market. -Smith comes with an expiring contract. Meaning, if Atlanta plans on moving him now, they aren't getting much unless the trading team planned on giving him a max contract(or close to it) next Summer. Houston does not seem like that kind of team. More than likely I could see Morey jumping on the thought of getting him in February for peanuts, and risking losing him in the Summer Smith somehow chased big dollars in free agency. Right now, what teams have that kind of cap space and might be willing to do so- Dallas, Phoenix, and Cleveland. Its not hard to imagine giving up nothing but say Donatas Motiejunas, expirings, and 2 second rounders for a half season of Josh Smith & potentially a 35 to 40 million contract extension after this season. I think that's a deal that Morey would have to live with in risk Smith not resigning with Houston come next July for bigger bucks in Phoenix, or Cleveland.
At the cost of a roster spot I just dont think its a wise move. -Greg Smith looks like he could become a very sought after asset for this team in trades if he can build on games like he had on Wednesday. How many young true big men in the league can do that, and are on league minimum contracts? -Scott Machado has elite passing ability and has already proven himself as a PG who can really push the ball in transition. He's got a future in this league -D. Cook, Aldrich, Douglas- Alone these guys have enough expiring dollar amount to make up close to a max contract the Rockets could take back in trade. The Rockets are going to need those contracts come February. -The prospects D-Mo, Royce, Jones, Morris, etc- No way they are getting cut for a scrub like Whiteside. I just dont see a place for Whiteside on this team.
God, I really wish we can get him. It may be just mental block, but I can't think of any other PF in the league who is capable of BIG GAMES like Kevin Love. Absolutely crazy how this guy can will a win for his team by himself, definitely more so with elite teammates and an excellent supporting cast. Capable of BIG GAMES man, that's the difference maker right there. For the Terrence Jones fans, a little something to mull over...Google: "What's wrong with Terrence Jones?"
No telling if that's the reason he sat out, but it could be that he had a pity party over not starting in place of PPat.
