Exact same situation as NY? No. Chicago goes to the play-offs with Noah as their biggest star. They consistently play hard and play good defense. That team is nothing like the mess NY is. I'm not saying Houston is a bad situation for him, but if I'm being real, I think Chicago is a better one. And I'm not going to write Rose off...He may be finished, but it's not written in stone like it seems to be suggested around here. IF Rose can play in the play-offs...That team could easily come out of the East. I think even without Rose they have a chance to come out of the east. Plus he'd get to play SF there. Chicago is like a perfect match for him. Of course that doesn't mean he sees it that way. He could still choose Houston...but I do personally believe Chicago is a better choice for him all the way around. From wanting to still be a huge brand...his wife liking big city atmosphere...The defense Chicago plays...his role on the team...The position he'll be able to play....His affection for Thibbs...
Why would you say that? Because we traded Asik? For him to go to Chicago, they would need to amnesty or trade Boozer. For him to get more than 15million, they would also need to trade Gibson. That is before we even consider the questionable health of Rose. For either Houston or Chicago to create the space for Carmelo, both would have to weaken last year's teams some. However, due to the cap situations, Houston would by only having to trade two backup players.
Chicago would need more than just Melo scoring if Rose isn't healthy. Chicago would have to address their offensive strategy with Melo on the floor because if he dominates the ball it could have a negative impact on the team defensively or on Rose when he is out there. Bulls would have their work cut out for them as well as the rockets. With the rockets having Dwight in the middle who is flat out better than Noah and having Harden who can cater to two stars... it seems to make sense for Melo. Plus rockets do have a free flowing offense that attacks and it's a lot easier to come into training camp and say hey we gotta focus on team defense versus the bulls who say we gotta set up a better offensive philosophy to cater to the fits of Rose and Melo. Then who knows Rose may not even be on the court or last on the court.
I'm not arguing that Melo in Houston would suck. I just believe he fits better in Chicago. I think that team can be similar to the last Piston teams that went to the Finals and won. Especially in the East where the road isn't has tough.
Now that Bosh supposedly wants more money, he'll be kicked from the big 3. Lebron will sign for max, Wade will sign for $10-12m/year, Melo will take whatever is left over (I'm guessing $16-18m, unless it's a sign and trade). Pretty much guaranteed a clear path to the finals, no state income tax, and although Miami isn't NY, it's not Houston either (in most players eyes). All that said...give me Love....please.....
The same morons who thought Lowry would leave money to play in Miami are the ones who believe Melo will leave money in NYC to play elsewhere. Technically yes, there's a chance. Get ready for another year of Parsons, Lin and Bev.
I think its between us and the Knicks. Melo is too old to gamble on Roses knees and Dirk is a couple years away from retiring. The money in New York makes things interesting but if winning now is really what he wants Houston makes the most sense.
Perception is such an interesting thing. As some know, I currently spend have my time living in Chicago (other half in N. Ireland). Anyway, the level of mocking and belittling of Houston and Dallas on this Melo thing IN Chicago is amazing. The sports radio talking heads all are calling the Rockets and Mavericks presentations as "very, very unimpressive" and "If Chicago isn't in the lead, they are after Houston's visit" Other common statements: "Houston cannot give a big 4 like the Bulls can with Rose, Noah, Gibson and Anthony." "No one chooses to go to Houston, they just get traded there." "It is Chicago or bust for Anthony." "The only place he can compete for a championship is Chicago."
After State taxes in NY are taken out of that 130 million the "less money" the Rockets are offering with no state tax is a bigger contract than that of the Knicks.
Meh. Remember when they said the same thing about Dwight and then he came and there was little to no drama. Media in the city can spark a lot more of the hype than the actual actors involved. New York is even worse than Los Angeles on that account.
I thought Dwight wasn't recruiting... D-Rose said he wasn't and I'm sure he didn't show up to the meeting they held in Chicago. Either way this is a plus for us in two fold. Shows our stars are all in on winning and the Mavs have a slim to none chance at signing Melo. How sweet it is.
I voted no, but I'm a pessimistic b*stard. If I'm him, the specific fit bothers me. Either he plays 4 way more than he should, or Parsons gets screwed by dropping to 25 minutes a game. If Anthony is the 3 then the 2-3-4 is a gaping wound on defense. If Anthony is the 4 then he has to bang inside for 82 games. I don't believe in McHale to mitigate any of those defensive issues. But I would love to be wrong.
Chances of winning: Houston: A-; Chicago: B+; Miami (w/big 3): A+; New York: D- Miami would be far and away the fave with the big-4. Houston would probably be up there with him. Chicago would be a contender but a lot rides on Rose. Personal shine/fit: Houston: C; Chicago: A-; Miami (w/big 3): F+; New York: C+ He'd have to share the spotlight with two other stars in Houston, and play with lots of other offensive-minded players. In Chicago, he'd be the clear #1, and he'd still have quite a bit of support and defense behind him. In Miami, he'd be looked at as a cheap ring-chaser behind LeBron. He stays the man in NY, but would stay ringless. Market for him/LaLa: Houston: C+; Chicago: B; Miami (w/big 3): B+; New York: A Houston is big, but it's laid back and low-key. Chicago is a little bigger. Miami is the smallest city, but it gets a lot of media attention. NY is the best, outside of LA for this. I think Chicago checks the most boxes
Its hard to have Drama Queen news when you are on route to win 60+ games. My only thing with Melo joining the Rockets is it doesn't improve us defensively which is what we need to do...but there isnt any free agents out there that can help us with that. Just by adding a good defensive player will not make us a good defensive team. That comes from coaching and instilling defensive principles (which we really lack). Yes, Chicago might get you an easier path to the Finals, if Rose can stay healthy and if they can get past the Heat. But the Road to actually winning the Finals would be easier in Houston. Although I think he will ultimately stay in NY hear are the top reasons why i think He would choose Houston over Chicago. 1. Roster would have more Depth 2. Would possibly be able to get a higher salary than Chicago can offer (Outright signing or SnT) 3. Younger Players - More equipped for long term contention 4. Bulls are a Cheap Franchise 5. No State Tax 6. Would not have to carry the offensive load 7. Can travel anywhere within the City (Melo will get robbed if he is caught in the wrong place at the wrong time in Chicago) 8. Great School Systems 9. Better Weather 10. Less media shenanigans (Although some players like all of the spotlight, Melo has been in this league a while now and some players like to be able to go out and not have to worry about being mauled by media and fans) 11. Bulls have not had a significant Free agent signing or Trade and forever. (For some reason, players do not want to go there...Carlos Boozer???). 12. Global Marketing
What you're saying is true if rose were actually healthy. If he's not they're in Trouble bc Kenton's in the west, so he can't get through lebron with that cast (if rose unhealthy) bc they lose boozer, butler, dunk each and Augustine just to get him $15m and they lose Gibson to get him more. In houston he can make $18-19 million with two healthy stars plus parsons and Beverly. I believe he wants to go to the bulls. Problem with bulls is he's gotta make more than $15m/yr and he can't do that without Knicks accepting boozer. Also rose took 18 months to rehabilitate, literally played like complete crap for a few months and then promptly went down with a second knee injury for another year. He's stoudamire all over again. Melo might go there, but he's making a serious mistake if he does. In any case if we lose out I could see us maybe sweeping in to pick up some pieces - Gibson, butler, dunleavy etc. so it's all good. The. Flip them and assets for love haha.
