So...What Are Our PG and Backup Perimeter Options at This Point?

Im actually more worried about the center spot. I agree with you- our points arent going to need to do a whole lot. And theres usually at least one guy or two available for peanuts at the deadline. Im more worried about the center spot. Jones isnt big enough to play center and Dwight cant play the whole game.

 

Definitely agree. I'm not sure Capela is ready. The Rockets no longer have Greg Smith kicking around on the deep bench. Guys like Hawes scare me as I fear the defense needs a guy in the middle considering the Rockets other personel.

 

Why do you guys want to lose Lin if the Rockets strike out on all their targets? You think there is a point guard that makes us (a 1st round exit) a contender for 8m? Getting rid of Lin means losing future assets (probably a 1st round pick or more) and losing cap space for next year's FA market assuming whoever else we spend Lins money on gets a multi-year deal. I think if you strike out you have to hold on to Lin and pray that it results in Kevin Love next year or this Rockets team may never get out of the West.

 

The other side of that coin is that someone jettisoned Lowry at the trade deadline... Canaan might develop.

 

No, the Rockets will have a DEEPER bench.

 

Is it safe to say you do not appreciate Beverly?

 

Llul and/or Papas coming over if we strike out on everyone. But even if they don't, it's better to wait on the role players in FA anyway. Who needs Darren Collison or Jodie Meeks at $5-6mil/yr anyway?

 

Can Zoran Dragic play PG?

 

I hope you are right but I am not so optimistic. What are other realistic FAs can we get now if we dont' land Melo?

 

I don't ever see Llull coming over

 

But why? He'll be under contract. He's a decent player. He might feel a little disrespected, but we had worse with Asik and made him stay too. He'd be a good little trooper about it. He might even re-sign next offseason to a market-rate contract.

 

Yeah, the Asik situation appeared far worse.

There is little downside to holding on to Lin. There is always the chance he will regain his form or that his contract may prove a very valuable expiring asset at the deadline.

 

Aaron brooks and ariza?

 

The Rockets IMO should look to sign Jordan Hill or Okafor to man the backup center spot. Jordan Hill would be the better option but also the more expensive one. He's an excellent rebounder, a decent shot blocker and a solid scorer who shoots efficiently so long as he stays away from the long twos.

For backup PG, the options are limited, Greivis Vasquez is intriguing but is restricted and likely MLE or above. Ramone Sessions would be a great pickup. He is a good scorer and a decent set-up man, and while he's not a top defender he can be decent on that end in the right situation. Lastly Beno Udrith would be a cheap decent pickup - good shooter, bad defender - or Steve Blake - good shooter, tough but slow defender.

Regarding Lin

The Rockets will probably keep Lin till at least FEB 2015 if they fail to acquire a 1st or 2nd tier FA, because aside from him being a decent 3rd guard, his contract will represent the only way to match salaries at the trade deadline. With the new CBA expiring contract do not have much value, but Lin's (8.5 expiring cap hit) contract is the last shot they have at acquiring large contracts until 2017 without trading Howard/Harden or Parsons.

Lin is a decent player, but offensively he is an average or below average shooter, inconsistent in spot ups as well as off the dribble, furthermore he's a player who needs the ball to be effective... not great qualities to have next to Harden, which probably explains why despite being a better offensive player than Beverley, Lin/Harden lineups are offensively inferior to Bev/Harden units.

The main problem with Lin/Harden however isn't offense but rather defense. The Rockets biggest weakness is perimeter defense, having Harden, Parson and Lin as three of the 4 lead perimeter players is a major problem, unless the Rockets can somehow get SVG, Thibs, Carlise or Pop to coach the Rockets.