Basically. Here is the Rockets' strategery in a nutshell. Les Alexander wants a 3rd star. Morey is convinced this team can't win without one(or is trying to justify Les' obsession). So they're going to make a run at one between now and the trade deadline. The problem is the Rockets don't exactly have a lot of assets to deal(other than their starters, the NO pick, and maybe D-Mo). So they'll be looking to prey upon a team that's desperate and stupid. If that doesn't work, it's on to the 2015 offseason where Morey will take another swing at signing someone. The problem again is that there are no guarantees just because you're offering money and the ability to play with Dwight and James that anyone will come here(see Bosh, Melo, and Lowry). The only thing that may make a difference this time around is if by some miracle the Rockets make a deep run in the postseason and look like they're much closer to contending for a title(but I ain't holding my breath with this rosters). So if that doesn't pan out, my guess is Morey and Les again make no substantial moves(other than maybe replacing McFail) and maintain "flexibility" til 2016 hoping to go all in on that crop of free agents, especially Durant. And that would be the biggest gamble of all. Because if they strike out yet again in that summer, Dwight's probably gone as well(he may be regardless). Then we're looking at a roster of Harden and Ariza and a fanbase of a couple dozen people.
My theory is that he is playing the odds. If one of these ex-players find good form, then he has found his third star, or at least have a viable asset to trade for one. It might work but is a longshot, I think.
Are you kidding me? Caron Butler Lance Stephenson Spencer Hawes DJ Augustine Rashard Lewis Shawn Marion Ed Davis Jimmer Fredette Chris Anderson These are all just role players, but all of them are better than anybody Morey's got already. Had he tried and missed out on these guys, THEN signed these D-League scrubs as a last resort I'd understood. But Morey went out and pursued Joey Dorsey as a 1st option Bottom line, if we don't make it out the 1st round next year then Les needs to give Morey the pink slip. The Rockets have become the most hated organization due to Morey's arrogance with players, agents & other GM's. It might be time for us to get another fresh face with better people skills as our GM
Joey Dorsey, Adrien, Ish ? LOL imo he's really just signing a couple of minimum salaries so we can have a team for training camp let them battle it out and see who makes the cut that's it. Nothing special here he's really just waiting for February or forward to next off seaon.
Re: GoRox2013... You know, these guys have to actually be interested in coming to Houston as well. It goes both ways. I'm sure Morey did his due diligence in inquiring about all free agents that filled a need and considered their cost and likelihood that they would sign here. Some of these guys were also lost in the timing game, while we (along with most of the NBA) were waiting on the Lebron decision. Timing is everything. Other than that, I think Ariza is flat out better for us than most of the guys on your list and it's not like these guys are going to sign here to play behind him.
Has Bosh accepted our offer, he would have matched Parsons and we would have had the best starting lineup for the next 4 years. Now Morey has obviously shifted to his next grand plan: Kevin Durant. IMO, if OKC does not win it all in the next two seasons, he will bolt out of his current team. Two destinations: Houston because of his apparent close ties to Harden OR the Wizard because Durant has roots in that area and he absolutely loves the Redskins. I am biased and I am a rooting for no OKC title this year or next. A starting lineup of Durant, Harden, Howard, Bev and filler would be even more formidable than the one having Bosh. All in my opinion. No multiple sources to back it up.
Bingo! That's why Morey singed Ish Smith so that he would be part of the package to go back to Phoenix to be their PG #3.
I don't understand why people can't have a little patience to let the plan unfold (i think its just how today's society is, they want everything right now) Replacing Ariza with Parsons kept our starting 5 in tact (may make it better on defense). Signing Dorsey and Adrien gives us some physical veteran players to add depth behind Howard. Drafting Johnson gives us some potential for a good perimeter defender. Daniels and Ish provide some quality depth at G. We still have all of our excpetions to use. Have you even thought that there could be a much bigger plan so that is why he has not gone out and wasted them on players right after Parsosn left? Seems like most of you wanted him to just rush out and try to back fill parsons with the MLE just to do it. That's obviously not how Morey works. The season doesn't start for another 3 months so there is still plenty of time to make moves to improve the roster. The recent moves help the roster but doesn't give up our flexibility to make a big move later on. Patience Grasshopper. Don't run down the hill to do one cow, walk down and 'do'em' all!
I'm glad you said this, because it's another HUGE red flag. Yes it is a 2-way street, guys have to want to come here. But apparently they DON'T! The rumors are Morey's turned off alot of players, agents & other GM's from working with us. If so, the burden is now on Les to either keep Morey or fire him for the sake of the organization next season. There is no reason a young team with 2 superstars shouldn't be a magnet for other players to come to. When you see quality players taking the contracts within the same price range we're offering going to different teams, it's definitely concerning
1. Some guys on that list already signed elsewhere, c'mon now... 2. Morey hasn't actually signed these guys yet. 3. If we're so hated, how do we get guys to come back? Maybe theyre not crazy about our two stars and the city isn't fun enough for them, but I think the organization, as a whole, has a good rep.
He's planning to trade for both Millsap and Dragic. Both are good fits for this team, and both give him flexibility next year when their contracts expire.