At this point, I wouldn't be surprised if they simply work out a S&T for Bledsoe AND trade Dragic. If Phoenix is looking to contend long term, Dragic is out regardless because once he signs his next contract, he's no longer worth much on the market. So IF Phoenix and Bledsoe are so far apart that Bledsoe's taking the QO anyway or leave via S&T, there's no reason to use Dragic as leverage. And he'd be available for trade. Personally, I like Dragic over Bledsoe myself, because I think he'll cost less asset wise.
That'd be nice, but I don't see it that way. I think all the stuff Drew and Plowman were hearing was likely based on the feeling Bledsoe and Phoenix would be able to come to terms. I could be wrong - and hope I am. But, I'm getting the feeling Bledsoe will be moved now (and not necessarily to us) and they'll hold on to Dragic. I don't see Bledsoe signing the QO. Plowman... tell us you're still confident or hearing there's a shot at Dragic!?!? After being so hopeful we'd bring back Goran, I'm hoping we don't resort to Rondo or Rubio, even though both of those guys have many fans and haters on this board.
Two trades get you Rubio & Milsap Trade 1 - DEN, HOU, MN, PHO (4 teams, not 3) DEN In: 2015 PHO 1st (top 10 protected); 2015 NOP 1st (HOU); G Archie Goodwin (PHO) (use F Jordan Hamilton TPE) HOU In: PG Rubio (MN) (use part of Lin TPE) MN In: G Eric Bledsoe (PHO) (S&T 4/$64M); F Shavlick Randolph (PHO); rights to C Marko Todorovic (HOU) PHO In: F Kenneth Faried (DEN); G/F Kevin Martin (MN); F Chase Budinger (MN) Trade 2 - ATL, HOU, IND ATL In: C Roy Hibbert (IND); 2015 NYK 2nd (HOU); F/C Josh Powell (HOU); F/G Robert Covington (HOU) HOU In: F Paul Milsap (ATL) IND In: C Dontas Montiejunas (HOU); 2016 ATL 1st (top 10 protected); 2017 HOU 1st (top 5 protected); G / F Alonzo Gee (HOU); G Scotty Hopson (HOU) Presto Magico...
How many Forwards does PHO need? That price for hibbert is too much after the trash year he just had.
Re: PHO Think of Martin as a SG Budinger as a G/F (more SF) and they need a starting PF (Faried) Re: Hibbert You may have a point, but IIRC he made All-Star team and was on his way to DPOY consideration before the collapse (might just need a change of scenery) 2 low 1sts (mid 20's) & DMo ain't exactly a King's Ransom (you could remove ATL's 1st and the deal probably would still happen) Hibbert still one of the best C's in East (Noah, Valamciunas, Drummond, Gortat), but that is coming from a fellow Hoya
I think they're hearing, and this at least pass the smell test, that there are multiple PGs available (probably Dragic, Bledsoe, Rondo, Rubio and perhaps others in some order) and therefore the Rockets has what it takes to get at least one of them. But certainly the Rockets have their order of preference, and other teams may be potentially involved(like Kings with Rondo) so that no one can say exactly who ends up here and who do we have to trade. At least, that's what I get the feeling is what's happening. Perhaps I'm optimistic, because I have to feel Morey has a contingency plan that resulted in him not matching Parsons. Otherwise, if he's not going to upgrade elsewhere, why not just keep Parsons?
So could this possibly the hold up on everything.... Phoenix Suns making 11th hour push for Kevin Love via Bledsoe S&T http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2014/8/22/6058077/suns-making-11th-hour-push-for-kevin-love-via-bledsoe-s-t My bad if this has been posted already..... T_Man
If it meant the rockets had to settle for Rubio I would just pass on him and roll with Beverly ect. Rubio's a great dish the ball PG for sure and thats about it. Would be shocked if Morey were to go after him and I don't know why his name is even being brought up.
He keeps being brought up because many people overrate his good qualities, while assuming his deficiencies will magically disappear.
Cyberx has had good info in past but Drew & Plowman have been PHX hot recently on the Rockets targets. Faried may be on Morey's very long wish list but he may not be a current target. Faried certainly does not fit Morey's plan B acquisitions master plan since Bosh signing went south. Faried does not significantly improve D, or even O.
He's actually not a horrific 3 point shooter....almost 33% last year. That's only 4% from league average. The rockets would help him eliminate his mid-range game, which is were a lot of his problems are. He's not a good finisher at the rim either, but I think with time that can be developed. If you can't get Dragic, Rubio is the guy you want, then Bledsoe. You get Rubio and your backcourt is set for the next decade. What's funny is if the Rockets got Rubio, they'd probably play the same game with him that PHX is playing with Bledsoe.
I am so glad u are not making these decisions. Rubio is a plus defender who needs ball because greatest strength is creating. His weaknesses are scoring, from EVERYWHERE on the court. Our star needs ball in his hand so Rubio would be an absolutely poor complementary piece next to Harden, especially because Rubio is a below average catch and shoot player. Bev is a better fit next to Harden, not even close. Rubio is a good player but a horrible fit for this team.
For the life of me, I cannot understand this boards infatuation with Rubio. He's a ****ty shooter, and a horrible finisher. But oooo his passes are flashy. Rubio = bigger, younger, tad bit flashier Rafer Alston.
The interesting thing about Rubio is his jumper is so god awful that it takes away from that the biggest issue is really that he can't finish at the rim...at all
He's below average to HORRIFIC from everywhere on the floor when you look at goldsberry's shot chart. Two years ago he was in the BOTTOM 5 of all players in the nba for shooting. Last year he was, at the halfway mark I believe according to goldsberry on par for the worst shooting average of all time, had he qualified for number of shots. I wasn't able to find a subsequent goldsberry chart on Rubio. He's and elite passer and excellent defender absolutely, but unless your other four players are absolute marksmen, Rubio's incredibly horrific shooting negates his value. Add that he's repped by Fegan and that he wants the max is more than enough for me to want to pass.
I think at this point, Rubio's becoming underrated, to the point where people are basically ignoring all the skills he's elite at and just focus on his weakness. Rubio's not just a flashy passer. His vision is one of the best in the NBA. His defense is elite. He has size to play both guard positions as necessary. He's still young and playing in Minnesota's never good for your development. And as for his 33% 3pt shooting? The Rockets if nothing else has been great at teaching the 3 point shot to its players. If Lowry can go from being a sub-30% 3 point shooter to above average, no reason why Rubio can't at least get to 37-40%.
If posters where complaining about Lin's three point stroke, I can only imagine what it would be like for Rubio. Lin was 34% and he was a good finisher around the rim! something Rubio isn't at either. Rubio/Harden pairing would only work if Harden relinquishes a lot of his ball handling tendencies. I believe he should but at the same time, James' playmaking ability makes him who he is and taking that away from him takes away from one of his greatest strengths; passing and playmaking. Much rather have someone who can play off the ball just as well as play make. And out of the four mentioned, Dragic is the only player who is capable of doing both well.
