I do edit posts, but almost always in the first 120 seconds. I apologize if it caused you problems. After that time the edit sig shows up.
Yes we have an indication that they need another playmaker at the guard spots - 11-20-14 from JR's transcript of Morey on 790. Also remember he did consider Lowry before he resigned with Toronto ... while he pursued Melo & Bosh. Basically Morey spelled out this teams needs right there and Dragic fits that description. I'm not saying he's the only guy .... but he definitely fits with both Harden & PatBev and is a significant upgrade over both PatBev as the starter and Canaan as the 3rd guard. Neither of those players fulfill both prerequisites , Beverley doesn't create. He's a 3&D guy perfect for playing alongside Harden. Canaan can shoot and seems to create for himself (very well) but he doesn't get others involved. Dragic gives you everything they do .... all in one package (and a higher price). I think the ideal situation is to upgrade both the guard rotation & big rotation between now and the Feb deadline with players who are a threat to leave their current teams as FA's at the end of the season or from teams looking to dump salary allowing them to resign both going over the cap via bird rights in the offseason. (Millsap is likely out of the question now with ATL being #3 in the East).
The Hornets currently have the 12th worst record in the NBA. They will most likely finish 11th-14th. Barring major injuries to Davis (and maybe Asik) the pick won't get us a Dragic type player. Our best bet is to sign him or someone like him in the off-season with the major cap increase.
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Andre Drummond, eh? (with JSmoove and others attached to his hip). email for info
Man! I would love to trade a combination of the NO pick, Beverly and the Lin cap space for SOMETHING! Rondo, Gogi, Ryan Anderson heck I'll even take Channing Frye for the right deal.
Contusion is just another word for a bruise .... Doesn't seem "significant" but I've seen some bruises and the pain from them stick around more than a month.
I agree with you on Dragic being perfect fit for this team. I still don't quite get why anyone thinks that a Rondo/Harden backcourt would work. I don't even know that Rondo is an upgrade over Beverly because we depend on the 3. Its not really an optional, hey thats great, our PG can shoot the 3. It's a requisite for the our roster and type of game we play. Big man inside, kick out for 3. Harden is basically the PG and you want the ball in his hands most of the time. Its not out of necessity that he is PG. Its from the fact that you want the ball in his hands and he is either going to create for himself, pass out to others or get the big man involved. If he doesn't have the ball in his hands, he loses some of the edge he has. So a 3&D is actually pretty awesome for this team. A 3&D with creating ability for others (especially the inlet to the big man) would be scary. At that point, you are fine with Dmo or TJones at the 4.
The Rockets are ranked 20th in points scored per possession, and was about there even before Dwight went down. Having the basketball in Harden's hands as much as we do now is not ideal. Surrounding him with guys who are good shooters but not good at creating off the dribble has NOT been "pretty awesome" statistically for the team's offense. We end up with an exhausted Harden, who works too hard when he is on the court and cannot get as much rest as he needs. We end up with a team turning the ball over too much because not only Harden has to make more risky moves to get the team better shots, but also guys like Ariza, Terry and Papanikolaou having to try and dribble penetrate and do things a little outside their skill level. I don't know that Rondo is the solution because I don't know what Rondo is at this point. He seems to have been dogging it this season knowing that the Celtics are not about to contend. Getting his "triple double" stats but also seemingly determined not to try to score-- basically doing just enough to maintain his contract value as a free agent. Is this an effort thing or is he just a step slow after knee surgery?
Good post, well said. My biggest worry is that Harden will have nothing left in the tank at end of season. He's having to have superman performances for the team to win currently and that will take its toll on him later in the season and possibly the playoffs if the rockets can't find another play maker anytime soon. They need to put him in a position where he can coast a bit or we could possibly see another poor playoff performance like last season.
