LolLololol @ Lin allowing rockets to get championship... I mean after seeing his wonderful play in the playoffs for the Rockets we should just stop talking about him (Portland series...). I mean I'm pretty sure the Lakers are ready to not re-sign. There's no way in hell he's getting paid the contract he had, and if he came back as a 3rd stinger he should pay to sit so close to the games.
Harden probably thanked Morey for dumping Lin. Sure he's probably nice off the court, but on the court he can only go right handed and frequently likes to pass the ball to the other team... I'm also sure Chandler Parsons isn't calling him to join dallas!!
Lull is more of a combo guard. He isn't really running the show in Madrid and plays SG. Former Blazer Sergio Rodriguez is their starting PG. http://basketball.eurobasket.com/team/Spain/Real_Madrid/86
Ah... see, I didn't even know that. Thx for the info. ETA: Didn't realize Rudy played for them, either. I take it that's where he ended up after the Mavs' "bag of chips" trade w/ him and Corey?
Rudy Fernandez also returned to Spain after his NBA days in Portland. Those guys earn more money over there, are 'home' and play for a very good team that just won the Euroleague. (http://www.euroleague.net/competition/teams/showteam?clubcode=mad). So what more can you ask? Those guys are very happy, that's why I doubt Llull wants to come to Houston. We'll see ...
I agree with you. I don't think he ever comes over save for possibly the twilight of his career. I think he's using us as leverage for a better contract from Real.
His contract with Real Madrid runs through to 2018. He has buyout options to leave for the NBA. I have a feeling the outrageously high buyout some have mentioned was for during the in-season which is a different amount to the lesser buyout amount during the off-season.
You won't get far with Llull. His defense is like LOL! Lowry, Lawson or Lin (loved all those L's ) would be a better fit but only if McHale's gone.
I always thought Rondo would make us unbeatable and I also thought he made Mavs better than us but now after watching the way he was playing and the way he acted I dont want any part of him. He looks and acts nothing like he did a few years ago when the won a ring. If we was getting the old Rondo the west would be in trouble.
Even the old Rondo isn't a fit to Rockets. Everybody will just leave him in the perimeter to shoot his 3s.
It occurred to me that we could probably get both Lull and Sergio Rodriguez (an excellent uptempo PG, average shooter, still 29 years old). That could work out really nicely in a lot of ways - becomes an easier transition for us and they play positions of need, they have played well together which gives us the opportunity to rest Harden more often probably. It might make the more willing to come to Houston for less dollars? Probably a stretch, but it's possible. Rodriguez could be a nice replacement for Prigioni. I'd still bring Bev back though.
The rumors about Llull have always been: 1) He wants to win Euroleague first (done) 2) He wants a defined role (Houston has an obvious need for a 2nd facilitating guard) 3) The money has to be right (full MLE or close to it) This will be the first summer where all 3 of those are true. The only variables to me are: 1) How much of the MLE will we need to use to resign KJ McDaniels? 2) What is Llull's buyout? Just my opinion, but I believe this is the year he comes over.
Avery Bradley. 3 and D PG out of Boston. Corey Joseph. 3 and D PG out of San Antonio. Anyone think they can be had. Can Joseph handle a bigger role?