I don't know about Joe Smith. I wouldn't be surprised to see us go after Marcus Camby. Hey, I didn't say we should. But you know JVG and his former Knicks.
Last night was not a typical performance by Joe Smith. He had his season high in scoring last night with 25 points. He's avg this season is 10.8.
Personally, in these cases, I just think this way: - This is an interesting guy, I follow him a tiny tiny bit once in a while, so when he plays us I get a closer look, NOT a first look. - Regardless of WHEN we talk about this stuff, it doesn't materialize BASED on our discussion. The reason we discuss it is not to propose it to the GM of the Rockets, but for me, I discuss it because it's interesting to exchange ideas on how certain players may or may not fit the system better than others. I certainly don't expect to get my message across to the Rockets organization. - Joe Smith is not a 25ppg player, but he's a good rebounder, a good scorer, and a good complimentary player. His defense is also not bad, but he lacks some size in the post, he may get pushed around. All in all though, I'd swap MoT for Joe Smith if Joe Smith could hit the 15-footer consistently, because we need more of a well-rounded player next to Yao. Not the best option, but interesting. - Brian Skinner has great rebounding skills and blocks one shot per game. Does anyone know how consistent his jumper is? - I stick to the notion that the most ideal player for Yao is a young Charles Oakley. Will push peopl around, snare down rebounds, and softly sink the 15-ft jumper, while also having the option of playing in the post. Too bad we're about 7 years too late.
sounds like carlos boozer. too bad he's not leaving cleveland. as for skinner, no. his 15 footer isn't consistent either. the only reasonable option out there, IMHO, is kurt thomas. he fits the bill perfectly, is a texas product (tcu), and is has knick ties. what more could you ask for??
I expect JVG to go after Camby, probably with Cato as the trade bait for Denver. However, I would prefer for us to pick up Swift who has shown me that he can knock down the 15ft'r, rebound and block shots. I think Swift is on the brink of breaking out. I have also been keeping up with Etan Thomas whose game is progressing. His 15ft'r is not that good, but I love his aggressive D and board work.
On the surface, Smith did bounce around like you said. But if you look a bit closer, the answer will be different. He chose to leave the Warriors because of some bad feeling between both sides, heck none of the high draft picks from the Warriors is still with the team. He was a hot commonity when he was FA at the begining, but there was some contract talking break down, so he end up taking ONE year deal with the 76ers in order to be the FT again in the following season. He was courted by several teams after that season, but he chose to sign with the Wolves for a smaller contract, apparently because of behind-back deals the Wolves offered him. But things didn't work out, the league got into this, broke up their marriage. Smith ended up with the Pistons for ONE year, just like he did with the 76ers. He came back signed with the Wolves the following year, which shows you that team really liked him despite paid a heavy penalty for him in the previous years. As I said in my post, he was not up to the No.1 draft expectation, so people are disappointed in him, but he is still a good player. Not a star, but a good player. Certainly a complete player compare to Cato & Talor.
Joe Smith is a good player, but he is not a difference maker, add him will not push the Rockets to the top. If we want a PF, we need a PF that is sigificant better than Mo or Cato, adding Joe Smith may help us win a game or two, but chamipionship, no. We need player such as Sheed or a healthy Mycdyss that will make huge difference in PF position. Remember, the goal is not just get better, but getting to the championship level.
I'd be interested in Camby. Only problem is he's going to come at a premium and I think he wants to stay in Denver. Unless the Nuggets lowball him, I don't think he's going anywhere.
Camby is ideal for an uptempo system. His ability to get up and down the floor and get blocks are the strengths of his game, not to mention he is a pretty good rebounder. However, most GMs will not look to put too much money into Camby due to his constant injury problems.
AMEN Francis Daryl Strawberry, Jr. Terrance Morris Joe Smith Chris Wilcox Steve Blake Juan Dixon Walt Williams Lonny Baxter Tony Massenberg --------------------------- 1. 2.
my apologies, please disregard. Apparently we already HAVE some T-wolves junk... maybe we can start another Stephen Jackson thread !
