Most of us Raptor fans are hoping the Dream chooses us because we could really use a true center like Hakeem to aid us into the finals. I can honestly say that if the Dream chooses Toronto as the place he ends his career, it will be an honor to watch him play and to cheer for him. It must be hard for Rocket fans to think of Hakeem in another uniform but it may become a reality as it did for NY and Ewing. From my point of view, these things might be going through Hakeem's mind: -Hakeem sees the team needs him but really doesn't need him at the same time. Let's face it, Francis, Mobley, Griffin and that fat jerk Mo Taylor(ask me later). -He needs to feel wanted. He's probably looking at Shandon Anderson, Mo Taylor and Moochie Norris and wondering a bit where the loyalty is. I'm not saying the organization is unloyal but that is what he may be thinking. It's quite obvious Houston doesn't want what happened to San Antonio to happen to them. Now San Antonio is screwed without Anderson and will be lucky to work out a sign and trade. -He sees an expanded role in Toronto and a team that could possibly make the finals with his help. Maybe he wants to win another championship before he goes? I'm guessing here but I'd wager some make sense. Hell, it could also be a 100% ploy for more money on Hakeem's part! He might re-sign with the Rockets at a minimum salary but as you've said, he seems to have too much pride for that. Another thing, I've read about sign and trade scenarios for Keon Clark... This makes no sense at all. Toronto has 100% leverage in this situation. Why would Toronto give up possibly their best young frontcourt player when they don't have to give up anything? We can just sign Dream outright if he wants to come here. If an S&T happens, expect a 2nd round pick or maybe a future first in return, but definatly not Keon Clark. I can guarantee Keon will not be a Rocket as Keon is basically pencilled in as a starter at the 5 if Hakeem stays in Houston. Some notes: -There are no Whole Foods stores in Toronto. Dream will have to shop some place else. -It gets boiling hot in the summer but pretty damn cold in the winter. -A big parka will be made for the Dream to keep him warm while he picks out an igloo. btw- Why do you guys hate Kelvin Cato so much? Is he like your Matt Geiger or Derrick Coleman? Or Yogi Stewart in Toronto's case? ------------------ [This message has been edited by Flutie (edited July 21, 2001).]
Yes, that's pretty much why. He's a very athletic big man with excellent potential, but he fails to put his talent to use. The preseason we got Cato he was a fan-favorite blocking shots and getting rebounds like crazy. He even recorded a triple double one game and before the season even started the Rockets signed him to a 6 year 42 million dollar contract. Ever since the contract Cato's been a lazy bum. He gets injured quite often as well. Before last season Cato said something like "I will lead the league in rebounds and blocks". Cato is also rumored to be seen driving around Houston in a pink, purple and black Navigator (or some weird color scheme)...that's basically the story on Cato. Care to fill us in on why Mo Taylor is a "fat jerk"? Personally I like the guy. He seems like a nice guy off the court.
Welcome to the board. Though attaining a draft pick gives the Rockets cap space I think, which is valuable, getting Keon out of a sign and trade with Toronto is not an impossibility. At this point, I don't think the Rockets are going to give into Hakeem's contract demands, but they could let it be known to Toronto, that if they don't cooperate and facilitate a sign and trade, that they'll up the anty and resign Dream, which in turn, would force Toronto's hand. Don't take offense to that article written by Fran Blinebury in the Chronicle. He's the worst sportswriter in Houston, and tries to conceal his lack of basketball knowledge through nonsensical, bombastic rants that are accompanied by horrible, horrible analogies. ------------------ Here is the casual assumption that a choice must be made between goodness and intelligence; that stupidity is first cousin to moral conduct, and cleverness the first step into mischief; that reason and God are not on good terms with each other; that the mind and the heart are minor buckets in the well of truth, inexorably balanced- full mind, starved heart-stout heart, weak head. [This message has been edited by tacoma park legend (edited July 21, 2001).]
and that fat jerk Mo Taylor(ask me later). What? Another thing, I've read about sign and trade scenarios for Keon Clark... This makes no sense at all. Toronto has 100% leverage in this situation. Why would Toronto give up possibly their best young frontcourt player when they don't have to give up anything? We can just sign Dream outright if he wants to come here. If an S&T happens, expect a 2nd round pick or maybe a future first in return, but definatly not Keon Clark. I can guarantee Keon will not be a Rocket as Keon is basically pencilled in as a starter at the 5 if Hakeem stays in Houston. Here's the way I read the Keon situation. If the Rockets added a second year to the offer, I can't see Dream leaving the Rockets for the same money in another city. I honestly think whoever gets Dream will get him based on a sign and trade. Anyway, aren't you guys one of the teams that will not pay the luxury tax? I know you guys are near or over the cap now, and you have Vince's longterm extension set to kick in next summer. Keon is making approximately 2 million right now, and will be a restricted free agent next summer. Is there a way you can keep him and avoid paying the luxury tax? I honestly think it will take a sign and trade to get Dream out of Houston, and wouldn't it make sense to try and get Keon for something if it appeared like he would leave next summer? Despite other reports, imho Hakeem is after money. I think the Rockets do have a little leverage here, as I can't see Dream going anywhere without a sign and trade, to be totally honest. Future picks would be nice, but if the Rockets said that Keon Clark was a must for a sign and trade, do you really think the Raptors would walk away? I honestly don't know, but if I had to guess, they would not stop their pursuit of Hakeem for Keon Clark, unless you guys have a way to keep him next summer that I haven't seen. ------------------ Draftsource.net-- the premier source for draft info. Profiles, rankings, mock drafts, and more! The Mo Taylor Fan Site
Howdy Flutie, nice to near a voice from "the other side" (no offense intended). Not surprised you'ld be happy if Hakeem played in toronto. Couple of Qs for you: -If Keon is "untouchable", which raptor player(s) do you think are available, and worth getting as the return for the (alleged/proposed) Hakeem S&T? -What's the toronto press coverage on the topic like? Thanks, and welcome ------------------ "Hakeem gets a 3 with the final shot" - my second favorite moment of 95 finals
So, what's your problem with Mo? ------------------ The media's Eddie Griffin NBA Draft player profile before he landed in the Rockets hands: What he does: He was second in the nation in blocked shots and fifth in rebounds as a freshman last season; has good shooting range and even had a triple-double. Reminds people of: Antawn Jamison What he would do for his team: He could play either forward spot and runs the floor. He'll give his team a valuble inside scoring threat. The media's review of the Rocket's draft after they got Eddie Griffin: I'd give their draft a B. Sure, Griffin was highly touted but his behavior and attitude can be a chemistry wrecker. Needs to bulk up more. Not exactly NBA-ready. Not the best choice for Houston. It's very sad. The "wonderfully talented prospect" one second, but the moment the media learns he'll be a Houston Rocket, it's criticize-o-rama.
You insult Mo, you insult me, man. ------------------ The media's Eddie Griffin NBA Draft player profile before he landed in the Rockets hands: What he does: He was second in the nation in blocked shots and fifth in rebounds as a freshman last season; has good shooting range and even had a triple-double. Reminds people of: Antawn Jamison What he would do for his team: He could play either forward spot and runs the floor. He'll give his team a valuble inside scoring threat. The media's review of the Rocket's draft after they got Eddie Griffin: I'd give their draft a B. Sure, Griffin was highly touted but his behavior and attitude can be a chemistry wrecker. Needs to bulk up more. Not exactly NBA-ready. Not the best choice for Houston. It's very sad. The "wonderfully talented prospect" one second, but the moment the media learns he'll be a Houston Rocket, it's criticize-o-rama.
Hey Guys...I know I've mentioned before that I'm from Toronto, and root for the Raps out East, but have been a Rockets fan since the Twin Tower days... OK, I don't know why my fellow Torontonian thinks Mo is a big fat jerk, but I can provide insight re: the other questions... 1) In terms of the S&T, I really really don't see Keon Clark going to Houston, although were Olajuwon not a free agent, that trade actually makes sense for each team from a talent/situation point of view..Keon running with Francis & Co. would be something to behold..But getting Clark for Willis is one of the main moves that Grunwald has made upon which his rep as a GM has gone skyrocketing... 2) The Toronto media's take is pretty much what you'd expect..About 1/2 think it's gonna happen, the other 1/2 think it's just Dream's agent up to his old leverage tricks again... 3) Need to ask you guys a favour...Living in Toronto, I get to see virtually every Raptors game, but I only see the Rockets 4 or 5 times a year, if I'm lucky...I also don't know much about computers..Is there ANY way I can see Rockets games over the internet!?!? I would REALLY appreciate any advice... ------------------
Thanks. I'm forwarding this to Hakeem now. You forgot #4: He doesn't even speak Canadian. (Ask us later) P.S. What's Flutie's vertical? Can he touch the twine?
I think some Toronto fans got pissed at Mo because the Raps offered him a 3 year, 17 million dollar deal last off-season, but he opted to sign for the exception with Houston. I'm not sure if he hinted to Raptors managment that he would sign, and then turned around and signed with the Rockets, but that could be the case. ------------------ Here is the casual assumption that a choice must be made between goodness and intelligence; that stupidity is first cousin to moral conduct, and cleverness the first step into mischief; that reason and God are not on good terms with each other; that the mind and the heart are minor buckets in the well of truth, inexorably balanced- full mind, starved heart-stout heart, weak head.
It took me awhile to remember this, but last summer Mo Taylor stiffed the Raptors when Falk talked him out of signing a 3-year deal. http://tsn.sportingnews.com/nba/teams/raptors/20000810.html (Now excuse me while I curse tpl for posting the same thing while I was hunting down the link ) ------------------ [This message has been edited by Swopa (edited July 21, 2001).]
AD wants to play more 4 this year, since that's his natural spot, and he can now that Oakley is out of Toronto. ------------------ Draftsource.net-- the premier source for draft info. Profiles, rankings, mock drafts, and more! The Mo Taylor Fan Site
Will, I hate to carry around your jock strap like some do, but... sometimes your sense of humor is pure genius. Either that, or you and I are on the same warped plane. ------------------ stop posting my damn signature
Actually Toronto doesn't have 100% leverage, if Houston wanted to up the offer they could. And the Rockets COULD get Keon Clark, if Clark is slated to start at center, and Toronto signs Dream for 3 years, where does that leave Keon? In Houston with the Rockets in a sign-and-trade that's where! Besides, if Toronto thinks he is their best young frontcourt player, why are they going after Dream? ------------------ "Instruments are like women: After a while, you want to make love to another." - Nicolas Godin of the musical duo Air [This message has been edited by RocksMillenium (edited July 21, 2001).]
I just knew everyone would start to love Mo,I told everyone that they would like him as soon as they watched him play for awhile but NOOOOO... everyone and thier Mama only wanted him for 1 year and now people are taking up for him!Dont forget he is just a no rebounding no D playing fouling machine Does he have the best crossover for a big man or what?Its a bit predictable though,as you know if he does that between the legs crossover he is pulling up for a jumper,if I notice this then scouts have to be able to pick it up. ------------------ AKA Rendiggler
Great post Flutie, always nice to hear from other fans around the NBA...well not always, but occasionaly. I have to disagree about Clark. I think he may be the only possible way to do a S&T for Dream, as that is all the Rockets may accept w/out letting him walk. The only other thing I could possibly see is a couple of future 1st round picks. And don't worry about the heat, your summer is probably fairly close to winters in Houston. I mean, whats the high there, like 75, 80, 90 on hot days? And thats without humidity! ------------------ Who needs teachers? I can learn my own self.
Don't frown get MAD!!! Actually looks like the little red guys have constipation (ask me later) ------------------ Reporter asks "How close were you to the victim?" Shorty says,"Real close until the roofies wore off. Then she woke up talking about pressing charges, so I took my tongue out of her ass and left." Shorty - Marlon Wayans "Scary Movie" Go Rockets!!! SS [This message has been edited by Wink3Cat5 (edited July 22, 2001).]
Mo's my main man. ------------------ its not the hours you put in your work that counts, it's the work you put in the hours - alaskansnowman
