I would love to see TJ Ford playing in the Rockets' pajamas next season. Trade Mobley for a high enough draft choice to take Ford and move SF to shooting guard.
Francis and Mobz would get pissed if we drafted him. They are still to selfish and immature to realize the big picture
I jut posted a little about TJ in the James Thomas thread if anyone is interested, but I think that he is the perfect PG to run the Rockets offense. He won't come out this year, but in 2004, I'd do just about anything short of trading Steve or Yao to get him.
I just got done watching the Oklahoma Texas game. WOW! TJ Ford is an amazing player. He carried texas to that win. Man, i wish we could get him
Assuming TJ continues to play like he did against OU, he is the real deal. If Yao continues to improve and the Rockets don't at least get into the 2nd round of the playoffs next year, I'd give up anybody but Yao for him.
If he is playing like this year as a sophmore and keeps working in the offseason than I can only imagine how great he will be next year in UT.
Umm, remember a guy name TMo? He is like a lottery pick after his sophmore year and ended up being a second rounder.
Dave2000, TJ is no TMO. He is the real deal, but thankfully he wants to graduate as a Horn before he ever makes the inevitable leap .
I don't want TJ Ford. The Rockets do not need anymore poor shooters. Plus, he gets just as out of control sometimes as Francis or Mobley. I don't think he fits in with the Rockets at all.
A lottery pick AND someone to fill Cat's salary, for trade purposes. Preferably someone studly and pure?
You have got to be kidding me DC, While I think it gives Houston a small backcourt, if you think Miller is a good passer, then TJ is out of this world. Also, he may not be a bomber shooting the ball, but he is a clutch player. See the OU game. TJ Ford may make the Rockets small in the backcourt, but do not tell me he doesn't fit the true pg description most fans want on this team. To the rest of you, Also, TJ as of right now, has no intention of leaving school early, sorry .
T.J.'s jumpshot is still inconsistent now. I think it would help him a lot to stay in school one more year to improve his jump shot. I think the extra year has really helped out Hollis Price's stock, and I think it will help Ford's stock too. If he waits one more year, I think Ford will be a top 5 pick.
Nbadraft.net list him at No. 5. I think he should come out. Why risking if you're a certain lottory pick?
Well, eventhough he might have some good shooting games, right now he is a poor shooter, period! Maybe he can improve it, but for a team who is already one of the worst shooting teams in the league, I just see it making things worse. I don't really care what "most fans" want. I disagree with over half of them anyway. I've never been on the "true point guard" bandwagon. I simply don't think the Rockets need a poor-shooting, turnover-prone point guard, who needs to dribble the ball a lot to be effective. I think he fits in better with a team that doesn't already have so many players who dominate the ball. Don't get me wrong, I think he is probably the best player in college this season, but I think he's more suited for a team that doesn't already have two franchise players. And as you already mentioned, a backcourt of Ford and Francis would be way too small.
What is he risking? Having a bad season and being a lower pick next summer? IMO, he has a sufficiently strong ego and positive attitude that he does not see it that way. And if there are some areas of his game needing improvement, would they improve more at UT or with the Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers or LA Clippers? Come to think of it, those may be three good reasons to stay in college. Perhaps he has already spoken with Chris Mihm? If you are referring to injury, he could have one in the NBA as easily as college (think Speedy Claxton). If you are referring to lost future wages, it is customary these day for college players in his situation to take out insurance policies. I have an obvious prejudice living in Austin, but it is so refreshing seeing a college player stay in school.
