Just for a change of pace, would anyone do this trade? The Rockets trade Kelvin Cato, Maurice Taylor & Moochie Norris for Dikembe Mutumbo. I have no idea if the salaries would work out, but I would sure like to dump some salaries and look for a way to give Kenny Thomas and Eddie plenty of playing time at the four. Philly has been said to be prepared to do some changes in the off-season, including shopping Mutumbo. Moochie is a local product, they would get a big guy to fill the lane and quite honestly, Maurice Taylor would give them something at the four that Coleman cannot. Houston: Francis, Tito, T. Brown Mobley, Torres, Nochbar Rice, Nochbar, T-Mo Eddie, Kenny Mutumbo, Ming, Collier Mutumbo’s contract I think is up in three years, Cato’s at least 4 (and I think Mooch and Taylor at least 3 or 4). Mutumbo averaged about 36 minutes a game last year, could reduce him to 29-32 this year giving Ming the remainder (+ or -). Ming has a very solid mentor. The Rockets pick up a solid center with playoff experience. Ming could slowly take over more time each season from the aging Mutumbo until his contract is up. Just a thought. Philly could probably do better.
Maybe, if Tito is better than Moochie. By the way, Mooch is from DC. But if you trade those three, Francis loses 3 friends and might balk on his long term plans with houston.
Truth & bigboymumu I can respect that. Oski2005, Mooch I think would be the biggest factor (friendship that is). Would we be better? I kind of think so. Kenny proved to me last year he can play the power forward position. With the drafting of Nochbar we have closed playing time for Eddie at the three, besides I see him as our future four. Where is Eddie going to get his playing time? Last point, who do you think Ming could learn the most from Cato or Mutumbo? Which center combo would give most teams defensive fits?
The core of this team is entirely too young to compete at a championship level next year. I figure DM does have a few more good years in him but perhaps his best years have come and gone. He is best suited for a team like Dallas or Minnesota. Teams that have been in the playoffs and are looking for a final piece. I believe this group of Rockets need an opportunity to play together. Perhaps a couple of years to learn how to win. We need our bruises and our so-called heartbreaks. The talent is there.
