http://realgm.com/src_fan_articles.php?artid=nbagigolo Good article about where Webber might end up. It seems to give Portland, Miami, and the Rockets the best chance at stealing him from Sac-town. Here's the part on the Rockets: Houston – Mostly sunny with a chance of showers The Rockets haven’t been shy when it comes to top-notch free agents. Just remember that the last one they signed to a big money contract wound up in Portland a year later. The aforementioned Barkley loved the Houston nightlife, so that won’t be an issue. Aside from that, the Rockets also happen to have a solid, young foundation in Francis and Mobley. Add in a few other spare parts and Webber could turn the Rockets from a borderline playoff team to a top 4 team in the West. The Rockets will have all the cap room they need once they clear Hakeem Olajuwon, Matt Bullard, the contract of Don MacLean and others off their salary totals. But Houston should tread carefully. With the freedom to sign him unconditionally, Houston is the perfect target to get used like an old girlfriend. For an example, look at what every major free agent did to Chicago last year. It sounds like they are giving us a pretty good shot, but also stating that we could end up with absolutely nothing like Chicago did last summer. I highly doubt that would happen, b/c Chicago was a lot worse than we are. Interestingly, they don't give New York much of a shot at all...which would probably be good for the Rockets. Portland does scare me a bit, since they have a lot that they can trade for him. Miami would probably have to give up Grant and Mason along with others to get him. But would he really want to go to an aging Miami team? I'm telling you, the Rockets have a decent shot at landing him. A lot of people have been downplaying it, but I think we might be right in the thick of it. I wouldn't be surprised if it came down to the Rockets and Kings in the end. Thoughts? ------------------
I have been trying to temper my enthusiasm because I don't want to get my hopes up, and others have posted "inside" information here that indicates Webber will wind up elsewhere. He won't stay in Sacramento. That's certain. Of course, the Rockets' organization and Webber might downplay chances of getting him so that the whole thing doesn't seem pre-arranged. Or some team has already arranged a sign-and-trade for him. In this case, though, I honestly believe he would have told Franchise that Houston is his "leverage" team. No one knows what'll happen, but Miami...? Only if Brian Grant wants to be in Sacramento again. Did he leave on his own or was he traded? Pat Riley would look like a gigantic jerk if he traded Brian Grant after this season, and after making BS comments in the press about Philadelphia's lack of loyalty in trading Ratliff. So will he play hypocrite? I find it difficult to believe Webber would place us way down on his list (3rd or 4th) like Oeilpere suggests. Why? Our team's young and talented. Miami? Read above; and Zo's sick, Tim's knees suck, Mase has two good seasons left. Portland? Team turmoil. Nope. Maybe we can trade Walt/Cato and our picks for Van Horn, and send Van Horn to Sacramento for Webber? Van Horn's a 4/3 and he's from California and not long for the Nets. One good thing (maybe): The free agent signing date may very well be moved up to July 1, according to the NY Times. So that would at least eliminate some of the hand-wringing. ------------------ [This message has been edited by ROXTXIA (edited April 08, 2001).]
July 1st? That would make me so happy. I can't wait until August to find out if Webber signs with Miami or Sacramento! July would be much better! ------------------ Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon is the greatest player in the history of basketball. If you disagree, you are not a Rocket fan.
I wouldn't at all say it is certain that he won't stay in Sacramento. I think it's 50-50 staying there or leaving for 1 of the teams on "the list". I am also trying not to get my hopes up, but I cannot help it...I know this offseason will be a success even if we don't land CWebb, but if we did get him it would be absolutely unbeleiveable. ------------------
Hmmm...I guess it just wouldn't be right to have a thread w/out a negative comment from good ol' ZRB. ------------------
Of course it wouldn't! Seriously though, moving the date to the 1st of July would be a godsend. We'd only have to wait 2.5 months! I hate the thought of waiting until August just to be disappointed. If I'm going to be let down, lets get it over with. If something amazing is going to happen, I want it to happen SOON! I'm all for the date change. But, the NBA won't do it. They enjoy tormenting fans with stupid free-agent stunts and zone defenses. ------------------ Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon is the greatest player in the history of basketball. If you disagree, you are not a Rocket fan.
Walt and Cato for Van Horn. Hehe... where do I sign up? ------------------ "So you say you want some intelligent responses? I say give me something intelligent to respond to." -- Dimwits beware, B-Ball freak tells it like it is. Sing it bro!
Are you willing to eat crow if Webber does sign here ? ------------------ "norm, would you like to buy an indian scalp ? This deal isn't gonna make or break me Norm, so don't jerk me around." Harry Carey "Norm, if I had a mohawk scalp, I wouldn't be sitting here talking to you."
Damn! Mocking my idea! No, no, no, I think I said, "Walt/Cato AND OUR PICKS" for Van Horn. Just because Van Horn was a #2 pick means nothing. He was consolation prize for whomever didn't get Duncan that year. An otherwise weak draft. This year, #13 could yield Jefferson, a player who would have been top 5 last year. #22 could get you Terrence Morris. (Maybe.) New Jersey and Vancouver/Memphis both want to dump salary. With our picks and cap room, we have options. But who knows what we'll try. There are always better deals, however, say, Detroit has at least 1 top 10 pick this year, if they wanted Van Horn. By the way, did I type "July 1st"? I meant July 15th if I did. Still much better than August 1st. ------------------
Eat crow? Nope. I hope to god that Webber DOES sign here. I will be thrilled. I just don't see it. ------------------ Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon is the greatest player in the history of basketball. If you disagree, you are not a Rocket fan.
While I'm here: IF Houston is low on the list, it would be because C-Webb wants to return to the East (although he said otherwise to Craig Sager on TNT; but as others have posted here, we can't believe anything we hear or read nowadays) or wants to go East to get away from meeting Sacramento four times a year (he likes the players and the fans if not the place). ------------------
Wouldn't be a bad idea for Webber to go East, he would almost be a lock for MVP...and he wouldn't take near the beating he does playing in the West throughout the season. But, there aren't many options in the East...Miami and Chicago are basically it, and we know he won't go to Chicago. The only way he'd get to Miami is through trade, and it would be a long process to come to an agreement. I think he will most likely end up in the West if he does leave. ------------------
