If our team ended up looking something like this... Capela/Willie Reed Anderson/Ilyasova Ariza/Tucker Harden/Gordon Paul/Collison
I'd be ok to start the season with that team and expect Morey to stay on the hunt for Melo. Although I'm still hoping for Nene.
If Melo puts in the hard work, then it would be fine with me. I wish Nene would reconsider his decision and sign with Houston.
If the Rockets aren't going to use the non-guaranteed contracts to bring back a really good role player, then I'd much rather them use those deals in the sign and trade for Tucker, so they can use the MLE to secure Nene. How about something like this: PG: Chris Paul / Eric Gordon SG: James Harden / Arron Afflalo SF: Trevor Ariza / PJ Tucker PF: Ryan Anderson / Mo Speights C: Clint Capela / Nene Even without the MLE, I feel like the Rockets could get a solid veteran guard to be that fourth guard in the rotation, and Afflalo makes a ton of sense on paper if he's willing to sign for the BAE. And Speights would be ideal for the Rockets offense as a stretch 5 who could feasibly play at the same time as Clint or Nene. Plus, he'd be willing to sign for the veteran minimum. Edit: I love the idea of Collison, btw. But I just don't know that he's going to be available at a reasonable price when PG play often comes at a premium and he's still got a lot left in the tank.
It's definitely a better squad than last year just still not good enough without a third star. If you subtract Ryno and add Melo then we have a good chance to overtake GS. As the roster is today you would need a Curry or Durant injury.
