Since we are always bragging how the Rockets are the blueprint on rebuilding I thought I would mention teams that I believe have done a better job than we have. Keep in mind the fact that without the miracle Steve Franchise deal we might still be a sub .500 team. I know, I know... you control your own luck and the Rockets treat players with respect. If you always try to do the right thing, good things will follow. I'm just saying that I think that deal was above and beyond normal "luck" - it fell into the Rockets lap and had little to do with planning. Rockets - I'll contradict what I just said slightly because they pull off the most amazing deals of any team in the NBA time after time. Miracle or no miracle, they have a track record for such events and always land the big ones despite not being located in Los Angelas. One more clever offseason of miracle moves and we'll be good for another generation. Indiana - While they were in the playoffs they used the draft to collect sleepers that would pay off later when they needed them. They also traded an old all star for a new all star to get their lineup in sync. At the same time they got Rose, Best and Croshere. I think their future is just as bright as Houston and has fewer question marks. If either Bender or Harrington fill their potential: watch out. Dallas - they have really only been rebuilding since their last screw up a few years ago. I thought they were toast after giving up Kidd and blowing it with the 3-J's. Now they are in the playoffs and set for a long time due to a lot of risk taking and gutsy drafting. Again, I think they are basically finished rebuilding and have fewer question marks than the Rockets.
San Antonio - take a good roster and make it lose so that you can draft number 1. Then somehow convince the losers that you had that they are now winners. Afterwards, use the number 1 pick to lure in free agents. (bitter, huh)
The Bulls: With all the bricks they've thrown up over the past few years, they've built a few buildings by now. ------------------ Well that's it, the season's over. Protrolls.com! Actually starting to resemble a website.
Los Angeles Lakers - Trade a mediocre center for a superstar shooting guard and with the cap space created sign the most dominating center in the game today. Rebuilding complete. Also, I disagree concerning Indiana, they may have a good blueprint for rebuilding, but they still haven't finished yet, a sub-.500 record in the East tells me they have a ways to go. But I think they'll get there. ------------------ Founder and President of the Houston Homers Club(HHC) - Are you a homer? Join now! The Rockets will be NBA champions. Believe.
I like the teams that dont rebuild but constantly stay competetive with major roster changes. They do rebuild but they never had a bad record to warrant it. Teams like Portland, Phoenix, and Orlando. Those teams have had inconsistent rosters throughout the 90's but are always around for the postseason. ------------------
All-time, I would have to say the Lakers. The last couple years the Kings, Mavs, Blazers, Magic, and Sixers have done well. ------------------ Never Underestimate the Heart of a Champion
Duke They lose their best players at least every 4 years but always remain on top! In the NBA the bigger markets have a huge advantage. I like how the Knicks have transitioned from Ewing to Spree (and probably now C-webb). THey never really missed a beat. Also the Lakers made a quick transition from Magic & Kareem to Shaq & Kobe.
Yeah, I'm bitter about the San Antonio thing myself. One year they're great and a contender in the playoffs. The next year Sean Elliot & David Robinson sit on the bench the entire season, and the team sucks. Somehow they get the #1 pick in the draft and take Tim Duncan. All Stars David Robinson & Sean Elliot return, and a couple of games into the season, Popovich fires coach Hill and decided that HE can coach the team to the championship. Hell, I could coach that team to the championship. ------------------ Founding Father of the Refs Suck Club
Sacramento. In one offseason, they have a great draft, get Webber and Divac. ------------------ RealGM Gafford Art Artisan Cakes
Sacramento did not do a great job rebuilding. They were crappy for many years, ever since moving out to California they have never won a playoff series. Houston has rebuilt in two years. Dallas took ten years to rebuild. Besides the Warriors, Celtics, and the Clippers, I think those two are the worst examples of rebuilding in the NBA. ------------------ "Of course, thats just my opinion, I could be wrong" -- Dennis Miller [This message has been edited by Hydra (edited April 25, 2001).]
