If the whole Chris Webber thing doesn't work out for us I think this would make an interesting alternative. Assuming we renounce all our contracts and clear enough cap room we could pursue Ruben Patterson, who would make a nice fit on this team at SF and alleviate the loss of Shandon and the hopeful trade of Walt in a package deal for a PF. Now, with the rest of the cap room we could pursue Mark Jackson from Golden State who could inheret the C from Dream and alleviate the loss of big-a** good for nothing Cato. We trade Cato and Walt + others for a decent PF. What do yall think. Aren't Patterson and Jackson a good young nucleus to build for the future? ------------------
We already have two more than decent PFs. The Rockets will pursue Webber because he is a premiere free-agent and they have the money to do it. There isn't a gaping hole at the 4. And a better example of a good nucleus to build for the future would be Francis and Mobley. ------------------ Kenny Thomas had a foul called on him in the Western Conference Finals.
I know some folks in here like Ruben Patterson a good deal, but I would pass on him. Patterson is an excellent defensive player and is athletic, but the guy lacks the outside shot the Rockets need from the 3 position not to mention he is only 6-5. I realize that Patterson matches up against bigger players sometimes, but in the long run, I would much rather have a player that is taller, also plays very good defense and can shoot well from the perimeter. That player btw would be Shane Battier. As far as Marc Jackson goes, I would much rather go after a rough and rugged defensive stalwart like Antonio Davis to solidify this frontline. Jackson is a very good scorer and should continue to be that, but he has short arms and just is not a good defender. This team already has enough scoring and needs to look at defense first. Thus, my offseason scenarios go in this order. 1. Sign Webber 2. Sign Davis and re-sign Taylor As far as the draft goes, make every attempt to move up and get Battier. I think the top 3 or 4 picks with the likes of Curry, Griffin, Chandler, etc will be completely off limits, but next group with players like Battier, Richardson, Randolph etc can be had. ------------------ Check out the Best Source for Draft Info Draftsource.net
Patterson would make a very nice fit, and is a good replacement for Shandon. He plays arguably as good of defense as Shandon, and has a nice mid-range jumper on offense to go with it(ala Mo Taylor). He doesn't have 3-pt range, but we've got Walt, Bull, and Langhi off the bench for that. On the other hand, I really don't think Jackson would help us that much. He is a very soft player who does not play very good defense and has little rebounding ability. We need a shot-blocking presence that can rebound and won't want to take a whole lot of shots. Antonio Davis fits that role perfectly. So, here are my top FA scenarios: 1) Sign Webber, re-sign either Mo or Shandon, and re-sign all other FAs. 2) Sign Davis, Patterson; Re-sign Mo and all other FAs. 3) Re-sign all current FAs, including Dream. Hopefully we will be able to fit Dream in with any of the scenarios. It all depends on how much he is going to want. ------------------
clearly I too would prefer the Webber scenario, but what do yall think is the second best option in the free agent market after Webber?For those who think Cato is not worthy to wear our uni, Jackson is a solid alternative, at least just as good as Cato (by a freakin long shot). I just can't stand to see a seven footer attempting to get boards with his hands by his waist. Jackson would come relatively cheap (say close to 4-5 mil a year). Patterson would probably command the same salary, which should leave us enough space to re-sign Dream. Maybe the math doesn't work out but it sounds about right to me. Jackson/Thomas/Patterson/Cat/Steve ...small lineup, I know, but look at that potential. My reasoning behind this is as follows. Say Webber is in the second year of his prime, he's got maybe a good four to five years til his game starts going downhill. In four to five years, Steve and Cat will be hitting their prime (realistically). My point is I just don't want to see an faltering Webber alongside a blooming Cat and Steve. Patterson and Jackson are both in their early twenties and more likely to hit their strides when Cat and Steve do. Anyone? ------------------
Yes, I was referring to either Webber OR Davis and Mo. Btw, has anyone noticed how much Davis's offensive game has improved over the last year or two? He has developed a very solid back to the basket game with good footwork and a solid mid range shot facing the basket. I dont mean to belabor the point about Patterson, but what makes someone think that he would fit if Shandon does not? Patterson and Shandon have very similar strengths and weaknesses with Shandon being a slightly better shooter, and Patterson having better hops. The inability of the Rockets to guard taller SFs has been a well documented fact and simply needs to be addressed. The point that there are not many tall 3s on the playoff level teams is inaccurate. Dallas has Dirk Nowitzki, Phoenix has Shawn Marion, Sacramento has Predrag Stojakovic, Donyell Marshall did major damage against us this yr and up and coming teams like the Clippers (if they can stay together) have the likes of Odom and Miles. Also, you cant hold the attitude that the teams currently not in the playoffs will never be good or the landscape of a certain position will never change because it will. The trend nowadays is towards big long forwards that can play both forward spots and more and more of those are coming through the draft. There's no point in spending well saved cap money on a player that does not address these questions. Also, it is imperative that our starting SF be able to nail the 3 pt shot with consistency; that is a big reason why Shandon is having trouble fitting in. When the ball rotates around the perimeter off of Francis or Mobley's penetrations, there are so many wide open shots to be had; someone needs to knock them down with consistency. Think about it, when Walt isnt in hibernation and is hitting from the perimeter, this offense clicks, and the Rockets are tough to stop. I distinctly remember a quote from Mobley near the beginning of the season that went something like this "When Walt and Bull are hitting their 3s we can beat anyone." ------------------ Check out the Best Source for Draft Info Draftsource.net [This message has been edited by MManal (edited April 29, 2001).]
Shandon is a much better option for a couple of reasons. 1. Dollars and Sense. Shandon counts for 2.86 million unrenounced. We can go over the cap to resign him to an early bird (~4.2 mill). Patterson is a restricted free agent, which means we'd have to go to about 4.5 mill to sign him. We can't go over the cap for him, so basically, Patterson will cost over 1.6 million more against our cap space. 2. Team Fit. Shandon looks like Allan Houston shot wise compared to Patterson. Patterson is short for an SF, and the Donny Marshalls of the world already destroy us. Players giving up 5-6 inches simply can't handle others. And with the zone, a 6'5'' SF without 3 point range will be severely hurt. Teams will be able to smother the guards on the perimeter, and your big men down low, if your 3 can't hit a 20 footer. Patterson's most effective part of his game, man-to-man Defense, will be hurt by the zone. The new breed of small forwards are coming to combat the zone. They are the tall, lanky shooters, who can block shots on defense, or with long arms can roam the perimeter. If we lose Shandon and happen to have the space for Patterson, we mine as well. But, I'm hoping it won't come to that. ------------------ "That's been a lifelong dream of mine." -Vince Carter, after laying it in on a breakaway, much to the Vancouver crowd's displeasure.
I have. He finished with 21 tonight. He finished the season averaging over 14, 9. This guy is a hard worker and fits the team PERFECTLY. ------------------ Never Underestimate the Heart of a Champion
Antonio will be 33 years old just as the 2001-2002 season begins. The Rocks will make the playoffs next year and the WC Finals the following year...Antonio will be on the high end of 34 at that time and playing 5's and 4's in the West. Let's pass on both Patterson & Davis. ------------------ GATER
Ruben Patterson is a SF. I've been calling for Patterson all year. I would love to have the guy! He is not a good perimeter shooter, but he makes up for it with a mid-range shooting and slashing ability. He also has long arms and is a good defensive players. He may be 6-5, but really, the top teams in the league don't have SFs that much bigger or better. I don't think we need a 3 point shooting SF, just a solid all-around one. ------------------ See the three, be the three.
MManal, that sounds great, but I don't think we would have the money to sign Webber and Davis. ------------------
hey rocket fan...mmanal meant the first choice would be to sign Webber, and if that's not possible, then sign Davis and re sign Taylor... ------------------ P.S. This is what part of the alphabet would look like if Q and R were eliminated.
I think he meant sign webber or davis and mo. Webber and Davis would be really nice, but I don't think that's happening. One can wish tho. ------------------ Draftsource.net
anytime you can say that shandn andersn is a better shooter than [fill in the blank small forward], i say pass. if they shoot worse than the nba's 2nd "mason", i don't want him near my team - especially as a starter. folx, we need a STARTING small forward who can #1: hit an open jumper #2: can handle the ball in the 1/2 and full court #3: can finish #4: play some d and who is taller than say 6'5". shandn is G-A-..... well, never mind. let's just say we need a major upgrade at the starting SF position, and i don't think ruben patterson (although i LOVE his hustle and effort) is that man for us. ------------------ Lt. Roastabotch reporting for duty!
NOPE NOT EVEN A LITTLE....Hell, we already have Shandon who can't shoot, why swap him out with a poorer Shandon. ------------------
Antonio Davis is on his way to being 33, but he is in excellent physical condition and has a good four years or so left in him. He is not going to called upon to be a #1 option or anything near that; Davis would be needed for his defense, rebounding, and from time to time low post scoring (but that is a distant third behind the first two). Think about it, someone like Charles Oakley who is now 37 yrs old is still producing a solid defense and rebounding combination. This team is so close right now to taking a step into the next level, they just need someone to push them over. Either of the scenarios, signing Webber or sign Davis and re-signing Mo can produce a mid level playoff team (5th seed or so) next season that the year after could vault into the elite of the Western Conference. When you are in that position, you simply have to make your move and not try to wait it out and get stuck in mediocrity. ------------------ Check out the Best Source for Draft Info Draftsource.net
