Subtraction of Francis would be an addition to Yao/Cutino's team

Then you still have a problem because if Francis/mo/cato are traded for a stud power forward then that player BETTER be the second scoring option and NOT cuttino. Does cuttino know how to be the 3rd scoring option on a team? As of this season the answer is NO.

Different players, same problem.

 

I really like the thought of Pierce playing along side Yao and Co. I have read reports lately that Ainge is looking to go another direction towards a more up tempo athletic team, so maybe he goes for a SF/Pierce trade in the offseason. Maybe a three teamer where we send SF/MoT/Cato and get Hinrich/Pierce. Bulls are looking to shake things up as well. Just a thought.

 

In my opinion, the Rockets need a guy like Mark Price at the point. He doesn't even need to be that good from outside. He does need to be able to listen to orders and be able to pass into the post too. Heck...someone call up Matt Maloney. He can't be too expensive too sign. Use the extra money for a good small forward. Maybe the Sonics will trade Radmanovic or Rashard Lewis.

 

RileyDog, I feel your pain. I have watched SF for almost five years. When I first entered the board I was almost alone pointing out what I thought to be OBVIOUS problems with his game. I was pounded without mercy, called names, threatened, etc. I have not changed my views, it is just that so many more people now see what I saw years ago. I am not a basketball expert, but I have played (and coached a little), and always thought I was a pretty good judge of talent.

I think SF is a great athlete, an incredible leaper, with a highlight reel dunk. He is strong, fast, and he plays with heart and hustle. I was so hoping that the LA game was a "breakthrough" for him, but that has not proven to be the case. This is not his kind of system, and the zone defenses have shut off his driving lanes. I would be very happy for him to be elsewhere next year, and I think he would be happier as well.

 

I wonder the same thing.

I posted on another thread about +/- W without Steve and there were people think that I just start to follow Rockets this year.

But seriously, while I still wonder, I also feel that it's more likely to be on the + side. As JVG likes to say...every player is talented in NBAa, they just have different strength. If Steve does not fit JVG's plan, I am sure there are people out there who fit.

I hate to see Steve suffer, not only statistically, while the team continues the struggle.

There is a reason that Separation/divorce are there. people get remarried and remain friends.

I hope Steve finds a new home next year and be happy there.

 

If some how we can work out magic and get Pierce/Hinrich (wo Jayhawks!) for SF3+Cato+Mo, well, we are set as a contender in the west for the forseeable future.

Pierce might even lead the team in ppg, but I believe that he has no problem in deferring to Yao and settle for the 2rd option on the team.

And Hinrich will probably nail down 3-4 3s each game based on the open looks he gets when the opponents double down Yao down low.

 

I agree. The makeup of this team in which we are building around YAO, means that we need to have a PG that can hit jumpers, get the offense going and not make mistakes. I dont think we need a star at the PG spot for this, just a solid player. You dont have to look far to see this system working before....think Olajuwon and Kenny Smith.

I have been bringing up Ray Allen a lot in recent threads in a possible trade for Francis. I know Allen and Mobley play the same position, but Allen to me is a solid notch above and if we trade Francis I want to get an All Star in return. This team needs "consistancy" that a legit all star can bring. I dont think this team can wait on "potential" players anymore (i.e., I dont want to trade Francis for potential players). If we got Allen we would move Mobley to the bench as a awesome 6th man or trade him for a forward.

I feel Allen is a MUCH better compliment to Yao's game than Francis is. Allen's consistant outside shooting would be a welcome addition to this team. Allen is only a 1.5 older than Francis and has been on multiple all star teams.
And Allen has playoff experience! That is something this team needs, is a VETERAN that has solid playoff experience to LEAD by example.

There is talk that the Sonics might look to trade Allen and I think we should get involved. The Sonics are also looking for low post help to compliment Rashard Lewis' game.

I propose this trade.

Steve Francis, Mo Taylor, Nachbar (to balance salries)
for
Ray Allen, S&T Brent Barry, Jerome James (to balance salries).

We would then have the MLE to go after a PF and the TE to perhaps make more moves.

Subtraction of Francis would be an addition to Yao/Allen's team

 

I just fell out of my chair... tell me you are joking please!

 

I don't know if this is enough for Seattle to bite.

SF + Mob for Allen + Barry
might get Seattle to do this deal.

This will mean a major backcourt shake-up.


I agree that Allen is the perfect compliment to Yao. We need players who can regularly knock down 3's and stretch the defense out. Allen and Barry are perfect for that.

 

Perhaps it is not enough for Seattle to bite. But I dont think they would want to swap backcourts with us.

I think if they make a move they would want to get a low post player in return. That's why I suggested Mo Taylor. Plus they showed signs of wanting him a few years back.

I would be fine just to do a one on one Allen for Francis swap though.

 

I was joking. I'm pretty sure Matt Maloney isn't even an NBA-caliber player anymore. He's probably playing pickup games at the YMCA. However, it doesn't mean the Rockets can't find some white guy who can shoot the 3 again. Matt Maloney was taken from the CBA. Don't tell me that there's noone else on the entire planet who can shoot a 3 well.

 

If the Sonics do this deal, I'm pretty sure they will force the Rockets to take the Potapenko guy too. The Sonics may also ask for the 2005 1st rounder.

 

Ray Allen would be the perfect permimeter complement to Yao on the inside. I believe a deal can be made, with Francis and Allen as the primaries. Seattle will have had a miserable season with Ray leading the way, and they will be open to changes. I still believe Mobes needs to be moved as well because I just can't stand dumb players who panick and can't execute down the stretch. But that will have to be another trade altogether, possibly for a solid PG.

 

Why do we need Allen? I thought we have enough average to good shooters in Pike, Cat, JJ, etc. Look at how many shot Allen takes per game, you guys will be screaming when he does that as a Rockets.

Second, neither team will make this trade because team usually don't like to trade with teams in the same conference.

Steve is struggling, but there have been games where he blended his scoring with his PG duty beautifully this season. I just think he deserve at least one more season to make it work, of course it all depends on whether he is willing to work with JVG.


--daoshi

 

If Utah bites, but I don't think Francis is Jerry Salon' player:
Steve Francis and Mo T for AK47 and Lopze or Arroays.

AK is the Celeron version of Kelvin Garnett.