Just an idea. If it becomes clear that Webber has no intention of coming here and that Hakeem will leave as well, why couldn't the Rockets use all their cap space to make a hard push for Dikembe Mutombo? I know the chances of him leaving Philly are very slim, especially now that they have a shot at beating LA, but wouldn't he solve all of the Rockets' interior defense and rebounding problems. I assume b/c I have heard absolutely nothing about this scenario that it has no chance of happening, but if anyone has heard anything about Mutombo leaving Philly, share the wealth. ------------------
Milos, It will never happen! Dikembe already committed to the 76'ers. He is not going anywhere. ROCKET!!! ------------------
I would say because Mutumbo is not really that good. He is a great defender, but not even as good as an old Hakeem is. If Hakeem only had to play defense he would have 18 rebounds, and 6 blocks a game. ------------------
No freaking way. For one, the dude is almost 40(if not already, anyone know his real age?). Another thing, his offense is so atrocious. I don't know why anyone passes him the ball, I have a better hook shot than him, lol. How anyone can be in the NBA for so long, be so highly touted, and still suck offensively is beyond me. I mean, if Scott Williams can start hitting jumpers, surely Dike could learn how to do something other than that ugly ass hook and trying to spin around people with his long legs. keep that dirty sob away from my team. ------------------ snap crackle pop
The best alternative to Webber imo is just keeping this team intact (except for Shandon) and adding three good draft picks. If Webber does not want to sign here and ends up going East, the Rockets could re-sign Mo to a generous contract and pay Hakeem what he is seeking. Personally, I would rather lock up Hakeem to a short term deal for big money ie 2 yrs 14-16 mil instead of taking a flyer on a young center ie Jackson or Mohammed for a 5-6 yr contract. This way, in 2 yrs when Hakeem finishes up, you still maintain good cap flexibility. ------------------ Check out the Best Source for Draft Info Draftsource.net
If we don't get Webber we should work on gettting cap spae perfectly worked out and then going after Vince Carter next year. ------------------
Ahhh, a voice of reason, MM. I know, there is a member with that username. I would really like to see Webber come here, but I sure hate to screw up a large part of the team, preparing for him and then not get him. ------------------
We could always start Cato, Dream, Mo, Cuttino, and Franchise. That doesn't seem like a bad idea to me. ------------------ Founding Father of the Refs Suck Club
Toast Mo Taylor can't guard most small forwards. He is too slow and could not handle all the running and working thru picks and screens. ------------------
we shouldn't sign MO if we wanna go after M. Jackson cause they are both 6'10".we should pick one(preferably Jackson) and then get a legitament 7 footer at C. ------------------
Its going to be somewhat complicated trying to fit Austin Croshere on the cap. The Rockets have the cap room so the BYC concerns shouldnt be a problem, but Croshere makes almost 6 mil next season. Also, I think Indy can only take back a portion of Croshere's salary due to BYC concerns. Im not totally sure when he moves from 50% to 75% BYC. I like Croshere's game, but he has 6 yrs left at approximately 46 mil so this is not some small change gamble. ------------------ Check out the Best Source for Draft Info Draftsource.net
I didn't realize just how old Mutombo is. He'll be 35 on June 25th - I thought he was younger than that. Yes, Hakeem is better than Mutombo, even at this advanced stage of his career. And no, even if we wanted him, which we don't, Mutombo is committed to Philly. Indiana wants to make a play for Webber and they have mentioned sending Croshere to Houston as part of a 3-way to help them get Webber. On the BskBALL MB we've had a running discussion going about Croshere, though, and his play dropped off considerably this past season. I wonder if he really is what we want for the 3. I'm a little worried that he has Cato syndrome: "I got my contract, now I can sit back and collect my checks." I hope that's not the case, but you never know with these guys. The only reason Croshere didn't sign in Houston last summer was because we didn't have an arena deal on the table. We break ground in July, so he would be happy from that standpoint. Will he play his heart out for us, though? We don't need to get rid of one lazy primadonna just to get anohter one. The Rocket Guy http://www.TheRocketGuy.com "You try to improve and do better. It's a journey, not just a destination." - Hakeem Olajuwon ------------------
One other point.... Why would the Pacers or Kings even need our help to make their deal? Chris Webber will not be a BYC player since he earned 12 mil this past season; raising to 12.6 mil isnt a large enough increase to make him BYC, thus Sacto can deal him to any team he chooses. A deal of Jermaine O'Neal and Derrick McKey for example would work on the cap. ------------------ Check out the Best Source for Draft Info Draftsource.net
If Webber doesn't want to come here, and would prefer the East, both Oeilpere and TRG mention us facilitating Webber to Indiana. I would guess that means Croshere. I could see us re-visiting that player, considering he very nearly signed here last year. At least he would provide some toughness. Otherwise, I dunno. ------------------
Even in a zone defense? He wouldn't hafta play a player, just a section of the court. ------------------ Founding Father of the Refs Suck Club