Why do the Rockets need dream here? Isn't the agent the one doing the deal?

I say Hakeem isn't going to play much longer so let him get market value elsewhere if he has to. In my opinion the Rockets played a lot better when Hakeem was not in the line up. This team is not suited for Hakeem any more.

What are you talking about? Do you remember how hot the Rockets were in February and early March, their best stretch of the season and the Francis era? A big reason why they won so many games then was Dream repeatedly having 18/10 type performances. In fact, the game that turned this season around was Dream's amazing second half performance against the Knicks, in which the Rocekts came back from 14 down at the half to win the game and start that big streak. I think we can survive without Hakeem, but to say we're better without him is ridiculous. This team was damn tough to beat when Hakeem was playing at a high level.


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I don't think we should add Dream for two years at $10 mil a season. We will not beat the Lakers with a healty Dream and under achieving Cato. So when I look at the matchups, I see Kobe dominating Cuttino (yes Cat will score, however, he cannot stop Kobe)and Shaq will dominate whoever and do not compare Cato's regular season performance against Shaq as something that would happen in the playoffs. Steve, Mo Taylor, and Eddie, and Shandon would have to dominate Derek Fisher, Rick Fox, Robert Horry, and Horace Grant. This will not happen in the playoffs. So if we cannot win the TITLE, lets focus on chemistry and move on without Dream and his huge salary demands.

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I think $6-8 million for Hakeem is market. How many teams are willing to pay that much for a center that averages 11-12ppg 7-8rpg and can only play 50 games per season?

I would have to agree with a.k.a vince on the Rockets being a different team. I don't think Hakeem fits in the system anymore (not as the go-to guy anyway). The Rockets organization has done everything to keep Hakeem a Rocket (now and in the past). Hakeem should either retire or give the Rockets a discount at $4-6 million for one year. He should also realize his new role in the system and let the kids play.

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My God when it comes to Hakeem some people have such short memories. One of the huge reasons we were even vying for a spot in the playoffs LAST SEASON was because of Hakeem. REMEMBER. Ever since Rudy and Hakeem hashed out their feelings and Hakeem was finally made part of the whole game plan instead of being sat down the whole fourth quarter, this team looked like a juggernaut.



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Just a hunch: 29.

Uhhhh... oh okay.

Are you a basketball fan? Did you pay attention to the Rockets last year? Other than Webber, I'd say Dream is the best FA the Rockets could possibly get.

 

29? Let's just swtick with NBA teams. How many teams have $10 million in cap space and don't anticipate on signing anyone else? How many teams need a short term solution at center? How many teams will only need him for 50 games (assuming he stays relatively healthy)?

Don't get me wrong, I would love to see him back but not for the amount of money he is demanding ($10 million). I think the market rate for him is closer to $6-8 million per year and that the Rockets should get some kind of discount. IMO it just shows he doesn't care where he goes as long as he gets paid.

I think the Rockets are doing everything they can to work a deal out with Hakeem to stay...I just don't know if Hakeem is as eager to stay.

Am I less of a basketball fan becuz I question Hakeem's worth? Yes, I saw that he played well later in the season. But the season is 82 games plus playoffs. Will our 39 year old $10 million player be there when needed? And the teams the Rockets played in the later half of the season were rather weak in the middle.

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Our season will be 82 games minus playoffs if Hakeem is not re-signed.

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Have you watched any games this year?

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You say the Rockets fast break was more natural with out Dream? The Rockets fast break happened a lot more with Dream in the line up last year. Our fast brake did a much better job starting off of a Dream rebound or blocked shot or steal then it did off of a Steve Francis rebound.

Maybe you should review some of the games during the second half of the season.

ZRB, do you still have Dreams numbers for the second half? I think were a good indicator of what Dream meant to this teams play-off run last year.


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[This message has been edited by crash5179 (edited July 03, 2001).]

 

IMHO, salary is a sign of respect in free economy. Hakeem wants repect, in all forms, instead of be swept aside as an old man.

the more he gets paid
=> the more he gets used on court
=> the more he performs
=> the happier he becomes

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If he wants respect than retire a Rocket. I seriously doubt any team is willing to pay him $10 million for another season. The Rockets may pay that just out of loyalty to him and its fans. But I think Hakeem is taking advantage of that by demanding so much money. Ray Allen, Spree, Iverson, Marbury, Duncan, A.Walker, SAR, McGrady, Rose, and Kobe are $10 million players. Do you think Hakeem will put up similar numbers to those players? The biggest factor is his health...last year was his best year in a while (with 55 games).

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Come on guys. It's called negotiation. His agent starts at 10, the Rockets start at 4 and they meet somewhere in the middle like 6 or 7. At $6 mil., the 4th or 5th best center in the west is worth it and I think he will take it and retire a Rocket.

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