I can't think of his name right now but the guy who played for the Globetrotters and played with the Rockets two seasons ago wore #1, didn't he? I'll think of his name in a minute.
This move does elevate the rockets onto another level. No one expects them to win the championship next year. With McGrady/Yao the ceiling is much higher than it was with Yao/Francis.
T-Mac is an obvious upgrade over Francis. Howard is a solid PF that can score if he doesn't have to shoot that much. Besides, he's a better rebounder than Taylor. While I believe T-Mac can play as good defense as Mobley, if not better, losing Cato weakens our defense and toughness considerably. It's still early to conclude. I'm waiting to see who will be the starting pg, and who will backup Yao when he's in foul trouble or tired. It's gonna be a long wait till the season starts
Got my season tickets!!!! I had a 12 game package last season and now I upgraded to half-season tickets (2 tickets together) on section 410....right at midcourt!!! I cant afford all 22 games, so I am willing to share with fans who might want 3 to 4 games. I will make sure that all packages are balanced with good and bad teams to make it fair. You can email me at Sal_bejar@yahoo.com for more info. If you want more than 3 or 4 games, we can definitely work that out. Go Rox!!!
I disagree about the elevation to a new level. As it stands today, the Rockets are about where they were at the end of last season - somewhere in the 40-53 win level. To get T-Mac, we gave up our starting 1,2 & 4 and outside of T-Mac, we did not get back much. Basically Orlando dumped their castoffs and Howard's contract on the Rockets to get a leg up in the rebuilding process. All three of the throwins could be very well be gone by the start of the season. You're right about the ceiling being higher with T-Mac & Yao compared to Yao/Francis/Mobley. In fact, Jonathon Feigen said as much on ESPN Radio last night. According to him, the Rockets wanted this trade because they came to a decision that there was a greater upside to a T-Mac/Yao core than a Yao/Francis/Mobley core.
Another level, maybe. The ceiling of expectation is much higher now and that's what I've been talking about. I'm just saying to be wary of the new team until we see other pieces fall into the puzzle.
A higher level of expectation. A higher level of commitment to match pieces to reach the aspired to level. Let's not understate the consequences and effects this deal promises. But let's not forget the cap room Duncan's team has, and the Suns have, and the Nugs have. Let's not forget the bunched up group of West teams with the Rox including those Suns and Nugs - Griz - Sonics - Blazers - Jazz - even the Warriors and Hornets - except the Clips.
The sweetness wins. It is a bittersweet moment, but definitely more sweet than bitter. I hope that our players can fulfill the potential, and that we can get something solid as a backup center and a pg. If we can fill those positions we should have enough pieces. I'm really sad that a loyal camper like Cat is gone. Cato was up and down, but I always liked him, and enjoyed cheering for him. Steve played harder than anyone else on the team, and I'm going to miss that. Steve did knock himself down the respect ladder a little near the end, but not so much. Definitely not as much with other people. Steve in the end did the right thing. He never spoke badly about the Rockets, and pointed out that he knew it was a business. He did go about that business in some wrong ways. He should have been much more under the radar about any displeasure, but I don't think he was the main delay in the deal. Anyway I'm glad it's over, and I will drink a toast to the old Rockets, and to the new. I'm eager to see next season.
Is it sure? I love TMAC, and I love HR and I want to know if it was possible to make a kind of internal contract to make sure TMAC's sign at the end of the season
the rockets wouldn't have made the trade without assurances from TMac that he would sign an extension
Sorry for my questions, I'm just an italian crazy fan I want to know another thing. This extension could be made now or only at the end of the season?
I know everyone has seen the interview on ESPN, but I was actually focusing on the hot young blond in red shorts behind T-Mac... Then after seeing it again this morning, it got me really thinking, man she is really hot...
Amen to that! I was born in H-town and now live in Alexandria. It's quite painful to follow the Wizzards.... which is why i don't! Great day for tha Rox!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And go 'Stros.... pick it up
Are the Rockets destined to win? Imagine this conversation- JVG- "CD we have to move Steve to get better, who can we go after?" CD- "After his season, maybe we can try to pry Brand from Clips" JVG- " Not much improvement there" CD- " May have to settle for less" NewsFlash- TMac says Houston first choice! JVG- "CD, CD get up, are you alright?"
