One thing that no one has really talked about is the impending expiration of the NBA's collective bargaining agreement at the end of the 2004-05 season. One of the owners' main objectives in negotiating the new CBA is to limit player contracts to a maximum of four or five years (as opposed to the six- or seven-year contracts now). This fact may be influencing Les, CD and Van Gundy. Other than Juwan Howard (and T-Mac after he signs an extension in August), the Rockets are not committed to any player past 2007. By trading for someone like Antonio Daniels (who only has two years left on his deal but will likely exercise a player opt-out after next season), the Rockets may be trying to position themselves for the future. While most other teams are hamstrung by the horrible long-term contracts they signed this offseason, the Rockets may be able to get players--after the inevitable lockout that ensues next summer--for less money and for shorter-term contracts. If this is even a small part of the Rockets' plan, I am all for getting a guy like Daniels or Jones or even going with Lue (eh.) rather than throwing ridiculous money at Fisher or the others out there. Next year's free agents may be in for a rude awakening, and the Rockets could be poised to take full advantage of that.
I'm very impressed by the amount of patience and restraint the Rockets have shown this offseason. First, they put up with all of Weisbrod's antics. Now, they've refused to get caught up in a raging bull free agent market.
agreed. I'm antsy to find out who's going to be on our team, but SO glad we haven't gotten caught up in the feeding frenzy and done something stupid. (so far)
The one thing that bothers me is the fact that Dawson said on 610 radio that the owner want's to win. The rocket's have the MLE and a 6.9 trade exception at their disposal and nothing has been done. I don't want to here this crap about over spending, if you want to win you gone have to spend. This is the Western Conf. and it's going to be even tougher this year. Going out on the streets to get scrubs will not get it done.
I also hope that the Rox have learned from previous mistakes. And yeah, these seven year contracts are insane.
Jerry, that s aclassic example of the type of short term thinking that gets franchises in trouble and keeps thm out of the Finals... It is not necessary to fill every position with overpaid quasi-decent players just to try to win it all now.....you want to make smart financial deals for people that can do what they are told to do and work within a team concept....we have our two superstars....they will carry the team...all we need in addition to them are quality roleplayers that will work hard and help the stars do their jobs. If we dont get the best guy out there right now....its ok...get someone else to do the job for shortterm low money and see if we can carefully trade or sign someone better next year....you keep doing this until you find just the right mix of players to accomplish the goal... Keep your eyes on the prize, dont be distracted by a need to make moves just for the sake of making moves...a well put together team surrounding two dominant players will win more often than not against teams just thrown together haphazardly... Patience people....geez...we just got the biggest prize of the offseason....everything else is the frosting...
My hope is that we wait all of this madness out and pick up a Sura or the other Barry in a JJ type move from last year.
Patience, Jerry. Remember that it is a TRADE exception. The Rockets don't have to use it in a sign-and-trade for a free agent. Better deals can be had for players currently under contract. I wouldn't be surprised if the Rockets ended up with Van Exel. In fact, I'd be delighted. Not so much for his skills (I still think he's a little too much of a ballhog at times), but for his EXPIRING CONTRACT. Making over $11M next year, Van Exel could be had from the Warriors after they signed Fisher. If we can unload Taylor's or Spoon's contracts, it would be worth it. With a team option for 2005-06, the Rockets can just NOT exercise that option and add cap flexibility. If Van Exel plays well for them, re-sign him for less money; if not, let him go. Win-win scenario. Another thing to think about: If we wanted to trade a package involving Howard, Lue or Gaines, we'd have to wait at least 60 days from the T-Mac trade. If nothing has been done by then, we'll know whether CD had put together a trade. Yet another thing to think about: Getting the TE was a product of a cost-cutting move in dumping Glen Rice's contract on Utah. If the Rockets don't even use the TE, it won't be considered a complete waste by Rockets management. This is a business after all.
It's pretty clear with the deals handed out in this free agent market that we aren't going to get good value by signing a free agent early. Almost every contract seems to be 6 years!?! and for a ridiculous amount of money. I think the way we can best maximize our value is: (1) Use the trade exception early (2) Use the mid-level exception late By using the trade exception to acquire a player, we get someone whose contract was signed before this ridiculously inflated free agent market, for fewer years. While the other teams are trying to address needs through free agency (possibly by clearing cap space, where our TE can come in handy), we should try to fill holes through trades. We don't want to be forced to overspend on a long term contract for a mediocre player. I think (hope?) Carroll Dawson has learned from those horrible 6 year contracts he threw at Matt Maloney, Kelvin Cato, and Mo Taylor. By using the MLE late, we can wait for other teams to throw their money at free agents, and hopefully pick up a good bargain as the well of money dries up. I believe Steven Jackson ($1 mill last year) and Jim Jackson ($3 mill) were acquired for their teams this way last year. We shouldn't be so eager to jump into a free agency bidding war. Next year, far fewer teams will have cap space, and there's no reason to go all out and try to win now while sacrificing our future. We've got a window of opportunity with our two young stars, and while we shouldn't squander it, we also shouldn't handicap ourself from making moves by being financially irresponsible.
White has no discipline (not a Van Gundy player), and the Griz will match anything not astronomical for Swift.
I am glad the Rockets have patience, because I don't! Its driving me crazy wondering who will be our PG next season. But I feel that the Rockets are doing the right thing. It's just that I am on pins and needles waiting for the next rumor or scrap of news.
Really, it don't seem to effect the Spurs or any of the top 4 teams of the last 4 years. That's what makes them contenders.
Jerry. I think the success of the top 5 teams in the West has more to do with the fact that they all have players that are in the top 10 in the NBA in terms of overall talent vs there spending practices. LAL - Shaq/Kobe SA- Duncan Minn - KG Dallas - Dirk and you could make a case for Nash. Sac - CWebb (pre-injury) These guys are the reason that these teams are so successful, period.
Well I also think that success breeds more success. When you have a great player and your team is winning, the good free agents want to come play for your team.
San Antonio is a bad example to your argument. The Spurs always have cap space, and they do not over spend on players.
