The only way I can realistically see taking Harden back is if it’s at a discount. Being 33 years old, and on a sharp decline, does not scream max contract to me. Three years 25, million per and he would be worth it just for his court vision and helping spread the floor. Paying him top dollar at this point in his career would be foolish.
I think u are on to something with Grant Williams. He’ll come cheaper than Cam, he’s a better defender, and comparable shooter. I’d rather have Jabari and Tari playing the bulk of the minutes at the 4 given their size, but Grant Williams is another versatile 3/4 guy. If we missed out on Cam, Grant Williams would be a nice consolation prize for the shooting and defensive upgrade we need. A 4/3 rotation of Jabari-Tari-Grant Williams is very nice. Grant Williams is only 24. He’ll cost between $18-$20 mil…for a 3&D role player? Does Boston match?
What I am wondering is what Ime thinks of the players we already have. He could very well have a different take than Clutchfans Knowing that would shed a lot of light on what he could want in terms of acquisitions.
Back up players are not our first choice ! Free agents and Trades is the way to go...... BROWN or BRIDGES, WEMBY or MOBLEY REAVES, HARDEN. WE will need to Trade at least SENGUN, PORTER, TATE, NIX, GARUBA, CHRISTOPHER. Y
Jokic only plays 33mpg. Career 30.8. I think there's good reason to split with a defensive minded player in place, but it sure wouldn't hurt to see what we can do with Alpi with 34mpg for sure. That's a 5 minute difference, i doubt 3 to 5 extra minutes for Alpi and 3 to 5 less minutes for a defensive player in place of him would change much of the strategy.
Guard Harden PO....................76ers Shake Milton UFA.........76ers Jevon Carter PO...........Bucks Forward Cameron Johnson RFA...Nets Torrey Craig UFA.............Suns P. J. Washington RFA.....Hornets Center Charles Bassey UFA......Spurs....pending re-signing
What we do know is that he is very pragmatic and is willing to change his offense and defense if necessary. We also know he will let the players fail and then show them how they failed - at that point is where there is fork in the road. They either listen and change or he will not play them and discuss with the team and media why they are not playing. He will not back down. He is different in his philosophy than most modern NBA coaches. For all of his willingness to change scheme - he doesn’t change his central philosophy which is that his teams use defense as their identity and they use defense to set up offense. Offense, easy offense is a bi-product of steals, blocks, deflections and transition. The second virtue he is very adamant is that he will not have soft or mentally weak players. He has said it before, he wants dawgs. He wants guys that are not afraid to get physical and foul and don’t let up. He has benched players in the past who don’t bring it consistently defensively. He is one of only a couple coaches that will choose size and defense over floor spacing and shooting. Also he will give players extra rope if the effort and aggression is there. Players like Marcus Smart said that Udoka was relentless but fair on accountability and did not see confrontation as a bad thing. So you can kind of figure out which players ON the Rockets match up with those qualities and expectations. Green was known for having an exceptional work ethic in the G-League. He got soft at times on the Rockets because of the environment and a lack of accountability. I expect it will surprise Green how hard he has to work - but I expect him to flourish. Jabari Smith Jr. has a no nonsense dad and grew up regimented. When he joined the Rockets he had some issues with the lack of focus and favoritism. At some points he slid into poor effort and habits too. I expect him to also do very well and improve greatly under Udoka.
Give me Niang as well. Lots of solid free agents this year. No need to over spend on a big fish. There is a lot of value out there. We could potentially even seeing guys willing to come play for Ime and w/ Wemby if we get him. Should be a fun off-season.
Sounds like Jabari and Tari are going to be Ike’s adopted sons. I can also see Usman flourish in his system.
I’d like to see Usman lose some weight. But I agree, it would be interesting to see what Udoka can do with him…assuming he’s not traded this offseason.
These guys caught my eye. I’m sure I missed some: Harden Porzingis Draymond Harrison Barnes Josh Hart Brook Lopez Yurtseven Jaxon Hayes Naz Reid PatBev Tre Jones Paul Reed Austin Reeves Max Strus Josh Okogie
Anyone but Dillon Brooks please. Also kinda wary of Grant Williams but he's not nearly as bad as Brooks. Can we just bring in high IQ guys please?
