Their A/TO were equal with Detriot, 2.3, negating any fewer TOs Sura had. James was also much higher 2.9 to 2.2--at their other destinations. Also, in the Rockets offense--the 3% difference between 25% and 36% is HUGE. Sura over the last 4 years has a below 30% 3point average--that is terrible. Better to have someone like Snow or Avery J who realizes they should not take 3balls with that kind of average so they move to spots where they are relatively efficient. For a 9 year vet you would think Sura whould have figured out he should not be taking 3 balls and figured out where he is effective. Also, you can't discount Brown was willing to play James for 20 MPG, Sura for 13 MPG--he must have saw something different in the players discipline and focus. The FTE difference, 82% for James to 74% for Sura (68% career), is not insignificant late in games. I kind of disagree with this. Sura has some talent and creativity, but is undisciplined and inefficient offensively. He isn't a completely crappy player, but he is much more valuable to a completely crappy team that hopes he is on a good day and is not too bothered if he isn't, than on a good team seeking consistent play and efficient shooting. I think this is fairly born out in that his shooting %s, especially from the 3 point line, were bad even on an outstanding team, and the fact LB had him for 55 games and pretty much only used him in mop up time for a 13MPG average. For some bad team he might be worth half the MLE, but for the Rockets we would be worth the vet min or 1.6 exemption max. Damon Jones and Mike James were much better fits (b/c of improved efficiency and 3 range) and they could have been had for half an MLE. I think Charlie Ward for a vet min or 1.6 exemption level money is at this point a better option than Sura as well. You don't get the explosiveness or talent, but you get a player more use to playing to his strengths and being efficient off of other star players.
Surprise, surprise! My new job keeps me busy from about 0500-2000 every day, so I've missed the excitement. As far as starting threads, I'm fairly conservative...only when I think I have something to offer. If I get a feeling about Garnett or the title. You guys will be the first to know. From the land of the rising sun, your most humble Rox fan. Shark
Start off small. 1st Sura. Then Peja. (Brand would be good, too.) Work in the title -- this season, perhaps? Thanks for your feelings, keep in touch with them.
