I try not to be rude, new or otherwise. I just try, you know, being myself. ------------------ "Instruments are like women: After a while, you want to make love to another." - Nicolas Godin of the musical duo Air
Hakeem, when healthy is pretty effective. He can still intimidate on defense and score even though he will not be the first option. He is the best free agent left that has not been signed. Ten million per year is a lot to ask though. Considering the trend of the past few years, you cannot expect his numbers to increase especially at the age of 38. It's expected that he will at some point next season get injured. So what are we paying this guy to do? Play half of the games? And of those half, will he really contribute and not whine about touches? Those are big risks to take and at that price tag? I think not. I have been a fan of Dream for a long time, but this has gone too far. We don't have to pay him this ridiculous amount of money for the championships he has brought us. It's not like he did it alone. We don't owe him anything. The Rockets should not pay for his past value. They should pay for his value today, as a 38 year old injury prone center, with limited ability. ------------------ There is a difference between knowing the path and walking the path.
I guess its time for us all to get our free post in. ------------------ I stole your money and I did your daughter at Texas A&M University
Perhaps if I could comment. I think the intent of my topic was not to discuss whether he deserves a specific amount of money, but to question what his potential contributions are to the team in terms of his talent and the like. Certainly everyone is entitled to their opinion regarding money, however I think I said something important that people haven't noticed - that sometimes a player who can't see his potential contribution to the team (outside of being used as a marketing toy for nostalgic fans - for example) can feel as if he is unwanted. ------------------
Elvis Costello and Kagy are both responsible for me spewing my drink over my computer screen Seriously guys, I think those are the two best alter-ego gotcha posts I've ever seen . Next time, maybe he'll make an effort to at least change his style... ------------------ Clutchcity.net... source for all your Rockets, Astros, political, music, humor, and Gordita news.
Hey, I represent and love my profession. I LOVE MY JOB!! I represent my community and the tax payers of my town. I am responsible for their kids. I take heat sometimes. I have yet to find a forum for people to complain about fellow teachers and myself. I however have found this forum to express my views on my favorite team. If I want to complain I can, you missed my point, these players are the best in the world and I am well aware that they are in more demand than teachers, but since they are so elite they should if nothing else have to be under that much more heat. We should be able to be critical and nobody should tell us we cant be, that is my point. My point in drawing a comparison was to point out just how elite these guys are and point out how the fans are justified in complaining if they so choose. As for the public school system, it is not beyond repair, and if you think I poorly represent it, thats your opinion, but I was nominated by many of my students for teacher of the year in Missouri, and I take it very very seriously. (I still dream about being a pro ball player though)
Mr Haven, this is getting very tiresome for me. I do not understand who you believe I am, however I promise everyone that I am none other then who my name says - Mr. Arbitrator - and my intent isn't to start a flame war or to cause potential problems. Could you please clarify who you believe me to be? Thanks. ------------------
I'm sorry, once again I've accidentally been hit with the double-post syndrome. [This message has been edited by Arbitrator (edited July 26, 2001).]
I still say at 5-5 1/2 mil/yr,he is a bargain.The Rockets need him and he doesn't destroy the cap. ------------------ Everybody has a little bit of Watergate in em - Billy Graham
If Dream will take that amount by all means sign him, it would allow the Rockets to re-sign all of their own FAs. But what is Dream exactly asking for? Doc Rocket, oeilpere, where are ya'! ------------------ "Instruments are like women: After a while, you want to make love to another." - Nicolas Godin of the musical duo Air
"One problem with having such great fans is they also tend to be the most emotional, and when things occur that would seem inconceivable, fans can say things they really don't mean." So what? Let us say thse things. Arbitrator that is my point. For getting off subject I apologize to all. This would have been easier huh?
Judge,get back to what you wanted to talk about...Dream's role.What do you think it will be?How do you think he fits in? ------------------ Everybody has a little bit of Watergate in em - Billy Graham
This thread refuses to make sense. There are 7 or 8 conversations going on, accusations of Pinus Rigida being thrown around, gym teacher's missing my self-deprecating humor and last but not least, haven seems to be misinformed as always. Screw you guys, I'm going out for coffee. ------------------ Everything is proceeding as I have foreseen...
Dream has already fulfilled his potential as a Rocket. For the coming season, I anticipate 10 ppg, 6 rpg, maybe 1 apg. Not too optimisic but just being realistic. ------------------ There is a difference between knowing the path and walking the path. [This message has been edited by rock (edited July 26, 2001).]
Screw you guys, I'm going out for coffee. Screw you I'm going out for a soft drink! ------------------ "Instruments are like women: After a while, you want to make love to another." - Nicolas Godin of the musical duo Air
Mr. Drex, I never said that they can't say what they want, I think you are misinterpreting my comments, my point was that it shows how emotional and dedicated they are to the organization and represents what a true fan is all about. My intention was also to say that sometimes it can have deteriorating effects on the public perception of certain athlete's desires, and sometimes it can have deteriorating effects on the desire of a franchise to resign a particular player, as well as potentially making it seem as if the fans aren't interested in having a particular player return. That is why I offered a change of pace, and asked to know how specifically Mr. Olajuwon would fit into the team, as sometimes athletes are more concerned with being able to provide a meaningful contribution, and when they don't see that contribution, they feel as if they are a liability and are unwanted by the organization. ------------------
About Hakeem Olajuwon’s contribution: On defense, Hakeem still changes shots. He may not be the same Hakeem that won Defensive Player of the Year, but the opposition still has to be wary of his shot blocking. Combined with Griffin and the zone, Olajuwon gives the Rockets a very dangerous shot blocking frontcourt. The two also should make for a more than adequate rebounding tandem. One thing I loved about Olajuwon's offensive play, once he got into the offensive flow, was his soft hands. He and Francis seemed to develop a nice chemistry. Unlike our other big men (except Rogers), Olajuwon understands how to flash to the basket when the guards penetrate. Moreover, Hakeem doesn't fumble the ball when the pass arrives. Francis collected many assists by penetrating and dishing to the cutting Olajuwon. In addition, Olajuwan can man the high post, hitting the 15 ft. jumper, helping open the lanes for the guards. He also provides passing along with a low post presence the Rockets can utilize in times when the team may want to slow the pace and seek a high percentage shot. One thing I really hope Olajuwon provides (should he stay) is a mentor for Eddie Griffin. Eddie is a 4 with 3 skills. This is how Rudy T described Eddie at the press conference to announce the trade that got the Rockets Eddie and it is how Eddie sees himself. I believe Eddie will be the 4 of the future and maybe even the heir to Olajuwon's throne as the franchise big man. I'd like to see Olajuwon help Eddie cultivate his shot blocking, defense and low post offense. I'd also like to see Olajuwon impress upon Griffin what it means to be a consummate professional on and off the court. ------------------
Mr. Rock, I don't think you understand, statistics don't necessarily represent the chemistry between a particular player and as such, my question is how he fits into the actual system, especially in terms of chemistry, including potential offensive and defensive usage. ------------------
Excellent post Mr. JeffB. Perhaps if others would understand where I am trying to get here... ------------------