you won't be able to keep all those players if the core 6 all reach their potential. at some point you got to consolidate into 1~2 super star to push for a title
Yeah, we didn't make a move but at least we're in a pretty decent spot anyway. There's a few free agents out there like Biyombo or Lopez who can fill in our needs and it's not a massive deal if it doesn't happen. It's absolutely criminal that the Bulls and Hawks did nothing so at least we're not them.
The rockets 2023-24 core has not been good enough to get into the playoff picture. There is no player that could be acquired without trading one or more of that core, or a combination of 1st rd picks, that would change that. We could have moved Tate/2nds/Landale/Jeff Green but none of that would net someone that would lead us to the playoffs.
There is no clear plan that was my point. It's a bunch of assumptions that if you make all the right decisions it will lead to a chip. If it was that easy to write down a plan then all the teams would do it. It's sports, there is no guarantees, yet Stone operates like there is despite stating the opposite every time he opens his mouth. Who knows, maybe OKC wins the chip this year and proves Stone right but I doubt it. I'm not a GM but I know that WINNERS WIN and LOSERS LOSE! So far we have TWO and half winners on our 15 man roster. That 'aint never gonna cut it so don't act surprised when a team full of losers losses a lot of games.
Surprised to see Tate as a Rocket still. I thought him or Holiday were goners for SRPs (maybe a late first). Not surprised the front office didn't spend more resources on this year.
the first two phases were supposed to be 2-3 years long each. There is no phase 4. You really haven’t been paying attention, have you? That explains so much.
playoffs isn't the concern. they weren't getting there this year. this year is all about the development and transition year in Year 1 of Ime. there's steps to this. Moving Tate for the 2nd round picks from Dallas absolutely makes a difference. 1. It frees up minutes to the young core guys who needs minutes that should be playing. And meaningful minutes being the priority. playing garbage minutes does next to nothing. 2. It gives additional assets for another move. We've seen 2nd round picks being key parts for rotational players in a long list of deals. Stone apparently loves giving out picks as seen by his tenure thus far. But turning down a couple for Tate was pretty stupid
Stone is sitting on assets like King Croesus and couldn't swing just one move that carries the progression of this roster up a notch or two. No rim protection added, no shooters added, no size added. Would've been nice if an addition was made that addressed just ONE of those needs. I am ok with baby steps, I am not ok with zero steps.
Raffy Stone spent the NBA trade deadline in a humid handicap bathroom stall at a Whataburger in Laredo.
