I think Amen is a vastly more dynamic offensive player than Jabari and that's opened up our offense. Fred is still initiating often but having three other creators on the floor has leveled us up. It's interesting to read a different perspective on Fred's value here. I think he's irreplaceable and I expect he'll be here another 3 seasons. I hope he likes it here and takes a big discount. I think Amen will eventually be a top-10 player in the NBA but I don't want him running the point. I also don't think Reed Shephard has shown much promise this season. Unless we're trading for another competent PG, I think letting Fred walk would result in some regression next season. Durant would be fun to watch on this team. He would make us a top-5 offense. I still think Cam Johnson is the best fit for our roster though especially given the cost.
I'd hold off on a Jabari extension and see how he plays next season. If he progresses and improves his shooting efficiency and defense, then I think we can match in restricted free agency. I'd probably choose to defer on an extension for Tari as well given the injury issue. I think if they both play well next season, we'd probably have to choose between one or the other. What are your thoughts?
Reasonable takes on your part, we just disagree on Amen's potential and Fred's value going forward. I don't think he plans on taking some big discount to stay here and I don't believe he will be willing to come off the bench. 44M is a lot to give up for a PG that probably ranks pretty mid-tier league wise. Our future is as an up-tempo motion offense, Fred is not the guy to lead that type of offense.
Where will FVV start next year? I think it's quite possible he and Rockets agree the option will be declined and he re-signs for 2-3 more years. IMO, it's a good sign he's willingly (and increasingly) giving up the ball to Amen. Against the Hawks after the offense face-planted down the stretch several consecutive times, Amen brought the ball up and initiated every possession afterwards. On the first possession, he drew a foul and hit both FTs.
Odds are defintely greater than 50% that the option is declined, but the Rockets having Early Bird Rights makes him re-signing with Rockets the best thing for him, and the Rockets. My guess is would be $25M-$30M. I've not looked at the cap that closely lately, but I think the Rockets would prefer to get it declining in value. I don't see FVV's contract being an issue unless the Rockets make a big trade. Though, if they do, they might need FVV's contract to match.
Don’t get me wrong, Amen is a future star and he needs to start but not at Jabari’s expense. Bari has earned his spot, there’s a reason Ime relies on him for his switchability and hustle. I’m looking forward to next year and who will replace Fred in the starting lineup. It has to be Amen, with Jalen and Alpi usually initiating the offense.
I think Jabari has a place on this team. He can do what Amen can't and that is shoot. I think they compliment eachother.
No matter how great Amen becomes, he doesn't make Jabari expendable. They should both be Rockets for many years.
The crazy thing about this thread is that Jabari is like the perfect guy to play in a lineup WITH Amen... jump shooting stretch big
