Of course they are, and it's going to mean that the Rockets won't win anything until they get rid of Ime or at least until the new FVV contract runs out. Why not lock up the most pathetic backcourt in the league? Sounds EXACTLY like something Ime would want and something Stone would do.
When it comes to FVV because of a short stint where we lost some games, all stats and even the eye test is forbotten. Keeping FVV and starting Amen means that either Dillon or Jabari is benched. Ime has proven that he is going to play FVV 40 minutes a game, regardless of what kind of game he is having. It is insane to have a slow prodding PG on a team full of gazelles, but that is exactly what is going to happen unless Phoenix changes their mind on Booker (which is not the right move either). The jury is completely out on whether Stone and Ime can construct a well balanced roster. I hope I’m wrong, but I think they totally screw this off-season and we just run it back with a couple bench shooters that regress, because of the crap offense Ime runs.
45 is a lot. But we need that vet presence still. Running it back without extending wouldn’t be the worst thing. The big FA names don’t intrigue me in terms of fitting in with our core. I don’t want Giannis. I want someone who can consistently create and score. Someone with handles.
Just asked Gemini, not to be confused with Vanity from the Last Dragon, if she thought FVV was coming back. "It appears he is returning." There you have it.
Again, I think the plan all along was to have Fred provide structure on and off the court... which he's done. We're ahead of schedule so it's looked ugly towards the end. Then, use his expiring contract along with other assets for a massive upgrade. I'm leaning towards a sign and trade kinda deal. (picking up the option or signing a contract commensurate with the move) It depends on what's cooking in the near future. I understand the concern with having him around for Ime to play. That said, it's conceivable we see 2-3 yrs at 16-17/yr.
We gave Brooks 20 million when his market was 10. We gave FVV 43 million when his market was 25. We gave Landale 8 million and even his father thought that was an overpay. I have no faith that we give Fred anything near 17 a season, likely closer to 30, which I don't support.
Even if we give FVV 17 a season, Ime will still try to play him 40 a night and that dooms us more than the money.
Yeah, I would also be dead set against a commitment like that ...unless it's definitely getting moved by the deadline. The "overpay" on FVV & Villain was to provide infrastructure/ culture during a crucial time. And, keep us above the minimum. They've done their job. At this point, one would think...and hope.. that we get it right. Interesting how Villain turned out to be worth it. They are definitely placeholders though and should be treated accordingly.
I'm with you, Bobby. It's a valid concern. Hopefully, if FVV IS still with us to start the season, he's playing a lot less minutes while Shepherding in Reed. But, with Ime's rotations...
I told you all many many many times we would re-sign FVV fir 40+ million and you mocked me. Apologies accepted, although it would be nice to get credit just one time on this site for being accurate.
Most responses said he’d make 10-20 million max and said I was crazy. I leaked that he’d make 4 years 160 million and now hearing that is spot on.
Averaging over 30 for 3 consecutive seasons doesn't count as consistent scoring, has to be 40. You can only get away with less than 20 and be a star if you're Turkish. Them's the rules, I didn't make them.
No joke, he is Ime’s favorite player and his agent knows it. He is the best playoff player we have but just don’t know if he’s worth 40-45 million per year. Fair question is do you think Ime would pass up Gia for FVV because we can’t afford both at 40+ million?
He can’t. He just bull dozes people. He doesn’t have good handles. He relies entirely on his athleticism.
The context of the scoring matters. Giannis isn’t breaking down defenses on the perimeter. We have post players. We don’t have shooters and we don’t have dribblers. Giannis is fairly bad at both those things. Watch games, not box scores.
We need to trade Fred and Brooks to open up playing time for our young players. I don’t mind Kd if he doesn’t cost us much. Also keep an eye on the Celtics, they have to move some salary this offseason. Keep an eye on Jrue, he would be a good Fred replacement.
I do watch the games, Giannis is leagues above and beyond everything we have on the roster. He'd be a massive upgrade to any of the players you'd put ahead of him, like MASSIVE. We haven't had a player as good as Giannis since Olajuwon.
Reality is that when Stone re-signs FVV for 160-180 million for four years, we won’t have the money for the Greek Freak. Rockets want 160 mm and agent wants 180mm. My guess is it gets done by the June deadline and they meet in the middle. While we would all like Gia, it is far more important to keep FVV as Ime knows and we all know that there is nobody on the roster to replace him. We get swept 4-0 by GS without FVV.
