I know the Rockets top priority is getting a PF. And clearly using the MLE is one way to do it. Of course we could also try to obtain one via trade. Which leads me to the what i believe is the Rockets 2nd area of concern and that is "swingman." The more I think about it, the more I think that perhaps trying to go after someone like Bobby Simmons with our full MLE might be the best way to go. I know in the past I have mentioned my concerns about Simmons playing fulltime SG since he is more of a SF but still I think we could make it work with Tmac and Simmons switching off at the two positions. Getting someone like Simmons which I believe is possible with the full MLE would really solve a lot of issues for the Rockets. I am sure everyone has read Clutch's Profile on Bobby Simmons but let's go through a list of what he could bring to the table. • Tall enough at 6'6" to play the 2/3. Can play the 2 and play the backup 3 spot. Can even slide over to play some spot PF minutes against the Shawn Marion's of the world. • Good shooter. Has 3pt range (44%) and a quality mid-range game • Can create off the dribble, something this team is lacking in. • Can be the Rockets "3rd scorer" but at the same time not take shots away from Tmac and Yao. I think that is important. This team NEEDs a "reliable" 3rd scorer, but someone that can score without taking away shots that Tmac and Yao should be taking. Basically someone that will always defer to Tmac and Yao but step up when called upon. • Is only 25 years old. He is young and can be part of our core. • Is atheltic, decent speed, can play decent defense and rebound. • Shown a willingness to work hard and improve. Overall he just seems like a JVG type guy to me. He doesnt solve our problems at PF, but solves a lot of the other remaing problems and to me that is a huge plus. The Chronicle article today mentioned the Rockets have shown interest in Simmons in the past. Perhaps they will go after him now. Thoughts?
You're making a case for why the Rockets should want Bobby Simmons but I see it more as a case of why would Bobby Simmons want the Rockets? He's played SF his entire career and is probably not quick enough to guard NBA 2's. I'm sure he realizes this and also see's T-Mac playing the 3, something that certainly wont change if he's brought on board. He's destined to be a 3rd scorer but who knows what one year of actual quality play can do to the ego of somebody, maybe he thinks he deserves better than that? This is all pure speculation on my part and I could be wrong, but it wouldn't surprise me if he wouldn't consider us for those reasons.
I agree completely. I'd be concerned about using the MLE on him before having some kind of deal together for a PF, because that should be priority 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 at this point... But, assuming they do have some kind of deal, than Simmons would be a good fit. It is very likely, though, that CD may be forced once again to wade through whatever is left over after a couple of weeks, when players will be forced to use the MLE realizing they can't get any more money. At that point, the Rockets likely become a sought after destination.
If the Rockets got Simmons with the full MLE, they could then turn around and try to get a PF via trade sending out some combination of Wesley/Sura/James/Spoon etc.
I have always thought upgrading our backcourt is just as high a priority as power forward. And the 2 guard position more specifically. So if Simmons grades out as a full time shooting guard, then he would have to get a look. Regardless, the rockets need to pursue the best player available at one of these two positions for their MLE. With point guard, I think the rockets hope is for the combo of Head/Spannoulis to be a good enough combination for future years, maybe not next year, but after that. They don't need a true point, just someone who has good enough handles to bring the ball up the court and get the ball to the right people, play defense, and hit 3s. Somebody in the Kenny Smith, Derek Fisher, or BJ Armstrong mold and Head could fit that description.
I am not sure if Simmons grades out as a "full time" SG. I see Simmons as more of a SF that can play SG. And I like Tmac at SF, but I think Simmons can play enough SG to serve the Rockets purposes. He has nice versitility. The more I think about it, the more I think he is a player worth adding to the team.
Although Simmons might struggle a little on defense at the 2 spot, he'd be a perfect compliment to Yao and T-Mac. If the Rockets can get him with the MLE, do it. Yes, we still need a 4, but that'll be much easier via trade since I don't see Stromile Swift settling for the MLE.
Simmons IMO is a longer shot than Swift, SAR, Marshall, Mobley or Reggie Evans to be land for the MLE. I would put him with SAR and Swift as the three 1st targets for us (than Cat, than DM, than RE), I just think Simmons will get a little more than the MLE given his youth and fine all around year. Though PF should be the priority, I probably would not turn down Simmons for a full MLE the 1st day of FA if he wanted it. Then we would use expiring contracts and future picks to land our PF. But I see Simmons cashing in (or working a couple months to anyway) and only if his market really dried up and we still had our full MLE (got our PF through a trade) would we be in the picture.
Oh, I don't see a problem with Tmac/BS sharing SF/SG duties. "Formal positions" are overblown, in reality you could split up offensive and defensive duties and vary them by opponents 2/3s as well.
I'm starting to warm up to the idea of going after a swingman with the MLE. It seems it's a deeper position in this years free agent market, and while we all know we need a power forward, I just can't get excited about an over the hill guy like Donyell Marshall. I'd much rather acquire somebody like Bobby Simmons or Cuttino Mobley for the MLE.
I am all for getting Bobby Simmons if he's in the MLE range. I think this move will solidify our backcourt for years to come. We can then sign and trade for a PF.
What about the Clippers' willingness to resign him for above the MLE? Has there been any press on that?
Simmons would be a nice addition. I think adding him w/ the MLE could be a huge possibility. He is young and has shown he can work hard and improve his game.
The fact we're handicapped by the salary cap, we should sign the best player available regardless of position. If we can get Simmons, he'd be exponentially better than our oft-injured-over-30 free agents we sign every year.
isn't mobley better at just about everything than simmons is? and cat is actually a full time SG, not just when the matchup allows it. simmons can't guard 2's. JVG will not like that. defense first! we have to think like van gundy.
from RIET: That's what I call a minority opinion unless we're determined to bite the bullet and give Badiane significant minutes now.
I think Simmons and Tmac would take turns guarding 2's depending on the situation. Simmons is 6'6" and Mobley is 6'4". Simmons can play the backup 3 and Mobley cant. Simmons is younger (25) than Mobley. And Simmons is more willing to be a "3rd option" behind Tmac and Yao than I think Mobley would be. I dont see Simmons taking shots away from Tmac and Yao whereas I think Mobley would at times. I think Simmons can contribute more without the ball than Mobley can. Overall, I just think Simmons would be a better role player to Tmac and Yao than Mobley. Just my opinion.
I thought I would add this to my thread. Of course we must note that Feigen is incorrect saying Simmons is a RFA. Simmons is UNrestricted. I am VERY PLEASED that the Rockets ARE looking at Simmons right now and that Simmons in return is interested in the Rockets. And why not? Simmons could be a STARTER on a team vying for a championship and be a huge contributor. Or he can potentially be a BENCH player (assuming the Clippers find the high priced FA shooter they are looking for to team with Maggettee as the wing players) on the Clippers perhaps making slightly more money. The choice is obvious to me. Simmons, come to Houston!
One way to go after Simmons is via S&T. The only way I see to entice the Clips in doing this is to offer them a shooter in return. They might be willing to take Wesley as a one year stop gap (he makes slightly more than the MLE) in a S&T for Simmons. If Simmons demands slightly more we could possibly throw in Ward if the Clips agree. For the Clips the extra $1.8 mil. for one year would probably not be an issue for them. Further, this would leave the MLE for someone else....SAR, Swift, etc. Thoughts?
