Obviously, the Rockets are going to deal their draft picks in some fashion, but here is my proposal. With the 13th and 18th selections, they will have to take potential players, but will not get anyone proven that can help immediately. However, perhaps they could deal those picks to Vancouver(Memphis) for Shareef Abdur-Rahim, a proven small forward who can score and rebound(sound like a Rockets' need?). Also, maybe adding Kelvin Cato to the mix to satify salary cap problems. They can then use their 22nd pick for the best available player, or trading it to a team such as Vancouver(27th and 32nd picks), New York(38th and 42nd picks), or Seattle(39th and 41st picks) with two later picks which they can use to fill roster holes. If they make these trades, the team will be much more competitive instantly. That would give a guy like Webber more reason to come here, or Hakeem to stay for less knowing there's a chance to win. ------------------ If I don't say so, it ain't queso.
Would they trade SAR for those 2 mentioned picks? Maybe....maybe not. Mango ------------------ Get it right or just don't do it! Resistance is futile....you will be assimilated. Start more Webber threads!
The Grizz may or may not deal Abdur-Rahim, but he has let the team know that he is tired of their losing ways and would gladly accept any trade. Perhaps Shandon Anderson could be added to the deal in a sign and trade situation. I think that could also satisy the salary cap, and would make for a more even deal. ------------------ If I don't say so, it ain't queso.
If we could get SAR for 13,18,Cato, and Anderson, I would do it in a heart beat. But the only question is are the Grizz dumb enough to make this deal? If this deal is made we could still pick up a guy like Ken Johnson or Jason Collins with the 22 pick. If this deal went through, wouldn't Vancouver have 4 first rounders? Talk about being in a good postion. Maybe they would do this deal after all. ------------------
Yes, Vancouver would have 4 firsts plus 2 second rounders including an early one at 32. ------------------ If I don't say so, it ain't queso.
I'm more concerned with the #6 pick than I am with SAR, and Memphis won't need Cato the Albatross with Big Country Albatross already on the roster. If necessary, I'd take SAR as a consolation prize. I just don't know if he's more than a blip on Rockets' radar right now (Webber, Keith Van Horn, Pau Gasol, Marc Jackson, et al). ------------------
Agreed, ROXTXIA! As much as I would love to have Reef in Houston, I'd be more interested in VAN's #6 pick. Brown could be available as well as Johnson and White. ------------------
With the 6 pick, the Rocks couldn't get a player who would be near the quality of Abdur-Rahim. They would not be as good immediately and only time can tell if they ever would be. With the immediate help that Shareef would bring, more free agents(Webber, Antonio Davis, Jackson) would have reason to come here. ------------------ If I don't say so, it ain't queso.
SAR is, indeed, a quality player. But we cannot afford him, Webber, and a decent center, let alone good center. Even if we could, owners are shying away from the impending luxury tax. I think the idea right now is to draft a small forward (Griffin? I wish!, Gasol?). Icing on the cake? Trade away Walt and Cato. Sign Webber and Jackson and/or Huffman. If nothing else happens, I'll take SAR. But I have read that other teams (the Wizards) might have an eye on SAR as well...although I don't know how they'd pull that hat trick. ------------------
