Gooden is actually much better than Swift, and he would provide the rebounding and defense that Howard can't deliver. I wonder if the TE, next year's 1st rounder, and Sura's (retiring) contract would be enough to get the Cavs to agree to a sign & trade?
What kind of improvement? At least if Howard gets to the FT line, he can knock them down with regularity. As for Gooden, there's a reason why West traded him away so soon--because, IIRC, West admitted that Gooden was a bust. Gooden gives you the same kind of production that Howard does. Improvement at the PF position, IMO, means that we get a player that comes in and plays defense and grabs 10 boards a game. That's improvement. I couldn't care less if this player scored 3 points per game. If he bangs down low and grabs rebounds, THAT's improvement. Sadly, Chuck Hayes isn't 2 inches taller. As for "Gooden > Swift", you can think that all you want but like No Worries said, that's not saying much. Both players were drafted by West and both players aren't playing for the Grizzlies right now. That has got to say something.
Assuming we sign Mike James and assuming good health (both big assumptions), does Deke have enough gas in his tank to last more than 12 miuntes a game through an 82 game season? That puts Yao at 36 minutes a night for 82 games. Can Yao average that without getting in foul trouble? If not, we'll have Howard or Hayes at center. We are JVG hair thin.
Last time I checked, Gooden was a better rebounder than Howard is, averaging more rebounds in less minutes. And with the right minutes, he could average 10RPG, if that's something you insist on.
Dually noted. Someone paint me a scenario where we can land Gooden with Cleveland actually agreeing to it? Because trading Howard for Gooden wouldn't make much sense since they got Donyell Marshall locked until 2009
I'm not completely sure that Battier will be a wing, his natural position is Power Forward this is what I'm thinking which makes more sense since we are much more likely to find a SG in free agency (James, Bonzi, Rasual Butler) than anything else. I'm getting more irratated looking at this depth chart, they better have something up their sleave. Yao-Deke Battier-Howard-Hayes T-mac-Bogans-Bowen ?-Head Alston-?-sura
well at least when battier plays home games he doesnt have to buy a house, he can just sleep in your bed
You dont watch too much basketball. I mean we were and are irritated with the deal but its clear that Battier is way better than Wesley and Bogans. He plays great defense as reported already (82games.com) and provides hustle and length. He is better than Bruce Bowen and thats saying something atleast.
I'm with you, DD. And I appreciate your positive attitude amidst all the negativity. This WAS a bold move for management. They surely knew this transaction would cause a big stir among the fan base and some ridicule with the national media, but they did it anyway believing that it was the right thing to do given our current situation. We are not a 34-win team with Yao and Tracy in the lineup. Without one of them we plummet to very mediocre no matter who else we can realistically get. Now we're just one or two players away (James + ??) from playing with the big boys. I'm still shocked at the dumping of Stro for nothing, but I think that my signify a commitment to playing Chuck Hayes more, which I believe is a good thing.
This is not a lot better. I'm sure some of the most optimistic Rockets fans are saying that this is a lot better, but looking at it objectively and if you ask just about anyone outside the Rox we are not a lot better. Battier is better than Wesley and Bogans, but there's a very good chance that his already average (10/5) production will go down. When you play in our system with Tmac and Yao production goes down. We arguably had the worst draft night.
They are probably gonna dip into the free agent market for a PF. J-Ho should be on his way out of texas. Also i am not pumped about Alston playing the PG. We need to get a PG that can make t-mac and yao better and a PF that can do all the dirty work for us.
MAN WE HAVE 2 DO BETTER THAN SIGNING ONLY MIKE JAMES!! HES NOT THE SAVIOR JUST ANOTHER PIECE 2 THE PUZZLE!!!! WHO ELSE IS OUT THEIR??????? WE CAN REASONABLY GET!!!!!!! IM READY 4 CD 2 JUS RETIRE ALREADY
We don't need a savior we need complimentary players, we have our 2 saviors...Yao and Tmac, now we need the Angels around them. DD
I have to say I dont mind this trade. Gay might have potential and in about 3-4 years he could be a solid starter. Doesn't really give much help this year. I dont see him becoming an All Star. Just an opinion. With Battier you certainly get an upgrade in your team night in night out, this year. You dump Swift (thank GOD). I dont know what the contract numbers are between them but I remember Swift had hefty price tag. If they are able to bring Mike James back, I have to say that we dramatically improved the team. James has proven to be a high energy scorer (a nice third option). Call me a fool, but I like the roster at that point. Yes it has holes, yes we need depth, but its a heck of a lot better than last year and you know what you are going to get out of Battier night in and night out. Can you honestly say you knew what Swift was going to do? Yea.. nothing but sporadic effort and results. Think anyone on the team had any confidence that Swift was going to crash the board, or hit the open mid? Can anyone honestly say that Gay was going to step in this year on the Houston squad, with JVG as coach, and make an impact? Heck no. Especially with JVG coaching. Apparently his attitude was much like Swift ( I say that with out much knowledge on him, but who cares about that right!). You will get a glimpse of the talent and then you forget he is on the floor. Name a star in the league that is like that. BRoy was the one we wanted, we couldn't get him, this is a good alternate move to improve the team as a whole. But it cant be the only move.
Man, Only if we still have Steve and cat... and then draft Rudy Gay.. C-Yao PF-Cato ( Or swift?) SF-Gay SG-Mobley PG-Steve... lol sorry to bring this stuff up again... i just randomly thought of it...
The Rockets of 2006, are better than the Rockets of 2005 at the start of the season. And improving your club is all that matters. DD
Management is taking a huge gamble and while it is NOT looking good right now, it may be the right move for this team right now. I really believe this team with the 2 superstars have about 3 years window to do something. After that, it's back to no chance. If this scenario is correct, then what does this team gain if in 3 years they have another good player in Gay and no chance because either TMac or Yao is not up to superstar status. (TMac's back and Yao's foot). Question: would you bet the farm if you truly believe you have a chance to win it all in the next 3 years? I think CD/Morey is better the farm and let's hope they are correct. And no, Gay is not better than a season vet like Battier. Not this year and as in all "potential" scenario, maybe never. He could be better in 3 years. Remember how long it took our #1 center to get this good? 5 years. That's right Yao is awesome now but it's his 5th season. Gay played 2 years in College and is 19. If his name is not Lebron, then I doubt a 19 year old is going to make this team better in the next 3 years.
Everyone keeps pointing out Battier was a 10/5 guy but that doesnt take into account his defense and hustle plays. He is going to draw charges, disrupt on defense and get open shots in our offense and his shooting numbers are good on a team that rarely drew double teams. I honestly think battier can help the rox win 50-55 games. I think with Gay they dont win nearly that many. Gay might be better in 3-5 years right about when tmac and yao will be slowing down. More moves need to be made and I hope we get something along with battier but I dont mind that we traded gay away.
