Look, I hear a lot of talk about going after a small forward in the draft, namely Morris. The real question I have is why? I thought we had Kenny Thomas and Shandon Anderson. Between the two of them, I'm pretty sure we have our 3 position locked up for a very long time. Assuming that Mobley is our future at the 2 slot, and there is no reason for him not to be, Anderson will have to play some time at the 3. I believe that Thomas will fill the rest of the playing time at that position. Once he gets that outside shot going consistently, he'll be dominate at the 3 without question. Therefore, let's stop all of this talk about going after a swing man. We all know that we need a big man. We will have the unique postion of being able to draft in the first five spots. I'm sure we can find the right guy with the right size. I do like Morris. He's a definate superstar, someone very special. And if there turns out to be no real quality big man to draft with our pick, I would be willing to go after the best athelte available. But let's concentrate on going after the big man we all know we need. One more thing, if we have a particular big man in mind whom we are going after in free agentcy, then it would behoove us to take a player like Morris. This guy can post up and he can shoot the treyball, absolutely sensational. But only if we have a plan for solving our big man problem. Any thoughts?
In a few posts Ive rote in I suggested we try to sign Anthony Mason and then draft this Morris bloke. Dream Mason Morris Anderson Francis What about that? ------------------ Your Starting Power Forward for the Clutch City Allstars
I don't like the idea of signing Mason. He's tough and he can rebound. However, he's considerably older than our core players and he's a punk. I am also of the opinion that we should draft a 4. I like the idea of a PG-PF tandem, with a solid defender at C (Cato), and the role players at the 2 and 3. Cato, Francis, and our lottery pick will be within a few years of age from one another, so we could keep them together a long time and tweak the periphery players as needed.
You just beat me to it, JuanValdez. Mason would be a terrible fit for a team of young guys. No Sprewells. No Rodmans. No Riders. No Masons.
My first choice in the Draft is KENYON MARTIN... This guy is amazing. If not there then go after a sf.
I don't think Kenny Thomas will ever be a small forward. The guy played center in college, and his natural postion in the NBA is power forward. I don't think the fact that he can hit a three-pointer makes him a suitable small forward. (Sam Perkins and Arvydas Sabonis can hit the three as well.) I don't think Kenny has the quickness and speed to be a good small forward. I think he would struggle on offense and defense. He is 6'8" (at most) and weighs 260 pounds. I know he's a little on the small side for an NBA power forward, height wise, but I still think that's the position he'll be most effective playing. Even if he were to lose some weight, I still don't think he would be suited for small forward. I think we do need to look for a natural small forward in the 6'7" - 6'9" range (even if we only get someone to back up Anderson). I wouldn't mind having Shane Battier from Duke, if we can't get Terance Morris or Chris Porter.
The reason I put Mason up as a possible signing is that the majority of people on this bbs seem to think we'll draft a SF.We have a Center (Cato) and a PG and SG (Francis and Anderson). What we need is a Big PF who is willing to bang inside with the big players in this league and rebound.I took a look at some of the free agents and I though we could get Mason for a good price.He wouldnt be a "Star Signing" but he would solve a few problems. Im not a Mason fan though but what other FA's Could the Rockets realistically look at signing. ------------------ Your Starting Power Forward for the Clutch City Allstars
Look Im not saying "Lets target Mason" im saying he is one of many free agent who we MIGHT be able to afford. As for where the salary would come from who knows with this salary system. From reading this BBS it looks like we might have a small amount to pick up a role player. ------------------ Your Starting Power Forward for the Clutch City Allstars
"Kenny Thomas doesn't have the speed of a 3" ... I must say I do not agree with you. That is the thing that has impressed me the most about that kid. He doesn't look like he's quick, with the chunky build and all, but he definately is. He's fast on both sides of the ball. I see why people would say his natural position is the 4, but in the NBA, he would dominate the 3. Picture Rubin Patterson with an outside shot ... that could be Kenny Thomas. A quick, strong, 6'8" post man with a nasty treyball and the versitility to stick with any SF. Thomas and Anderson at the 3 is a nice mix of raw power and atheletic versitility. One thing I know for sure, Thomas is fast enough to the play the 3.
What I'm saying is that Anthony Mason makes almost $5M per season and he'll probably make more on the free agent market. It's unrealistic to think that the Rockets would have any chance of signing him. Sorry.
Aruba, I'd love to be proven wrong. It would be nice if Thomas could make the switch. But I don't see it happening (at least that's my opinion at the moment).
I doubt Mason will make more on his next contract than his last one. The way he is being played in Charlotte is not helping his resell value. And with the way the CBA has affected the FA market, I'd think everyone who signs with Chicago and Orlando will be overpaid and everyone else will get underpaid. So if Mason doesn't stay in Charlotte, or go to Chicago or Orlando, he won't be making a great deal of money. Maybe 4 million. As for Kenny Thomas, I also have my doubts about his ability to play the 3. He may be fast enough now at 22 years old (or whatever he is), but with his build, how fast will he be at 30? I hate body-typing players, and he might be able to play the 3 well while slow (see Chris Mullin), but I don't want to stake the franchise on it.
Houston need to get a real SF not convert a big fella like Thomas.I dont see Thomas going well against SF in this league night in night out.He's just to big.I think he'll be a good backup PF though. aelliott I personally think the Rockets will try hard to free up some cap space.I know we are currently over the cap but from what Ive been lead to beleve (By reading this bbs) I thought we'd have a little spare salary to spend.Oh well If we couldnt afford a Moson who could we realistically afford? ------------------ Your Starting Power Forward for the Clutch City Allstars
Two players. Player one likes a salary of 2 million or so. Player two likes a salary of just over 1 million. I don't think Mason or any potential starting 3 or 4 would sign for that $$$$$. Mango
