i am not sure detroit will do this: tmac/alston/howard for billups/sheed+fillers (rip would be great) we are set at 4 four positions billups/??/battier/sheed/yao and we still have mle, sura's contract, draft, and potentiallly snyder/wells to fill the 2 spot
well, there are rumors they want to break up that team. The package contains a superstar, a pure pg, a pf is OK to compete in the east. and I said I am not sure detroit would do it, but I think the offer is fair to detroit.
If Billups is the much needed Playmaker Point Guard he would not be the third option as scoring would be an after thought to setting up players in a scoring position. We would still need another player, possibly a tall, speedy shooting guard who is mostly a scorer. Our new tall and athletic Power Forward could be the 3rd option.
Wow this is a great post. Phil makes some great points. Chauncey needs to be here for sure and he just may want to come here to Houston!
I looked for a thread about these comments from Fran's blog and didn't see it. Probably should just start one, but starting threads isn't my bag. Generally have too many of them here, anyway. At any rate, Fran, who I've disparaged often here over the years, has some interesting comments about topics being discussed now. I've highlighted some that I thought were of particular interest. If this has been posted, please let me know... June 04, 2007 Missed the Rockets chat? Read the transcript Zac__Guest_: Who are the Rockets top 3 in the draft that hey can realistically get? Fran_Blinebury: Sorry I was a little late. I was wading through rumors. There is no way that anybody can narrow down the Rockets draft possibilities at No. 26 to 3 names or anything in that neighborhood. The rockets personnel department probably has 50 names -- realistically -- on their list. The needs are point guard and power forward. There are still workouts to do, many more evaluations. Then it comes down to who is there. No. 26 is not like picking in the lottery. ecurtis1968__Guest_: What will happen to a Van Gundy holdover, Tom Thibedeau? Fran_Blinebury: While I think it would be quite wise to keep Tom on the staff, it doesn't appear that's going to happen. He'll certainly get another assistant's job in the league. It's past time that somebody gave him a chance as a head coach. Kari__Guest_: Given the current Rockets roster, and the payroll constraints of the team, what realistically the rockets can do that could make them better than the current season? Fran_Blinebury: They can hope to mine a diamond, either by getting somebody to accept the mid level exception ($5 million-plus), strike right in the draft or hope that a there is a willing partner out there who shows interest in the what they have to offer. Admittedly, that's not a whole lot. You can't realistically expect to solve all of your problems at two positions by dangling Juwan Howard, Luther Head and Rafer. GregA2007: do you think the gay for battier deal was a horrible one now. we could really use gays scoring and athletic versatility Fran_Blinebury: No. I had questions about it on draft night. I still think the Rockets need to work on adding athleticism to their team. But Battier is one of the toughest competitors in the NBA and solidified the defense. If everything else was identical -- McGrady and Yao both injured -- I don't believe they would have won 52 games and had home-court with Gay in place of Battier. DaConfused1__Guest_: whats the odds the rashard lewis comes home next season? Fran_Blinebury: Long. rockets101__Guest_: If we did have Lewis would that be enough to get us over that first round hump? Fran_Blinebury: How big is your hump? Are you talkinga about just winning a first round serieds? Or climbing the mountain and challenging the Spurs and Mavs and Suns and Jazz? It would certainly be a big upgrade on the frontline and give the Rockets the 3rd offensive option they need. But the point guard must be addressed. BIGLARRY__Guest_: How would you like to see a sign and trade with Seattle with Howard, Battier, and Skip for their second-round pick and Lewis, then we get Morris Almond and Glenn Davis? Fran_Blinebury: first off, the Rockets are not actively looking to trade Battier. Second, why do you think the Sonics are just dying to have Howard? DaDakota__Guest_: Fran, In your opinion was the deicion on JVG made prior to the lose to Utah in game 7? Fran_Blinebury: Oh, I don't know. Maybe telling McGrady not to play the first half? dvinw__Guest_: Clyde Drexler has been mentioned a lot in the offseason with things such as convincing Les to hire Adelman, and right now courting Rashard Lewis to join the Rockets, do you see Drexler leaving the booth to join an office job? Or could he do both? Fran_Blinebury: Seems like he can do all of those jobs right now from Les' lap. He just can't dance. G-93503877__Guest_: what are the odd's that T Mac & Yao can go whole season with no injuries?? Fran_Blinebury: In his first three NBA seasons, Yao played 82, 82 and 80 games. But there are concerns with both of them. Just say I wouldn't bet the mortgage money on it happening. coolfool__Guest_: do you think bonzi wells will stay with the rockets? Fran_Blinebury: that depends on how good of a selling job he can do to Rick Adelman and maybe at least some sucking up to the owner. While it's so popular to blame it all on Jeff Van Gundy, Bonzi was at least 50 percent culpable in what happened last season. Also, I'm not sure that what Bonzi does best -- handling the ball, working in the low post -- fits in with McGrady and Yao. jcobb__Guest_: do the rockets have a chance at marcus camby? Fran_Blinebury: Do they have a chance? I'd say yes. How good depends on the Nuggets. They likely will be looking to trim salaries and Camby has about $8 million a year owed for the next 3 seasons. If they believe that Kenyon Martin is healthy and ready to be a force again and that they can count on Nene, there could be a scenario where Camby is out. jcobb__Guest_: are there any plans for a new power forward Fran_Blinebury: The Rockets know they need to upgrade that position. They're working on it. dvinw__Guest_: Has there been any word on the Steve Francis buyout situation in New York, if so has there been any comment on him from anyone in the Rockets Organization? Fran_Blinebury: Last comments I've seen on the matter from Isiah Thomas were that he still wants to keep Steve. Of course, Isiah also says he's one star away from competing for a championship in the East. buddydeath__Guest_: I hear Bobby Sura is working out, Do you think he could have a major impact for the Rockets next year? Fran_Blinebury: No. That ship has sailed. Time to wave aloha. aceflaco__Guest_: Do the Cavs really have a chance against the Spurs? Fran_Blinebury: Can LeBron repeat his Game 5 performance from the East Finals four times in one series? I'm picking the Spurs in five. If Cleveland pushes it to six, they'll be doing a helluva job. San Antonio is so good, so complete. Yes, I know the Cavs won the season series 2-0. That was months ago. This is now. iasu__Guest_: do you think the rockets can actually make a trade for kobe bryant Fran_Blinebury: No. tufaat__Guest_: how will yao adapt to adelman's offense? Fran_Blinebury: Yao is as hard a worker and as diligent a student as you will find in the NBA today and will adapt, I think, better than many expect. Somehow Adelman has gotten this run-and-shoot label attached to him. That is simply wrong. He ran half-court sets with Kevin Duckworth at center in Portland and he ran a motion offense with Vlade Divac at center in Sacramento. I don't expect to see either Duck or Vlade running the 100 meters at the Olympics in Beijiing. I expect that Adelman will employ Yao more at the high post, having him shoot from the free throw line area and also take great advantage of his passing skills. GregA2007: how is that every team in the west has youthful players with upside except for the rockets? did the front office focus too heavily on experienced players? Fran_Blinebury: Yes. I think that was the single biggest fault of the Van Gundy Era. Jeff has tunnel vision and only wants to think about winning the next game. He is the one who insisted on the likes of Charlie Ward and Charles Oakley and Clarence Weatherspoon and Rod Strickland. After the loss to Dallas in 2005 playoffs, he is the one who wanted to stick with Jon Barry and David Wesley and Bob Sura, even though they were broken down pickup trucks by then. Van Gundy -- and to some extent Les Alexander -- didn't want to build and they ignored infusing youth and energy at a time when the NBA was changing dramatically. DaConfused1__Guest_: do you think that hakeem will improve yao ming's game enough to make a difference? Fran_Blinebury: They worked out for about an hour one time. Is that life-changing? G-53937142_1__Guest_: What PG are you wanting this offseason? Fran_Blinebury: In a perfect world, I'd snatch up Chauncey Billups in a heartbeat. He is my model of what the Rockets need -- a confident veteran who knows how to run a club and can handle the leadership role that is beyond McGrady and not in Yao's grasp yet. Having said that, he's too rich for the Rockets and I can't imagine Joe Dumars letting him leave Detroit. Steve Blake is going to attract attention, based on what he did over the last few months in Denver. But that could be a case where you drastically overpay a guy. If there was a way for the Rockets to trade up in the draft and get their hands on Acie Law, I'd be all for it. clutchfan1__Guest_: Can we get Josh Smith from Atlanta? The rumor says they are looking to trade him. Fran_Blinebury: He's certainly within the price range. you have to find out what Atlanta wants. DaDakota__Guest_: Fran, will Adelman's hiring be good news for the younger players like V-Span, Novak, & Snyder? Fran_Blinebury: I think it's very good news for all three of them. The front office wanted JVG to give those guys more leash all of this season. They are all still viewed as assets and Spanoulis and Snyder especially will benefit from a faster tempo on offense. anthony__Guest_: What current Rockets do you truly feel will not be a part of this organization next season Fran_Blinebury: they only have a few free agents in Mutombo, Hayes and Tsakalidis, so Les isn't just gonna pay of 6-8 guys to walk. That means you're trying to deal people you don't want and that isn't always easy. I'll take a few stabs at Sura, Bonzi, John Lucas, Luther Head and Juwan Howard. rick_1__Guest_: How was Rick's relationship with Bonzi in Sac? Do you think he'd even want him here or does he deep inside see him as a cancer? Fran_Blinebury: People have forgotten that Bonzi doesn't have an extensive history with Adelman. He played 52 games in Sacramento two seasons ago. That's it. I don't think Adelman would just dismiss him because of his personality. He's going to have to determine where he can fit into the offense. That will depend on what they can get in the draft or through deals. Bonzi is going to opt out and become a free agent. So the decision can wait. I don't think teams are going to beat down his door. They didn't last year and that's before he became the Sta-Puff marshmallow man. jerwilliamz: what about this as the Rockets coaching staff: Rick Adelman, Elston Turner, Mario Elie and Tom Thibadeau? Fran_Blinebury: I'd really like to see them keep Thibodeau, though I don't know if that will happen. I like the other guys. You'd kinda like to see Mario's snarl over there on the bench. mojo__Guest_: How does Morey's statistical analysis calculate leadership and heart? That's what this team needs. Well and a PG too. Fran_Blinebury: Good question. Now we'll see. G-43057168__Guest_: What do you think of a player like Devin Brown off the bench? And is he attainable? Fran_Blinebury: Obtainable? Probably for the price of a phone call. I'd say he's way down the list of priorities. alfredo8055: With the current roster, do you think Rick will be able to mold this team into the kind of team that has made him successful in the NBA? Fran_Blinebury: Depends on your definition of successful. He went to the Finals twice in Portland. Will he win? Definitely. He's always done that. Will they become legitimate contenders in West? Not with the current roster. That's why they're looking to make changes. sam__Guest_: Could the Rockets work out a deal to bring Ron Artest to Houston? Fran_Blinebury: Sure. And maybe they could get a few envelopes of anthrax, too. GregA2007: being that the west has most of the talent and most of the upper-echelon teams, what would it take for stern to make changes to the playoff format? i would propose taking the best 16 teams from the nba regardless of conference and seed them 1-16. what do you think? Fran_Blinebury: Won't happen. Not now. Not ever. hernandeztxhou__Guest_: What makes you think Lucas or Luther Head won't be around? Fran_Blinebury: They are looking to make changes. That means trades. That means you have to give something up of value. They aren't trading Yao or McGrady. They would be very reluctant to trade Battier. I'd say that makes Luther tops on the trade list. niko__Guest_: Will badine ever get good enough to play in theNBA Fran_Blinebury: I saw him play in person several times last summer in Japan. He plays hard. He's enthusiastic. But he doesn't have any kind of basic offensive game. He's the Chuck Hayes of Africa. I'd say he's a long, long shot to ever be on the Rockets regular season roster. DaDakota__Guest_: Fran, which current players do you see playing for the Rockets summer league team, and who will coach the summer leagues if not Thibedeau? Fran_Blinebury: Lucas, Novak, Snyder. When Adelman assembles a staff, then we'll find out who coaches them. DaDakota__Guest_: Fran, settle a bet for us, what do you see as Novak's upside, Peja, or Air Bull? Fran_Blinebury: Air Bull. Peja had a five-year stretch where his lowest scoring average was 19.2. Here's a wager for you: If Novak ever does that, Charles Barkley will kiss Kenny Smith's ass again. G-93704691__Guest_: How many "sources" for rumors is acutally ClutchFans.com? Fran_Blinebury: I guess you'd have to read it. Carr__Guest_: Can the Rockets join the Eastern Conference? Any possibility? Fran_Blinebury: You're only about three decades too late. They were in the Eastern Conference until the late '70s. enigma_1__Guest_: Which signing (sign/trade)seems realistic, Chris Wilcox or Rashard Lewis? Fran_Blinebury: I'd have to say Wilcox, just because of the money involved with Lewis. http://blogs.chron.com/franblinebury/2007/06/missed_the_rockets_chat_read_t_1.html
Great find, Deckard. Not that anyone's asking, but here are some of my thoughts: <i>dvinw__Guest_: Clyde Drexler has been mentioned a lot in the offseason with things such as convincing Les to hire Adelman, and right now courting Rashard Lewis to join the Rockets, do you see Drexler leaving the booth to join an office job? Or could he do both? Fran_Blinebury: Seems like he can do all of those jobs right now from Les' lap. He just can't dance.</i> <b>I'm always wary of Clyde's advice. I don't disagree w/ endorsing Adelman, but he's been known to same some really stupid things from time to time...</b> <i>jcobb__Guest_: do the rockets have a chance at marcus camby? Fran_Blinebury: Do they have a chance? I'd say yes. How good depends on the Nuggets. They likely will be looking to trim salaries and Camby has about $8 million a year owed for the next 3 seasons. If they believe that Kenyon Martin is healthy and ready to be a force again and that they can count on Nene, there could be a scenario where Camby is out.</i> <b>Wow, if we can get Camby, that would be unbelievable! Though I'm all for getting a PG first, Camby would bring so much to the PF position and play some backup center. I can't imagine that Denver would let him go, though. I know he's incredibly injury-plagued and will not likely play every game of the season, but a twin tower duo of Yao and Camby would rival Duncan/Robinson, Hakeem/Sampson, etc. I don't think it'll happen though. We might've had a better shot at it w/ JVG still as the coach and I can see Denver only agreeing if we give up Battier.</b> <i>buddydeath__Guest_: I hear Bobby Sura is working out, Do you think he could have a major impact for the Rockets next year? Fran_Blinebury: No. That ship has sailed. Time to wave aloha.</i> <b>Sad, but very true...</b> <i>G-53937142_1__Guest_: What PG are you wanting this offseason? Fran_Blinebury: In a perfect world, I'd snatch up Chauncey Billups in a heartbeat. He is my model of what the Rockets need -- a confident veteran who knows how to run a club and can handle the leadership role that is beyond McGrady and not in Yao's grasp yet. Having said that, he's too rich for the Rockets and I can't imagine Joe Dumars letting him leave Detroit. Steve Blake is going to attract attention, based on what he did over the last few months in Denver. But that could be a case where you drastically overpay a guy. If there was a way for the Rockets to trade up in the draft and get their hands on Acie Law, I'd be all for it.</i> <b>Of course I agree w/ Billups, but trading up for Acie? I don't know about that - he's not a true PG. Then again, if that means trading the 26th pick and Juwan's contract, I might be for it.</b> <i>jerwilliamz: what about this as the Rockets coaching staff: Rick Adelman, Elston Turner, Mario Elie and Tom Thibadeau? Fran_Blinebury: I'd really like to see them keep Thibodeau, though I don't know if that will happen. I like the other guys. You'd kinda like to see Mario's snarl over there on the bench.</i> <b>Man, I hope we keep Thibodeau...He's a great asset to have, especially for Yao.</b> <i>hernandeztxhou__Guest_: What makes you think Lucas or Luther Head won't be around? Fran_Blinebury: They are looking to make changes. That means trades. That means you have to give something up of value. They aren't trading Yao or McGrady. They would be very reluctant to trade Battier. I'd say that makes Luther tops on the trade list.</i> <b>Lucas seems like a bust. I was one of those that was excited how he's do after tearing up the summer league, but I soon realized that it's the summer league for a reason. He's too small and his decision-making is often poor at this level. If he's of value to some team, I'm all for shipping him. And I'm ok with using Head as trade bait if we address our needs with quality players, but I hope Morey doesn't just trade him to "make changes" for the sake of changes. Man, we have to do something, though.</b>
thats too easy....Billups fills the biggest gap on this team..PG .....if we can get a decent PF and get Billups...Finals here we come..!!! i knkow its wishful thinking but hey..thats what the offseason is for
That would be perfect cause Sheed is great blocker, rebounder and also shooter (he can post up too). C-Billups: no questions. But on the other hand I don't wanna lose Luther or Bonzi
