I'm not too worried about who the last 3 roster space goes to. They're just gonna be garbage time players anyway.
TO for the LLE. At least he won't drop the ball like Deke.. ..on second thought, not really gonna do us any good if he start dancing and flapping his arms after he catches a pass.
Rafer,JL3,Sura are gone. Luther IMO will be kept for his age and the chance of developing him into a solid 3pt shooter etc.. Jake,Mutombo,Novak,Snider,Butler,Harris,Reed they could stay or be gone too unless they find a deal or free agent to upgrade any of them. The rest of the team is going to be here at least for the beginning of the season.
Yao Deke Butler Scola Hayes (assuming he's re-signed) Novak Landry Reed Battier Snyder T-mac Bonzi Head Francis James Alston Lucas Brooks Sura Mike Harris Deke That's 21 players, meaning we have to lose 6. I say: 1) Trade Lucas for nothing (apparently in the works) 2) Cut Mike Harris (non-guaranteed) 3) Cut Sura (1M buyout option) 4) Let Deke walk (won't fit with system, is still unsure about returning) 5) Package Snyder + Reed + Alston for an expiring big if possible To me, that's the ideal situation. We'd end up with a powerful 15-man roster, with 2 or 3 players who can go to the D-League if necessary. That also allows Adelman to play a shorter rotation if necessary.
Ehsan, You counted Mutombo twice. Lucas, Landry, Bonzi, Novak, and Sura should definitely be cut. Resign Hayes, sign Harris, sign Mutombo, and we're done.
Then just don't sign him. (Actually wait until he lays an egg in training camp.) He didn't show anything in summer-league to show any promise.
If he's kept over Harris, my heart wouldn't be broken. Harris looks like a quality NBA-player, but he's at best the 9th or 10th player for a contender.
You would sign Harris and CUT Bonzi?!! Even if Bonzi turns out to be nothing again, he still adds more than Harris! I like Harris and would love to keep him, but there's no possible way we cut Bonzi...especially after we talked him into staying. He could've walked and not cost the Rocket's a penny...no way we're cutting him nor should we!