I voted average simply because I think most of our additions are hopeful risks. If they all go according to the best case scenario, the offseason was a real coup. But, I think it is guaranteed that at least one will not work out. Even so, I think this offseason is perhaps above average, but there weren't poll options I found very satisfying. Consider: Adelman: Good coach, but there is always risk in changing coaches. Hoping his arrival will fix the dysfunctions of players who weren't doing well before while not creating dysfunctions for players that were doing well. How much of a roster shake-out will be needed before he has parts he can work with? How well can the current roster manage with Adelman's schemes? Can he get touches for Yao, McGrady, James, Francis, and Scola? Wells: Sucked last season, but we're counting on him being a contributor this season. Hoping the new environment will have a material impact on his performance. Has a reputation for being selfish. James: See Wells. Francis: See James. Scola: One of the best players outside the NBA. How quickly can he acclimate? Brooks: At least we're not counting on him. Think his speed and game are a great asset, but his size might make it all moot. If Adelman and 3 of these 5 guys works out, we're doing great. Even if only Scola and Francis and Adelman work, we're looking pretty. But, there is a lot of uncertainty about how this roster will work out.
I would rank the Barkley, Francis, and McGrady off-seasons ahead of this one. Possibly even the trade for Otis Thorpe. In each of those, the team got a new best or second-best player. That did not happen this off-season. Adding role players can't be a better off-season than adding stars. The trade for Francis saved the Rockets from Chicago Bull-like post-Jordan/Pippen horribleness.
One of the best in recent years. 1) Rox draft Akeem 2) Rox give up Franhise, Cuttinoc, and Cato for T-Mac 3) Rox trade draft picks for Moses Malone - 1976 4) Rox draft Yao Ming and Tito Maddux 5) Rox draft Robert Horry 6) Rox sign Jon Barry and Bob Sura - 2004 7) Rox sign Scola, James, Francis, and draft Brooks and Landry If Brooks and Scola become even average players in the NBA, this offseason will move up 2 or 3 notches. Obviously, if they win a championship in the next 2 years, it could move pretty close to the top.
It's really too early to vote. We now have excess players at certain positions and really can't make a final determination until we see how it all shakes out. If they get Haslem or Foster it will be better than it is right now. However, I hate rating things before there's even a tip off. You don't know how the pieces will fit together (especially with a new coaching staff). I would say you have to include Bonzi Wells in the final analysis. If JVG were here then Wells would be gone, so the decision to fire JVG (no matter how it was botched) and hire Adelman is also part of the equation. I think the Brooks pick could turn out to be huge down the road as well. I say wait at least half a season before saying anything and then you have to consider Brooks' development beyond one season.
I'll vote for "the Best" if Morey can get Kobe w/o touching Tmac and Yao. stranger things have happened. Orlando handed us Tmac and what do they have left from that trade?
