We have a bunch of guards who all have fatal weaknesses, there is quite a crop of PG's available right now: Andre Miller, Mike Bibby, Jarret Jack, Luke Ridnour, Earl Watson. I think i would not mind having Earl Watson, he is a game changer on defense and he has improved his offense alot. The rest of those guys are too expensive!! Maybe Jarret Jack but I doubt Portland wants any of our guys
The best option right now is to hope TJ Ford stays healthy so that Toronto can't afford to resign Jose Calderon after his contract expires this year. Of course we nay not be able to afford him either outside of a sign and trade, and other teams probably have more to offer there.
I'll go for Ridnour..he can shoot and set the offense but injury prone..He can be Bibby type where he can shoot over the screens given to him...by the way, I'm quite puzzled with James benching..hopefully we can trade him and Francis for whatever...either backcourt or frontcourt help
Rumer is that the Kings are willing to deal Bibby in light that Udrih is playing so well. Only problem is that Bibby comes with an exhorbitant price tag.
i think James and Francis are defintely tradeable, especially with them combining ZERO minutes last night.
IMO, Toronto can't afford to pay both T.J. and Calderon for 1 position. I would do a sign and trade with Toronto before he becomes a free agent next off season.
Honestly, I don't think we need to go out and get a PG. The combination of Skip and Francis could be very successful. Each players biggest strengths, are the others weakness. And remember the three guard lineup Rick Ruler went with againts PHX? Skip at the 1, Francis at the 2, and T-Mac at the 3. And if neither of them are working out, you can always throw James or Brooks in the mix. PG play is not our problem. Just look at our offense, the PGs most important job is to get Yao or T-Mac the ball. Basically, we go as far as T-Mac and Yao takes us. It doesn't matter who the PG is, we need our two stars to show up if we want to go far. Now, if you ask me, James and Head are our most tradable assets. Francis stays because his contract is next to nothing and we could use his penetration, passing in traffic and finishing skills. We need at least one guy that will play with some big balls on those nights where Yao or T-Mac don't play well.
Offseason rumor was Portland wanted Battier to baby-sit the youngsters. Jarret Jack + Travis Outlaw sounds pretty good.
Chris Duhon - young, excellent defender, floor general w/ controlled game Delonte West - young, active, good defender and even better scorer Damon Jones - great 3-point %, clutch, vocal leader in the same mold as Sam Cassell (though much less talented) I'd do Mike James straight up for any of those guys. Throw in filler as needed.
I prefer Earl Watson who is a better all around player than anyone on the team and can be had for MJ who has robbed the league since obtaining his big contract. MJ was brought in to score and play D and does neither. The bench is home for the rest of the year.
I know this is even not an option, but I would like to see Sam Cassell finish his career here in Houston. We need a solid veteran PG.
I'd do that within one beat of my heart. Trouble is, Morey wouldn't. Jack and Outlaw aren't moneyballish enough.
You may get your wish and then we can watch your beloved Wafer take us to the playoffs and the first round again.
I would add Battier to this group because most people believe his defense is SO special. But if you read Morey's comments in the press, he seems to love Luther and Battier and considers them our only outside threats, so I doubt that he would be willing to trade either of them them at the moment. James could definitely be on the block though.
Derek Fischer is our ideal PG....hands down!!! Tough as nails, ultimate team player, great leadership, solid on D, LIGHTS OUT SPOT-UP SHOOTER Unfortunately, he's in LA due to his daughter's condition and I hope his family is well served for it.
Mike Bibby - makes sense for several reasons, but he's been on the decline for several years, even if PPG doesn't show it. Never excelled as a pure PG, only as a clutch shooter in a high post-oriented offense. Jarret Jack - decent guy, but why would Portland give him up? They'd laugh and hang up if you offered Mike James. Luke Ridnour - good distributer, decent shooter that can stuggle with bigger athletes guarding him. Steve Kerr level defense. Damon Jones - Luther Head is a better option in every respect but handles. Especially since he doesn't bring along the ridiculous ego or baggage. If You Hate Rafer's Shooting... Andre Miller - good PG and distributer when he's in a good place, WRETCHED from distance Earl Watson - unreliable jumper, good IQ point with nice D, not likely available anyway Chris Duhon - nice assists guy, nice outside shot, but small and very poor converting 2pt attempts because of it. If I chase anyone, I'm chasing Kidd. Obviously not who he was, but he's a leader which we're in terrible need of. He's extremely expensive, but only for this season and next. Evan
