The problem is he did it publically, which is a distraction definitely not needed in our situation. There were 3 or 4 instances just this year alone where Artest was in the news for his flip-flop mindset and his lack of discretion with the media. I love the guy, I just think I would start to hate him on this team.
Have people here forgotten about Vernon Maxwell? Dennis Rodman? even recently Rasheed Wallace? You can win with headcases and it has happened quite a bit. If our team isn't strong enough to keep Artest in check than we won't get very far anyways.
OK, this thread needs to be realistic. Let's just stick with the MLE guys until Morey says otherwise... This is the guy that should get all of minutes that Wells left and that Head/Jackson had to pick up: Mickael Pietrus
If we had a choice between Mike Miller and Corey Maggette, who would you pick? I think Miller is a bit younger than Maggette, but CMagg can drive and penetrate (although not as well as TMac). Miller is a little better at shooting the three. Both play different, but similarish game. Who would you go for?
Toronto is a forward-minded organization in terms of management. They are trying to sculpt an international team like San Antonio has, and the last thing they will do is part with Calderon. He's a restricted FA if I'm not mistaken and isn't going anywhere. Although the coach seemed a little behind the times when he put Calderon back on the bench in favor of TJ Ford.
Well the story behind that is this: TJ Ford suffered a neck injury late last year and then Calderon got the starting PG spot and the minutes that came with it. Calderon performed really well, at one stage was being praised as being all-star quality playing. And then Ford came back from his injury, and he was the starter PG before he got injured, and now whats his job back. But the coach still played Calderon as starter and Ford back-up and Ford sucked off the bench. So Calderon being a team man went to the coach and asked to switch with Ford and offered to come off the bench himself and so Ford started for the rest of the season. I think Toronto wants to move Ford. Can we make a run for him? Hes a Houston native so maybe...
All of those names are great. I don't believe the Rox will be able to land that above average point guard, so my suggestion is to keep Rafer but add Jason Williams to the mix. I know he's streaky but he has played in Adleman's system and he will probably come cheap. He and Rafer can be your 1a and 1b if you will. I also believe that not only could Miller be had for expiring contracts and the #1pick, but I'd also add Ricky Davis at part or all of the mle for 3 - 4 yrs. He can add instant offense and length to the 2/3 position along with Miller. Utah killed us with the Harpring, Brewer, Kover matchups.
Miller all day. He passes the ball as well and can handle the ball in the pinch like a point forward. He simply has more versatility and is a better shooter.
Really? He would? It seems like TMac and Rafer are both very good at distributing and giving people open looks...No all we would see is a fancy pass to Brick Hands...I mean Yao Ming which would then careen out of bounds are directly into the other teams hands while he stood there with that "OH MAN that is just to bad look" before lumbering his 320lb butt down the court with all 8 steps it takes to get there taking a game off of his life.
During the streak, and in the Utah series we saw how much a good point guard helps this team. The problem is Rafer is only that good a bit of the time. If he was a dead eye shooter, we could be very very good. I think we need a pg. Mike Miller would be great, especially to take the place of Head/Bonzi, hell who am I kidding, we need Miller and Calderon, get-er done Morey!
here's a crazy thought. Battier and Head to Phoenix for Barbosa. The suns need depth. Battier gives them some balance and both of them would probably do very well offensively with Nash dishing it out. Obviously Barbosa is a huge upgrade for the Rockets with speed, shooting and driving ability. The Salaries are pretty close too. One more crazy... Alston, Hayes and a draft pick to Toronto for T.J. Ford.
