Many of us were surprised that the Rockets made no trades during the season. The explanation offered was that after all the offseason shuffling, Rudy and CD wanted to let the current roster develop some chemistry. During the Suns game, TNT showed an interview in which Mobley described how he, Francis, Shandon, and Walt had been talking a lot about the rest of the season and next year. I was surprised to hear Walt mentioned among those guys. I thought that since Walt was older and -- frankly -- not as good, he wouldn't have been included in that group. This makes me wonder: Have we been thinking of who's in and who's out in the wrong terms? Should we be looking less at talent and more at chemistry? Will Walt stay because he fits in with the core group? Will Drew go because he doesn't? What about Kenny? What about Cato? What about Rogers? Do any of you have any inside knowledge of which players are bonding and which aren't?
I had to think twice when I heard Walt's name mentioned as well, I'm glad someone else noticed that. I really think it's just wishful thinking on Walt's part, and a case of teammates just shooting the breeze. I don't think it really means anything as far as what the roster will look like next year that Cuttino happened to mention Walt's name. I definitely think the coaches will look at chemistry, but chemistry on the court will be more important than simply who gets along. I mean, Cuttino could've mentioned that he was talking with Shandon, Francis, and Devin Gray about next year, and I don't think that would guarantee Devin a roster spot for next season. I did notice that he included Walt's name in the interview, but I didn't read anything into it personally. I have no inside info to offer, either, of course.
Remember, In order for us to get that 4.5 million trade exception, we HAVE got to make a trade. I do not think Rudy would let that go to waste. DaDakota
There are always cat and mouse games too, we may be talking up Walt to add some luster to other teams (get them thinking maybe if he is in their future plans, he should really be a part of ours). Not that Walt is terrible, but we need younger and more atheletic types to run and play defense, he just doesn't fit in to where we should go with the team.
What we do in the offseason will be largely determined by who comes out for the draft. ------------------ The Countdown has been terminated..and March Madness has arrived!!! ..And we're there to report it... www.draftsource.net
From the things I've been told, I'm pretty sure Drew will be used as the prime bait this offseason to either move up in the draft or fill a need. Drew is not a bad player (in my opinion) -- I'd like to see him get a starting role to develop on another team. With Mobley, Shandon, Francis and now probably Moochie, I think drew is gone for sure. If the Rockets go frontcourt help, I can't see how Rogers, Thomas, Cato and Williams all stay with the team. Just my two cents... but if a power forward is picked (I think actually we'll go "big" small forward if possible) I would see Rogers or Thomas being moved... The only sure bet for chemistry in my opinion is the backcourt. I saw in training camp (and they must have just met a few days previous?) how good of friends Mobley and Francis were, and they're bonding more and more.
I think Drew and Williams will be gone for sure. I wouldnt be surprised if Thomas is moved or even carlos. I think rudy has a big plan in the draft.
