This first blurb is from a Q and A with Chad Ford... Q: Is there any way the Rockets can tear up that contract they gave to Mo Taylor and make a run at Rashard Lewis this summer. A team with Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley, Lewis and Eddie Griffin could run the Clippers out of the gym. -- Hardy Reiss, Oklahoma City, Okla. FORD: They're stuck with Taylor. Why they paid him all of that money last summer is a mystery. Houston is Lewis's first choice this summer, but the Rockets don't have the cap room to sign him straight out. They could try to pull off a sign-and-trade, but the Sonics will be loathe to let Lewis go. If it makes you feel better, they should have a top-five pick in the draft. ------------------------------------------------------------------- UConn's Caron Butler and Memphis's Dajuan Wagner will both dive head first into the draft. Both players, reportedly, will hire an agent, ending their college eligibility. "This was a difficult decision, however my lifelong dream has been to play in the NBA and I am anxious to begin my professional basketball career. I am going to continue to attend classes and finish the semester, as I promised my mother that I would get my degree," Wagner said in a statement. Butler has a press conference scheduled for 2 p.m. EST today. The big question now is where they'll go in the draft. No one's stock seems to be rising faster than Butler's at the moment. One GM said he thinks Butler could go as high as No. 3 in the draft. Others have him scattered around the top 10. The Rockets, Cavs, Hawks and Heat are all in the market for a tough small forward and Butler seems like a perfect fit.
Other than the Rockets somehow landing Yao Ming, I think getting Rashard would be the best possible thing that could happen to the Rockets this offseason.
PLEASE the rockets need a big man, say it with me a big man. A three is nice but what good would that do when you have cato and an under sized Kt in the line up. The rockets need to work a deal to land a big rebounding smack someone upside the haed BIG MAN. Nothing else will do.
Well, the Rockets only have their own ass to kick. They passed on Rashard years ago for someone I can not remember.
That's nice, but you failed to mention which big man is available. Let me rephrase. With the exception of Yao Ming, the Rockets acquiring Lewis is the best thing that could happen this offseason that is in the realm of possiblity.
smoothie - please stop using Walt Williams in your fantasy trades. Williams and Willis are both FA's and their salaries count at 120% on the cap until they are resigned or renounced. IMHO, it does not make sense for a team to S&T for either of them when they will be cheaper in the open market.
