From the Chronicle: <i>ROCKETS AGENDA 1. Sign Steve Francis to a contract extension -- Francis said he didn't have a "great season," which would not seem the best way to chase a $95 million deal. But the Rockets could not win without him. After three seasons of living together, it might be time to walk down the aisle. 2. Land immediate help -- As tempting as grabbing a prodigy with the greatest long-range upside might be, the Rockets need help now. Picking so high in the draft, they might be able to get both, but they can't afford to wait for another teen to develop. 3. Spend the midlevel exception -- The Rockets are over the salary cap, but so is most of the NBA. The Rockets might not land an All-Star, <b>but they could use a solid veteran at several positions and can get help for close to $5 million a year. </b> 4. Sign Kenny Thomas -- The Rockets eventually might have a glut at power forward. But they don't yet. With Mo Taylor coming off an injury and Eddie Griffin a work in progress, they need Thomas. They eventually might want to deal one of their power forwards, but they will not be able to move Thomas, or anyone, unless Thomas has signed a reasonable contract extension. 5. Develop Eddie Griffin -- Griffin should split his time between Anthony Falsone's weight room and Carroll Dawson's low-post classroom. Griffin has shown a willingness to work. This summer is his chance to build a body and game for the paint. </i>
might be a mistake .......... Kennys trade value has never been higher (if he signs an extension, I do not think he can be traded until next Feb). He is not part of the Rockets future (as long as Griffin & Taylors fat contract are here). He will probably never be anything more than a qualtiy bench player, so why should the Rockets pass on a possible "incredible" package deal. KT & the #15 pick could move us up in the draft, or perhaps bring in a Odom type player to help run the Rockets offense. The Rockets are weak at the 3 & 5, and to not address our weakness's with every possible scenario (draft/trade) would be plain stupid. My biggest problem with KT is the same selfish (BORING) decision making that plaqued our guards this year. Lets slow the game down, Lets not pass out of a double/triple team, Lets rely on ISO's and (for our PF's) Lets try to shoot like Matt Bullard. Okay maybe not Matt Bullard, at least Kenny is taking ONE STEP inside the 3 point line (my mistake) this year. As far as SF, forget it!!! Kenny cannot handle the quick SF's in the league. I remember reading in the chronicle, several weeks ago, that it might be time for friends to say goodbye and for the Rockets to start making some bold offseason moves, if they are serious about turning this francshise around.
You guys missed the most important part of that... <i>They eventually might want to deal one of their power forwards, but they <b>will not be able to move Thomas, or anyone, unless Thomas has signed a reasonable contract extension.</b></i> Sign and trade anyone?
What barbourdg said... I don't envision KT matching his stats if only because his minutes will not be as high. We must obviously, sign him up first, and then trade, if we expect to get fair market value in return. I would say KT deserves anywhere from 3-5 mill. At his current contract of like 1.5 mill, we wouldn't get anything decent in return...
What about our small forward problem? We haven't had a legit SF since Horry left. That loafer Pippen don't count... The way our offense is set, it's hard for any decent/good SF to play with. Here's the ball, if you're befind the line, then shoot!, if not, cower on the weakside and hope that Stevie or Cat is delirious and might pass to you... The best we can do is find some defensive stopper and hope he isn't confident in taking shots... Rudy's system has got to change, like last year. Whether he likes it or not, the zone is here to stay.
I'd rather package KT and a big contract (Mo T, Rice or Mooch) for a backup PF and a backup C. That way, we'd still have 2 picks to work with, and cap flexibility.
He will probably never be anything more than a qualtiy bench player Mere quality bench players don't average 14 points and 7 rebounds on 48% shooting in their first year as a full-time starter.
I don't see the Rockets having all three pf's on the roster past next year. It won't be fair to have one of the sit the bench the whole year and the Rockets will what's best for that player and right now I think the player is Thomas because he has the best trade value, extension or no extension. No. 500, I am at half some of y'all's count but I'll get there.
oh..you mean like Shandon Anderson?? does anyone else think he would have more value to this current Rockets' team than Glen Rice does??
The Chronicle's agenda is incomplete. I would think addressing defense and fast break and the offense, in general, are just as or more important, this summer, as EG's development. I also disagree with #2. Reading it in isolation you would never think that the two highest paid players on the team are coming back, and can reasonably be expected to make big contributions. Or are they saying that in addition to those players coming back the team still needs to get help. I doubt that. After Moochie, Wink, KT, MoT, Mobes, Rice, Cato and EG, we cannot be seriously wanting to get help now; especially since you would have to provide space for any two or three of Langhi, Tmo, OT and Collier to develop. Getting another prodigy is more efficient than to get help now. Afterall the NBA game is still only one ball, five players at a time and 48 mins to a game. Unless of course you trade to get the help, but another items says KT should not be traded. Hey, we can always ask Walt to stick around another year.
suffice it to say, I disagree...this team needs a veteran presence...and yes, it's quite clear that Francis and Mobley need help.
MadMax, please name three players, one of which, you would want to bring in that would provide that veteran presence.
Be careful what you wish for. The Rocks could be going after the next Quittin or Glen Rice, if you get your wish.
If given the minutes, and ISO opportunities, yes. That's the beauty of the ISO, it make fans think one player is great even though he's not. It also lets any player do what the hell he wants.
When Corliss started for Sac, he pretty much avg the same numbers, but he was traded because Peja was veiwed as a upgrade. Look where Corliss is now, on the bench. Some players just aren't good starters and even though Thomas had a good yr, he's better coming off the bench than starting.
