Trade means Morey planning to reshape team in 2010

lol, u think the GM has to ask Yao what he thinks about every little trade? no. it's not his problem.

 

I don't know why everyone is giving up on the season.

Artest is producing just about as much as Mcgrady ever has (and about as efficiently.)

 

If his "primary responsibility" (as you define it) is all a PG can do and he is horrific at everything else, then said PG is not a good player. Whether Lowry is an upgrade over Rafer remains to be seen. Give him a few games to see how he fits in and performs in the office. You might be surprised.

Your limited criterion above is only part of the total picture for judging a PG on the Rockets. Based on how sorry he was this season, to say Rafer is "far better" than anyone is laughable.

 

I don't think so. Lowry is an intelligent guy and I think even without TMac we can make a run for it if Artest and Von Wafer can get right.. I think they can.

 

I like the trade, but give Rafer a little credit. He was playing well in McGrady's absence. In years past, him handling the ball more was a scary proposition, but it seemed to suit him pretty well the last few months.

 

Lowry is about youth and potentials. With no T-Mac, Morey goes deeper in youth movement and in semi-rebuild mode. Basically the Rockets say "we'll be back in 2010". This and next season, the Rockets will be glad to be in the playoffs and win a series.

Skip is about "what you see is what you get" and a more consistent/steady ball handler/passer. Skip doesnt need to shoot well to fit the Magic. The Magic have better shooters and finishers around the rim. I bet Skip's assists number will be up with the Magic. SVG knows Skip well and the Magic want to fill the void of Nelson and make a playoffs run.

Morey is doing the right thing. He gives up very little for a brighter future. The Rockets are not going anywhere this season anyway.

 

Rafer has a previous history with Stan VG, and had success in the playoffs for him. He also is a proven vet. Orlando needed a PG to run their offense and dish. They have plenty of people to shoot and score the ball. DH can take it to the rim so really Lowry's driving abilities are not needed. Plus he is totally unproven. They are looking to make the finals this year, and their PG went out for the year. Upside is meaningless.

 

I think you're nuts if you really believe Rockets management is so willing to just write off another year of Yao's prime simply because collective wisdom tells you they can't win without McGrady. Just because we didn't "overtrade" for a Vince Carter, Baron Davis or whoever doesn't mean Morey thinks this team can't win. Even without McGrady we have amassed a ton of talent. A ton! Enough talent to do it without him? That remains to be seen. Look, i'm not blind and McGrady's absence will probably catch up to us in the playoffs, but if you really think trading away Alston IN ANY WAY signifies a concession of the season or desire to rebuild, I think you're crazy.

Rebuild the position and get better immediately? That sounds more like it. We all know it was only a matter of time before Brooks was tapped as the starter. Enter: Lowry. His aggressive, attack-the-basket and play killer defense style added to our backcourt to supplement Brooks. I think it's a great idea. It gives a fresh look at our weakest position. Plus, let's not act like Rafer wasn't one of the worst starting PG's in the league. It won't take long for Brooks and Lowry to instantly justify this trade.

 

it has nothing to do with Tracy. The deal was they felt they had Rafer sold at a higher price than otherwise possible and could pick up a possible upside cheap labor guard with a nice long rookie contract.

The downgrade is there. If Brooks goes out, Rafer would do a better job than Lowry would simply because of familiarity.

 

Of course this is somewhat about Tracy. Plenty have made their claims that they think this "rebuilding" move was made in response to management's conclusion that this team can't win without McGrady.

And again, when Cook takes his player option next year Rafer's salary is equal to Cook/Lowry's next season. This deal changes absolutely nothing in regards to 2010.

 

2009 is what Morey is looking to. I want RJ and CV for McGrady.

 

Very well put. Between those who believe Tmac is still the savior and those who believe we have first picks at whomever we want in 2010, there is little to be said about the reality of the situation. Cleveland, NYC, LA, and Orlando are all better prospects than Houston at this point. Ming is not exactly the attraction he once was. If we are going to attract anyone, we must prove that our current team is solid enough to get further than a 1st round dropout. You also need to attract the right player. You need a team firing on all 5 piston, which we rarely do. I hope we don't get suckered into silly long term Cato contracts because we fall short.

 

Partly agree with you but I think that we will addd two serious contributors to the team,and several role players to add onto:-
Landry
Lowry
Scola
Yao Ming
Artest
Wafer
Brooks

There is a chance that McGrady might come back next season, in which he would be playing for a contract. will the Rockets resign him ?
Cook might be a surprise and could still be with the team.
I trust that morey will make some great deals!

 

I don't think for a second that Morey is going to wait for 2010 to try and bid for the services of DWade, LeBron etc...

IMO, Morey will be shopping TMac in this off season for a high level talent. It would not suprise me in the least if he is already earmarking off season targets to team with Yao Ming and company for next season. I'm not sure what TMacs salery will command and what kind of talent the Rockets could get for a TMacs expiring salery but the one thing I do believe is that Morey will leave no stone un turned in an attempt to land a high level contributor this summer.

 

Don't be surprised if it comes midway through next season. If there's an opportunity in the summer, great. But the Rockets would be wise to exercise patience if there isn't a good deal there.

 

Honestly, I would say mcgrady could do good playing for a contract, but mcgrady lacks the heart. It hurts coming from a previous Tmac fan, but Tmac just dont want it any more. I wouldnt be surprised if tmac retire at the end of this year or after next year.

 

More short-term than that, I think he's aiming at next year's O'Brien trophy, and trying his luck at this year's at best, depending on how well this new lineup meshes together in just a few weeks.

 

I say in 2010, Give tmac the max again, and re-sign alston and weatherspoon