I realize that CD and Rudy are looking out for their jobs, and want to get back to the playoffs with the quickness. However, my fear is that they will be short-sighted and trade the top pick for a "quick fix". It is my understanding that the Rockets are looking to acquire established veteran help and try to dump one of the "mistakes" that were signed. However, this is the wrong thing to do. Not to long ago someone posted that the Rockets were going to make significant changes to ensure they get to the playoffs. But I think drafting Ming, and trying to trade KT and the #15 for a higher pick or veteran will help improve the team vastly. Also the Rockets have the MCE to use on a decent FA. Even if Ming is hard to acquire and means jumping through hoops and tearing through the red tape, I say you go for it. Ming could help rebuild the Rockets into contenders. Even if he not an immediate impact he will definitely be a major, I mean major cog in the machine to get us there. I think the Rockets will get to the playoffs this next season. However, let me pose this question: If the Rockets show alot of promise and show that they are on the cusp of being a real contender but just need that one role player to get them over-the-top but somehow miss the playoffs like they did last season, is the season a failure? Do you let Rudy and CD go? Especially when going into a new arena, do you leave an air of uncertainty and no direction? I think that with the addition of Ming, and hopefully a good pick @ #15 and a decent FA pickup with the MCE the Rockets will be a 6th or 7th seed. Just as stated by so many others, just my opinion.
I agree that they shouldn't avoid Ming just because he obviously needs to develop. He is 21 and has the skills and fundamentals, but like all players whether NCAA, Euro, or even China they'll need to adjust and work hard to get ready for the NBA. He might not be as ready as a Jason Williams or Caron Butler, but he's certainly not as far away as Stoudemire or a HS kid. Besides, if we can use our #15 to either get an NBA ready talent or pick up a veteran SF then we're a playoff team even without Mings development when healthy. Our backcourt is the best in the league, EG will be better, Rice still is alright when healthy, MoT helped out our team so much 2 years ago, Cato has been at least respectable the last few months of the season, and KT is a solid roleplayer (but could be used to in a package for another player). We were a solid team before Ming, so adding him and keeping our nucleus can only make us better.
Rudy and CD are working to make our team better every year. They are at a stage in life that they are not just protecting their jobs. They have pride. IF they are shown the door by the owner- they will leave with dignity- they are looking to make us better now and in the long term as well. These guys are not short sighted. Enough. They should draft Ming and take a chance. Package the #15 pick with Kenny Thomas for a higher pick- the ballet dancer from Italy-based on him playing the 3. if we get near the playoffs next season- there is no reason to cut and run Rudy out of town. We stande behind him
