They just interviewed the wizard on ABC's Extra Points show, and he was relatively more straight-forward in his responses than usual (perhaps he trusts Bob Slovack more than other reporters, but he definitely did not hold back as much as he usually would on some of the questions) Here are a few things he mentioned: - Chase is surprising in how natural his ability and feel for the game is, looking for big things for him in the future. - Tmac looks good in the minimal practice minutes he's recieved, no timetable as of yet on return. - When asked about a possible Yao return this year, i thought this was the interesting part, he said Yao is healing very well, that yes there is a chance he would return this year, but the team could also decide to hold him out for next year. So in essence, Yao's return THIS year is not ruled out. -Said to expect moves to upgrade the talent of the team, and from his tone, he clearly was talking about big moves for the future. This isn't something Daryl said, but my opinion has been that this team will indeed look different later than it does now, likely through trades involving Shane and/or Tmac for talent upgrades that they think will fit well with Yao next year. We will be fighting for a playoff spot this year, but I believe that no matter the seeding and record of our team this year, expect an impressive and championship contending team next year! Moe
I appreciate you posting this. I always listen to Morey's interviews for some kind of hint and it makes me crazy when the 610 and 1560 guys don't ask him anything substantive. However, when he acquired Andersen in the summer, I remember very well his hints during a Sports 610 interview that he would try to trade for an All Star talent rather than acquire that talent next summer. I mentioned it a few times in this forum but there are more posters (and know-little sportswriters) here inclined to believe we're just going to suck this year and try to be big players in the Summer of 2010. Which may well be the case, but it's always been my suspicion, especially after Morey's hints, that he's going to let Tmac get healthier, show he can play, and wait for other teams to suck enough for their GMs to finally make a deal. (And maybe Morey's holding out to see if Stoudemire can regain his form and is worth pursuing again, but I won't double down on that bet.)
Doesn't really sound too much different than stuff he's said in past interviews. The Yao tidbit was interesting, but I can't imagine them seriously considering bringing him back this year.
Very interesting about Yao. Perhaps if the Roxs have a legitimate shot at the playoffs they may bring him back.
Anyone else get the feeling that there's a deal in place for Tracy already and both teams are just waiting for him to come back and play a few games before they pull the trigger? Even though any trade made for him is ultimately about his contract, a team would want him healthy enough to play to at least give the fans the impression that they have something to cheer for.
yeah i think think Morey has to leave the door open for a Yao comeback. A deep playoff runmay be a longshot, but if we were in the thick of things and Yao was able to go, there's no way they'd waste that opportunity. And i agree on the shane part, i could see him being traded later this year, maybe closer to the trading deadline, as long as Trevor continue with his current play or close to it. It's going to be interesting though who they'd trade for since we have pretty much every position covered when healthy, even the back ups. I guess he's going to be looking for a back up swingman, at least: Brooks- Lowry Tmac- ? Trevor-Chase Scola- Landry-chuck Yao-DA-chuck
and did Morey sound like he meant moves soon, or something in the future, as in the summer or next year?
The question was posed regarding the look of the roster this year, and he made it clear that changes are quite likely. Although, I think if Ariza continues to develop and becomes a consistent cog in the offense (for example, a guy who requires a double team once in a while, shoots a good %, and one who you can expect 15-16 pts/game from) then Morey might not be as aggressive in looking to upgrade talent as much as he upgrades "fit" for next year's team. Moe
I've said it before and i'l say it again...Morey is not going to wait till the offseason of 2010 to improve this team. There are to many variables in trying to pick up a free agent so trades are coming. I think most likely to go... Dorsey Cook and Battier(really hate myself for saying this but he has value and could be the key to picking up someone that could help BIG TIME)
I've had a feeling that Yao will be able to play towards the end of the season... lets see what happens.
The evil genius wasn't willing to give him mid-level money during the summer doubt he'd do it anytime soon... I say the guy to target is Camby, Clips are a sinking ship again!
Hey now, the Clippers almost gave the Lakers a run for their money opening night! They've kept it within 13 points in all their games. Oh wait, nevermind. You're right. They're slooowllly sinking. Game by game. Doesnt help that Griffin is out 6 weeks either.
LOL...yea I watched the end of there game tonight with the Mavs, sad thing is they have the talent but they don't fit togethar at all. Saw Camby on there bench and I thought "DAM, He would be perfect for our squad and seeing him rotting on there bench just sucks" lol
i think they would rather go for a shooting guard. Gortat would be overpaid next year having to sit behind DA, Yao, scola, landry, hayes....i think if we do get a big man it's going to be some big guy just to have a body out there and he'll be more of a throw in than the focus of a trade.
