Fair enough, I'm not sure what Amare will become without Nash, but less efficient seems to be a given.
You're missing the point here. The Rockets aren't the team with boatload of cap room. So any FA who comes here has to negotiate with their own team first. It was much more enticing for the Suns to trade him to us at the trade deadline then now. Specifically given the rumored deal, Scola who know has to agree to a S&T at BYC rather than just going to the Suns normally. Hence, the door has basically close on Amare coming to Houston when the deadline passed. Because unlike the Raptors, the Suns won't take extra salary even if it nets them some nice young players. Because their owner wants to save more money.
I personally wouldn't mind having Amare on the Rockets. I might be alone on this, but I actually think Amare's defense can significantly improve under the guidance of the Rockets staff. Amare has made other improvements in his game since he was a rookie. I remember when he was a terrible free throw shooter and couldn't hit a jumpshot. Coming back from his micro-fracture surgery, he really developed a more well-rounded game. With proper instruction, his defense can possibly get better too. How willing he is to work on his defense is unsure though, but I definitely think he has the ability. In terms of offense, I think he would be an ideal fit. I think their is a misconception of Amare as a dunk-only player who feeds exclusively off of Steve Nash. Watching him in the playoffs, I observed good footwork and quickness to get around defenders when placed in an one-on-one situation. He also finishes really well around the rim, even at different angles and with contact. It's my opinion he's the best finishing big man right now. We already know that he moves well without the ball, which fits into Adelman's offense. To add to that, he has range on his jumpshot and gets to the free throw line frequently with a good shooting percentage. The question is how well he can rebound and defend, considering that those are needs playing in the same frontcourt as Yao. There's also a question about his "ego". At least, the professionalism of the Rockets organization and the presence of Yao has been able to keep past star egos in check, as seen with Francis, Tmac, and even Artest. At least, Amare's ego should not be worse than Artest's. And I don't recall Amare causing any trouble with the Suns, unless someone can explain to me.
I wouldn't want to do a S&T for him. I just think our resources can be better utilized elsewhere. And I wouldn't be all that shocked if he doesn't end up with a max deal. There seem to be too many FA wanting max deals for the teams available to give out said deals. Players: LeBron Wade Bosh Amare Boozer Johnson Teams: Cle NY NJ Miami Dallas Houston LA I'm surely missing some, but regardless...
I see this as a great opportunity to get Bosh.... for the following reasons: Wade wants to stay in Miami. I don't think Amare will hold out to sign a contract so Miami will offer and I can see him biting earlier in the free agency period. After this happens I think Wade will resign with Miami. Lebron and Bosh will Both wait longer in the free agency to ink a deal. I can see Lebron taking too long and other teams telling Bosh he has limited time or else they will be forced to make other moves. I think that Joe Johnson will sign with New York before Bosh or Lebron sign a deal. This way if Lebron signs with New York, they will not be able to afford Bosh. Bosh will be forced to get his max through a sign and trade. Now I don't think Toronto wants Bynum, he is too injured and that takes a toll on his body plus if Toronto really wants to compete they would more likely want multiple picks. In the end I foresee this happening Amare - signs with Miami Wade - re-signs with Miami Johnson - signs with New York Bosh - sign and trade to Houston Lebron - re-signs with the cavs Boozer - signs with New York
I agree with that except I think Joe Jjohnson goes to chicago UNLESS Lebron goes there in which case the cavs, in a desperate move for another big name, offer big money to JJ to come to Cleveland. I also think Boozer goes to New York, not sure where david lee goes.
if bosh is chasing lebron to ny or chicago, and pat riley has said that amare is 3rd on his list behind bosh and boozer... then i would have to believe that amare will end up by himself in NY or chicago... wherever the lebrosh tandem doesn't end up.
i would love to see statiscal evidance of amare's defense beign bad. the thing is that he plays for phoenix who never really cared about defense but if he comes to a team that does play defense then maybe he could be a good and maybe even a great defender.. I have always liked amare and wouldnt mind having him or bosh but my dream is to get lebron!!! imagine aaron brooks kevin martin lebron james luis scola yao ming Championship!!
Do you guys think Amare could learn defense, here? I mean, Sikma could teach him how to be a better big man; he has all the offensive weapons that make a PF deadly, but if anyone can mold Amare, it's Jack Sikma. Not to mention we play quality offense AND defense here; although PHX got better defensively, I don't think they play as well as us yet.
I agree Amare is overrated, but he's a rich man's version of Carl Landry, who was the Rocket's 4th quarter offense last season before he was traded. Amare's better than both Landry and Scola and he can play center when needed. It will be an upgrade for Rockets. But of course you don't want to lose too much talent for him.
You also don't want to pay for just offense. :/ It will be interesting to see where Amare ultimately ends up. Something tells me it will be in Miami - WADE County...
Amare could/would/should benefit with having Yao clogging up the middle on the defensive end but the only thing about Stoudemire is that I'd like our next power forward to do a better job rebounding the ball than what Stoudemire has shown in his career.
With Amare soon to be gone, apparently; does PHX have any money to sign anyone? Nash Richardson Hill ???? Lopez If they get a balanced PF who can somewhat shoot the outside jumper (Kind of a poor man's KG), they should be fine, as they retain the core of their team, sans Stoudemire.
Let him go to NY (with Joe Johnson) for the max and keep them chained to the lottery. I want nothing to do with him.
That's why, IMO, that Scola/Battier for Stoudemire trade should have gone down back in February because it would have worked out for both teams.
