It seems to me that everyone seems sure that the only reason the Rockets didn't take Alexander in the draft was because of Mobley. I'm not so sure. Yes, Alexander was probably one of the better picks available, but why take him? We're talking about using the number nine selection to take a back-up guard. Why would they have done that? There were greater needs to be met -- bigger holes to fill. If they would have passed up on a legitimate starting small forward (Miller or Johnson) I could see why people would be irritated -- but not a shooting guard. If Mobley leaves that will probably mean more minutes for Shandon (who was playing really well toward the end of the year -- even offensively). The Rockets will probably find someone to come in and play a few minutes behind Shandon if Mobley decides to leave, which isn't a given. I think too many people overplay the "if Mobley leaves will Francis leave when his contract is up" bit. If you're close with someone at work, do you decide to leave a good company just because they do? No. I don't think Francis' future depends on our resigning Cat. Would losing Cat set the Rockets back as far as rebuilding is concerned. Well, yeah, it would. But it's not an insurmountable obstacle to overcome. In fact, I've got mixed emotions about Mobley's long-term effect on the Rockets. I suspect he'll want to start somewhere along the way, and I don't think his game is suitable to doing so -- at least not at this point in his career. Would it hurt to lose him. Again, it would. But I'm not sure that it would hurt them in the long run. I'll quit rambling now. P.S. All opinions subject to change with the weather. ------------------
I believe either Rudy or Carol Dawson is on record as saying they didn't draft a SG to show loyalty to Cuttino. This is another reason I'd be pissed if Cut Tino broke camp for "greener pastures". I don't have a reference in front of me regarding them not drafting a SG to play nice with Mobes, but I'll see if I can find it. ------------------ Just shut up and post
I agree with Traj. I am not sure CaTurnover will ever be a starter for the Rockets and I don't think he will be satsified to be a backup, even if he is getting starter minutes. His ego will get in the way and he could become a distraction. I would still hate to see him leave because everytime he would play against us he would score new career highs like alot of people that leave us do. ------------------
Alexander looked good in summer league highlights. Acrobatic and he showed a fadeaway in the highlights. He also sprained his ankle. I know he used to have personal problems, but the guy looked like he was playing with something to prove. ------------------ "Don't they get cable in Canada ?" Keith olbermann, after watching hakeem block terry catledge's shot 5 times.
They would have taken the best player available, traded him for a role playing, 2nd round material player and a 1st round draft pick ------------------
