Whew, Mobley signing brings a huge sigh of relief ... (thanks oeilpere for making that easier, and DocRocket for holding the company line. I know we nearly got in a lot of trouble.) The following is my opinion of what I think the Rockets are up to, not based on inside information. <a href="http://bbs.clutchcity.net/ubb/Forum3/HTML/007380.html">We did what we had to do with the cards dealt us in the draft.</a> That pick next year will be very valuable, and we'll all realize how well we did, when we package our picks for the next Shaq or Wilt guy (Curry or Chandler) we need at center. Langhi and Collier will be valuable role players to give us depth. If there was a way to do trades that would merge the Magic and Detroit picks into another lottery pick next year, so we could pick up Wallace or Morris, that could solve our SF position. Although if Langhi turns into something really special, he could solve that position, enabling us to pursue a PF, such as Troy Murphy, Gooden or Randolf. We hope to get a top PF, such as Webber next year as a FA. So we need to stay under the cap. Look for Houston to package a trade of Drew, Williams, Rogers, or maybe Cato in a package deal with the exception, either to pick up a top PF, or trade the exception for a draft pick for next year. But I don't see us wanting to lose the exception money under the cap. So, for instance, Detroit has been trying to land Allen Iverson, and they probably would need help with our exception to pull this off. We could trade them Carlos Rogers and our exception for Jerome Williams, locking in our draft choice for next year, and giving us a future draft pick. They get their star player, they get rid of Jerome Williams, they add depth at both SF and PF with Rogers, and Houston guarantees next year they get the pick they want, one of which they can package for a lottery pick. Houston only loses a million in cap space, but gets much more in draft power next year, and a scrappy rebounder in Williams. Its very possible Houston could then package a future Detroit, Orlando and next years's Detroit and Milwaukee's picks to get one of the top 3 picks to get either Curry, Chandler or Wallace, then the other to get Morris. The way the new CBA works, it's critical to build through the draft a whole team, lock in contracts, then let the rookies grow in value, even though you go way over the cap. That way, if you have an owner who can bankroll it, you end up with the best team in 3 to 5 years. If Chicago doesn't get Oneal from Portland, as the latest reports indicate, they may wish to trade Fizer for Cato. If Cato is really beefed up and become disciplined, then I'd rather keep him. Only the Houston staff knows, and if they chose to trade him for Fizer, I'd be excited. If there was any way we could get a draft pick or even someone like Kandi for Drew and K.Thomas, I'd be thrilled. Drew is going to have to be moved somewhere. There's a good chance we could trade Williams next year too, if he has a stellar year, which I would expect Houston to encourage. He could be a piece of a trade deal using the exception if we could get someone like Keith Van Horn, for instance, or some other quality front court player. Of course, we'd want to go after Webber or a top FA front court player, if possible once we have cap room. The whole key to the rebuilding process for the Rockets is next year's draft. With Dream retiring giving us cap room, and with so many draft picks in a very deep draft, it will be our best shot. So, by the end of next year, after the draft, that could leave us a good team that would grow, not only in chemistry, but in about 3 to 5 years, challenge for the championship for a few years. Cato/Curry or Chandler/Collier FA?(Webber)(Fizer)/K.Thomas/J.Williams Morris/Wiz/Langhi Anderson/Mobely Francis/Norris That would be the dream come true. I'd sure love it if Oeilpere, DocRocket, and Clutch could throw in their insights and inside info on what they understand the Rockets are attempting to pull off. ------------------ the more I know, the more I know I don't know...
If Eddy Curry is already gone by the time we draft, I would much rather draft Loren Woods before I would draft Tyson Chandler. They both have the same body structure, but I believe Woods is more experienced and has better skill. Should be a lock for Rudy's tastes. ------------------
The basic idea I am in support of is moving Cato for a really good young PF. If a player like Marcus Fizer or Raef LaFrentz can be had for Cato, then Im all for it. Otherwise, the Rockets would be better off just holding onto Cato. As I have stated in other threads, I think a PF that can score (inside-outside game), rebound, atleast be somewhat ok on defense, set screens and run the floor is what this team needs badly in the frontcourt. Even though Cato is a valuable piece, I would be willing to move him if something like that can be acquired. Its great and all waiting for Chris Webber, but I just think the odds are extremely low. It would really be horrible to clear cap room like crazy like teams did for Duncan and just end up with nothing. Whats worse is that on the 2001 market, the secondary options are not quite as good as in 2000. Atleast if Lewis had signed a 1 yr deal, then there would be a possible backup option. (Note, I dont think Finley is leaving Dallas.) I like Cato and the way he fits into this team, but I feel his shot blocking can be replaced in the future (probably 2001 draft). If he was a complete big man that could be a featured option on offense as well as providing his shot blocking, then I would in no way support a move to deal him for a good young PF. However, Cato is not that and even with his offseason improvement, I seriously doubt he will be. The Rockets have zero players in the frontcourt that they can depend on for high pct back to the basket scores in key stretches of the game. Guard offense or not, that kind of thing is very important for long term success. ------------------ Check out the Best Source for Draft Info Draftsource.net
Nice post. I agree that Collier and Langhi will become good contributors, and maybe Langhi will even become our main future sf. One question: How many picks are we definately gonna have next year? I thought the pick we got in the trade for Collier was conditional, and if the Bucks dont wanna give it to us, they dont have to. If the draft is sooo deep, then why would they give it to us anyway? And what about the Orlando and Detroit picks? It would be damned nice to have all of them next year... we could package them for a top 5 pick. ------------------ president of the dan langhi fan club.
Snowman, The only condition of the Milwaukee pick was that it must not be a top 10 pick, and looking at the Bucks talent, they won't be in the lottery. Unless the Bucks are in the top 10, and they won't be, we automatically get the pick next year. ------------------ Looking for next year's Dan Langhi? Draftsource.net Vote in the 64 player 1 on 1 NBA Tournament! (Third Round) http://bbs.clutchcity.net/ubb/Forum2/HTML/000971.html
But when does Orlando and Detroit owe us the picks, does anybody have to give one to us next year besides Milwakee? Doesn't Vancuver owe us a pick too? ------------------
The Detroit and Orlando picks aren't owed to us next year- I believe they can be given up to 2003 or 2004. For the exact numbers, click on the draft obligations link in Juan Valdez's signature. Also, Vancouver doesn't owe us a pick-- we owe tham a pick from the Francis trade that can either be conveyed in 2001 or 2002. ------------------ Looking for next year's Dan Langhi? Draftsource.net Vote in the 64 player 1 on 1 NBA Tournament! (Third Round) http://bbs.clutchcity.net/ubb/Forum2/HTML/000971.html [This message has been edited by The Cat (edited August 08, 2000).]
