I have a sinking feeling that the assetization of Kevin Martin has failed and is going to end up like the "valuable" expiring contract of Glen Rice which had to be packaged with cash and draft considerations to get John Amaechi and a second round pick.
It may have failed in that they can't get much for him, but I don't think it would be a situation like that. Rice was overweight and giving the team nothing -- he only had that last year left, but the Rockets were impatient and wanted to sign Jim Jackson right then. The Jazz had tons of cap space and were willing to take on the contract for a nice fee. I think in Martin's case, the Rockets would just let him walk in the summer if they couldn't get something for their future for him. But if they're well out of the playoff picture come February, then I could see a deal that sends Martin to a contending-ish team for similar expiring value and a first round pick.
1. The rookies are going to play MUCH less than you think: But, our 'veterans' aren't very veteran nor all that great either. Most other teams in the Western Conference have decent vets to offset what we have, and then also have star players to whip our butts with. 2. Our defense will be top 10 to top 5: Lol. Asik is a good building block and we have a couple of guys who won't be complete slouches. But, there's no way we're even above average in defense. 3. Our offense will be helter skelter, but in the fourth quarters of tight games, we have one of the better closers in the NBA: I'm not even sure who you're referring to here. Besides, a good closer doesn't by itself make a good offense. 4. Given all of the above, this will be the most painful for you. We aren't getting a top 5 pick, or anything remotely close: I'm sure they will try hard and have their share of moral victories. But to think this team can get the same results as one with Scola, Lee, Dragic, Lowry, and Camby is ridiculous. It doesn't matter if your guys are 'winners' if you don't have the firepower, which we plain don't.
Nobody. But most people think the Rockets will win 35-40 games and I'm here to tell you that they will be lucky to win 20.
Sticking to my prediction of a 27-30 win season for our beloved Rockets. The more losses, the better imo. I'm happy that we're finally on a rebuilding stage. This team will be fun to watch. Win or lose.
That's fine with me but I don't think we'll be that bad. I think the Rockets will be a decent home team.
I think they will win between 15 and 20 games. Which is great, because we'll finally get a good draft pick.
That was my point earlier, that keeping him if a blockbuster deal for a star player involving Martin doesn't happen by the deadline, that simply letting him play out the season and using the cap space from his expiring contract is a real possibility. And trading him for a future 1st and expiring scrub contracts, as you point out, is certainly another. In fact, given our success, or rather lack of it, in landing a superstar, or even a star player that fits the team better than Martin under McHale's regime, makes expiring scrubs and a future first very likely. What could change that would be if the team got it together mid-season, out performing expectations (certainly a relative term, .500 ball would be exceeding expectations), with Martin playing a key role. Considering Alexander's obsession with "making the playoffs," regardless of whether the team we have makes that highly unlikely, Morey could be pressured to keep him and play things out. I hope not. Under McHale, Kevin Martin, IMO, doesn't fit, and we should get the best deal for him that we can. Hell, we got rid of Scola, who would be a much needed veteran rock and mentor for this young team. It's hard to see Martin playing out the string here.
Ok, let's pretend that this never happened. Quit daydreaming kid, u need to get your cranium checked. You're thinking like an alien kid, it just ain't realistic
Of course I take myself seriously. Why? Do you treat yourself as a joke? Don't let what others think affect you so much.
Pretty much. We aren't getting much for him and he will probably be hurt when we want to trade him. There really isn't much of a market for a player like him especially when he is dinged up like he always is.
So, the addition of James Harden changes a few things. 1. We now potentially have 2 of the better closers in the NBA, as opposed to the defense keying in on just one. 2. Martin was a very good scorer and finisher of plays, whereas Harden is a dynamic basketball player and initiator of plays, much like Lin but better. This change is not a mere slight upgrade, but rather completely changes the dynamics of how we will play. I anticipate the trade to add 5-10 more wins this season, ending up around 45-50 wins. 5-6 seed. Youngest team in the league. Now go cry about how we don't have a top 5 player.
