The burden of proof lies with the guy that makes the bold statement. I have yet to say that this trade was definitely gonna happen. However, many of you have said that it was definitely not going to happen. I'm still sailing the boat I created. This trade IS a possibility.
Even though the Rockets had some luck with a recent lottery, we're still talking about a very REMOTE possibility, at best, of getting Elton Brand. Can anybody name for me one source other than the purported discussion on a radio talk show a couple weeks ago that even suggests that a trade sending Brand to the Rockets is on the radar? The silence speaks volumes. Otherwise, this thread is merely an exercise of contemplating value creating trades for the Rockets -- interesting, but ultimately much ado about nothing.
Actually, that is exactly what makes me suspicious. Rudy and C.D. never show or even hint about their trade cards ahead of time.
I doubt anyone will agree with me, but it seems like Elton Brand won't solve our problems. People tend to think that as long as the number 1 offensive rebounder in stats, added on to another team, will increase the team's skills automatically. Not true. Andre Miller, the top assist man last year went to another team and couldn't perform the same. People think that by adding the best assistman, the team will be so much better that the clippers will have a chance at the playoffs. Again, this just doesn't work. Look at Barkley. Just didn't work out. So was Pippen. And now onto Brand. Since he entered the league, we have yet seen Elton Brand in the playoffs. He's a good player for the team, but the way he plays, the chemistry he provides, the center of gravity that he demands, all contributed to a short season with no NBC appearances on Sunday. It's not about adding the best player available, it's about adding a player that can help the team in the long run. To me, Elton Brand will only help us in the Short Run. With Cassell, Horry, Thorpe, and Maxwell, many argued that we might have won another championship. But with Barkley(powerful PF) and Scottie Pippen(all around), it just didn't happen. If there's any need for a trade, the Rockets better think of a better fit out there. The Sacramento Kings did it with Mike Bibby and Keon Clark. They didn't trade or sign for the very best player, they got them because their team plays better. A team, whose ultimate goal is to win a championship, depends on all 5 players on the court. Not that single player who rips every rebound. Or that other player who can shoot 3s lights out. They depend on each other to win.
A couple thoughts: [1] I hope you're right that the silence on Brand suggests that something is in the works. [2] Adding a top offensive rebounder is materially different from adding a top assist man. Assists require team chemistry; offensive rebounding requires positioning and determination. Brand would probably still remain a strong offensive rebounder on this team, and with Yao there to tip balls to Brand, he might even improve. I can't wait until the trading deadline passes, because then we might finally be able to put these hopes to rest, one way or the other (at least for the season).
I think one of the reasons Brand would be such a good fit is he is not an elite superstar at his position. He is not TD, he is not KG, he is not a young Karl Malone or Charles Barkley--he is not such a dominant individual player that he can carry a team by himself. However he is a young horse who rebounds like a machine and plays tough defense and would do so for you for 10+ years. He also is a good if less than great offensive player, and would be a terrific 2nd or 3rd offensive option. I still like the idea if we don't play better over the next week or so we try to trade Francis and Griffin for Brand & Miller plus a #1 (include throw ins if need be) before the trade deadline. I think this precisely because I think they would better compliment Yao than our current group.
Good call. I'll add to your thoughts too. [3] Adding a guy that can block shots doesn't require chemistry, just effort. Our defense struggles at the 4 and Brand can fill that void. I think it is what Brand does on the defensive end that would help us so much. Defense wins championships.
LOL trade Francis and Griffin whatever you guys have way too much time on your hands. Its almost one of the dumbest things i have read in a while.
Having seen all of the ranting about wether to trade for Brand or not.. and how good the guy is, I think we've forgotten something. We don't need a DOMINATE player.... with the team we have.. even if we wind up with a Otis Thorpe instead of a Karl Malone we'll be ok. Clean up the glass.. play solid D and get 10 in hustle points.. and I'll take you. As far as the PG goes. I don't know why everyone is screaming for a point guard who can play today.. like we're going to the championship. I'd take somebody with some potential I mean Yao and Griff aren't going to be ready to move past round 2 of the playoffs in the next 2 years or so..... I'm not exactly down with keeping Cat.. I would love Francis at the 2 and i'm not going to dig up the to/ast rato.. but it hovers between 1 and 1.3 combined which should say something if your backcourt turns the ball over about every time they get an assist. No solutions from this end just some things to think about. Mike.
