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Hakeem clearly implies he'll play elsewhere next year

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by Clutch, Dec 4, 2000.

  1. Clutch

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    It was one thing when Hakeem said on the plane that the Rockets should deal him ... also earlier in the year he was close to a play-me-or-trade-me stance, that I know for sure.

    But now he's saying it:
    <a href="http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/story.hts/sports/bk/bkn/763393">Olajuwon not happy with diminished role</a>

    "If the Rockets won't use my talent this year, somebody else is going to use it next year," he said. "They say I'm too old, but you have to think next year I'll be older but I'll produce more."

    Hakeem, in all his wisdom, should know much better than this.

    Also, wonder what Mo Taylor and Shandon Anderson are thinking (particularly Mo), seeing how its Olajuwon's cap room that they're counting on.

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  2. jamcracker

    jamcracker Member

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    Dream still has the heart of a champion. He may be frustrated with the Rockets offense, but he still burns with desire.

    This is good news.

    "I'm enjoying this style, but you can't go away from the post completely," he said. "That's not winning basketball. If you don't use it this year, then that's motivation for next year to get someone (else) to use it."
     
  3. fromobile

    fromobile Member

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    Fourth quarter, three minutes to go, I'll take cuttino hogging it every time over dream.

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  4. Frank Black

    Frank Black Member

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    It's really sad to hear Dream say that he'd go elsewhere. I don't know if my brain would recognize Dream in another uniform. Thus, this would create a mental strain for me. I have always envisioned Dream going out as a Rocket.

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  5. Rockeem

    Rockeem Member

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    Damn I knew Hakeem knew he was better than how the Rockets are using him. Its good to hear that Hakeem has realized that the Rockets are disrespecting his skills when they completely shut him out of the offense. Personally I hope Hakeem gets traded as soon as possible so we can see him skills utilized and we can see some old Dream numbers.
    Cuttino Over Hakeem??!! You must be SICK.

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  6. Rockeem

    Rockeem Member

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    Of couse I would have liked Hakeem to end his career in Houston but definately not like this so I am happy to see him go somewhere else. I know he will help any other teams and the other teams know that too.

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  7. The Cat

    The Cat Member

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    A few years ago that would be the case. But right now, if I had to pick one of those people to give it to with the game on the line, I'd give it to Cuttino. That's just the way it is right now, and I'd wager to bet most of the BBS would agree with me on this.

    However, I am disappointed in Dream for saying this. He has done a lot for the Rockets, but we have done a lot for him as well. He's on the last year of a huge contract that pays him as much as almost anyone in the NBA. He's become the best and most loved sports figure Houston has ever known. But the Rockets have to move on. The Hakeem era is coming to a close, whether it be this year or next, or whenever. We have to get Steve and Cuttino their opportunities to lead the team, as they are the stars that will lead us to the promised land in a few years. We have to get Mo Taylor involved, as he is probably our offensive post threat of the future. We have to do whatever is in the best interest of the team, and giving it to Hakeem continually is not the answer, and I wish he would realize that. He was a great player, and one of the greatest centers of all time. But there comes a time where everyone has to accept a complimentary role and let someone else lead the team and be the star. Through quotes such as these, Dream's leading me to believe he isn't willing to do that.

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  8. fadeaway

    fadeaway Member

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    The question is, what can we get for him in an immediate trade?

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  9. ZRB

    ZRB Member

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    Good for Hakeem. As far as I'm concerned, he's still the best player on the team, and one of the best centers in the league. Problem is, his abilities are rarely taken advantage of. Any time Hakeem plays well, the Rockets win. Anytime Cuttino hogs the ball and Hakeem is shut out, the Rockets lose. Hakeem IS the Rockets, and they would be nowhere without him. I feel sorry for people who would take Cuttino over Hakeem. I'm sorry, but fallaway jumpers from thirty feet out rarely go in. Dreamshakes, on the other hand, are proven to be effective. I hope that if the Rockets keep keeping Hakeem out, that he goes and signs with a WINNING organization. Good god! The man was averaging 20-10 just two years ago. The only reason he didn't play that way last year, was breathing problems. Those are behind him. The Rockets are losers for treating Hakeem this way. They will pay for it when they're stuck with Kelvin "brick" Cato for the next seven years.
    If the Rockets want to win anything this year, Rudy, Steve and Cat better start giving Dream the ball more often. Please, no more Bullard and Kenny at center.

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    If I make this shot, the Rockets will win tonight. If I miss, they might still win, but I doubt it.
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  10. Old School

    Old School Member

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    Buh-bye, Hakeem...don't let the Compaq Center doors hit you on the way out. Quit b****ing and play ball...you are starting to whine more than Drexler.

    Old School

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    I voted YES!
     
  11. Summer Song Giver

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    Just out of curiousity....what could we get for Dream?...
    Dream and Mo to Pheonix
    Gugliotta,Marion,Dudley,and Blount to Houston
    Accepted after Dec.15

    Dream to Philly
    Ratliff or Geiger,Lynch,and T.Hill to Houston
    Deal works with either Ratliff or Geiger

    Dream to Vancouver
    Reeves,Swift,and Harrington to Houston
    This would probably make Dream [​IMG](lopsided in Houston's favor?)(only works after Dec.15)

    Are any of these deals appealing to you guys,personally I find them all very tempting in their own way.

    P.S. Sorry,Clutch,I'm not trying to rape your thread,I know how you don't care for dreamcasting [​IMG]



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  12. jaworski2000

    jaworski2000 Member

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    Screw the new guard-oriented offense. I Say sign Dream for one more year and bring back the Legends Glide and the Chuckster and let's kick some serious ass for one more year.

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  13. Summer Song Giver

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    I want the trainers job then,I'll work strictly on commission;say 20 grand an injury,I'd be a wealthy man [​IMG]

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    Mitch Meluskey...The real Slim Shady
     
  14. Doctor Robert

    Doctor Robert Member

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    Hakeem can't hold on to the ball like he used to, he can't jump like he used to, and he can't move as quickly as he used to. Sure there are a few centers in the league that he could abuse, but who cares. They are the centers that play for teams that we can beat without any center. If it doesn't work against the best then what is the point? Role players are the guys that on a given night can take advantage of a particular matchup. Stars are the guys that can light it up on any night that they want to. Hakeem is a role player and shouldn't be featured in the offense.

    Once again I will have to explain that there is NO DISRESPECT in telling the truth. (disrespect being one of the most overused words in the English language as a substitute for actual thought)

    Hakeem was one of the best players to ever play the game. He won two championships almost singlehandedly for Houston. He was also one of the humblest players in the league that defined the entire personality of the Rockets. Over the past three or four years he has begun to show the wear and tear of all those games and can no longer perform the explosive moves that were his trademark in his prime. He has continued to play for the Rockets as a complimentary player with their new guard oriented offense. He is still a productive player because of his desire and intelligence and can even sink the game winning shot on occasion.

    Where the heck is the disrespect there?

    Hakeem can end his career "humble" and honestly or he can tell himself and the press whatever he wants, in which case I say trade him for whatever we can get. That way we can remember what we want about him, not what he says.

    "Stay humble, stay hungry?"

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  15. Coach AI

    Coach AI Member

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    Doesn't anyone feel a little betrayed by this?

    I've always considered Hakeem one of the greatest of all time. What he's done for this team is beyond words. But why do this? Haven't the Rockets proven how loyal they are to him? How many times does Rudy and the group have to turn down a mind boggling deal just to avoid trading him? Clearly, Dream is in the twilight of his career. He's already proven himself, and led this franchise to greatness. Why tarnish it by acting like one of those primadonna athletes we've always avoided? This team is loaded with young talent - they are the future of this team. Any sensible person would see that they need to continue to grow so that we can be contenders again, and soon. Why would Hakeem, who's given so much to this team, want to stop it from growing? How much longer does he seriously plan on being around?

    We stuck with him for so long, because he meant the world to us. Why can't he stick with us?

    Frustrating, just frustrating...

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  16. ZRB

    ZRB Member

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    Hakeem can do what he bloody wants to. He gave the Rockets two rings, and they need to show him respect by giving him the ball now and then. Hakeem has already earned his huge paycheck. Now, its time for him to be allowed to be the dream again. Give him the damn ball. Mobley and Francis will grow in the years to come. For now, let Hakeem rule the Rockets. They could be contenders this year.

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    If I make this shot, the Rockets will win tonight. If I miss, they might still win, but I doubt it.
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  17. JayZ750

    JayZ750 Member

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    I dont feel betrayed-

    the man is right. He is the only one of our post players, maybe with the exception of Los, playing well right now. Why shouldt he be in the game? He is definitely our best rebounder, and while his defense has dropped dramatically, he may still be our best post defender. And think how much it took to get Ewing in Seattle. In my opinion, when both are healthy, Hakeem is much better than Ewing.

    As far as the dreamcasting goes, Philadelphia would never trade Ratliff, Vancouver wont be trading Reef, and it is doubtful that Phoenix will trade Marion. Id be intrigued to see what happens if you add Walt Williams to the package on our end, though, and then Phoenix may do the deal as they have always coveted a decent center.

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  18. Summer Song Giver

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    JayZ the deal with Vancouver didn't include Reef and I already included Mo along with Dream to Phoenix,don't you think adding Walt would be too much?

    Dream to Vancouver
    Reeves,Swift,and Harrington to Houston
    This would probably make Dream [​IMG](lopsided in Houston's favor?)(only works after Dec.15)

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    Mitch Meluskey...The real Slim Shady

    [This message has been edited by Summer Song Giver (edited December 04, 2000).]
     
  19. Rocketability

    Rocketability Member

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    Reading the posts on this thread makes contradiction out of me.

    Yes. Let's give the ball to Dream, because he deserves it.

    Yes. Let the young guns grow. They are our future.

    Where should I stand??? Dream??? Franchise???

    Oh! Maaaaaaaaan! [​IMG]

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  20. JayZ750

    JayZ750 Member

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    My fault, I thought you said Reef, not Reeves. Vancouver would probably do that deal though, especially ot get rid of Reeves contract, which I would have to wait a minute before taking on.

    As far as the Phoenix thing goes, I just dont see the Suns trading away Marion, one of the best young players in the league, and Gugliatta, Dudley, and Blount. especially since Dream only has this last year on his contract. I do see how adding Walt would seem like giving up a lot, in that we would be giving up 3 starters, but in my opinion, Marion is better than Walt and Gugliatta is better than Taylor, and Blount may be a serviceable post player as well as Dudley. Plus, Cato is coming back from injury soon. I would still do the deal with Walt included cause I like Shawn Marion so much. Theonly problem would be chemistry. But to me, with statements like this by Hakeem, and Mobley and Francis in their own world, there doesnt seem to be that great chemistry anyway.

    What if we gave them Shandon instead of Walt?
    This seems even more promising to me. Imagine the lineups Rudy could put out there. Francis at the point, Marion at the 2, Walt at the 3, Gugs at the 4 and Cato at the 5--if we couldnt rebound then wed be really pathetic.

    anyway, it is all a mute point really because i bet there is no way marion is on the trading block

    sorry to everyone else for getting off topic [​IMG]

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    Remember.... You are not really drunk until you must hold on to the grass to keep from falling off the earth.

    [This message has been edited by JayZ750 (edited December 05, 2000).]
     

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