I got an email today (not from an established source -- just an email) that I thought was interesting... it contained a lot of things that don't exactly strike me as false. I don't know if all of it is true, but I'll pass it along anyhow. Friend says that he knows for a fact the Rockets and Pacers have had 4 or 5 discussions about the availablility of Hakeem, but that the Rockets are reluctant to trade away a "Houston icon". But this guy goes further, that Hakeem has approached Rudy T and CD (something I had heard he was considering earlier this season) about a willingness to be moved if a) he is not more involved in the offense and b) if the Rockets have no intention of re-signing him next season (and perhaps beyond next season). According to the email, Rudy and CD both assured Hakeem he is still important to the team. Who would the Rockets get in this theory? Didn't know, but thought it would be Croshere, though salaries don't match up and Croshere can't be dealt until the 15th of this month. Bottom line, according to his email, is if Hakeem asks to be traded and if he's serious about playing beyond this season, the Rockets will try to oblige him in a deal. Again, don't know what is true of that... so if it sounds like "facts" as you're reading it keep in mind I'm just reading the version of events as told in the email. So, I spoke to Doc Rocket on this - hasn't heard anything on the Pacers at all but that, though it's unlikely, an Hakeem trade is a possibility and that it has been "floated around". Also, regarding new uniforms, according to Doc Rocket it has been put on the backburner ... talks with regards to new unis are no longer active. I think it's a good bet (but a bet nonetheless) to say the team will probably try to have new uniforms for 2003 when the new arena is opened. We should know pretty well in advance on this issue though ... Anyhow, take it all for what it's worth ... it's all rumor, which is why it's on the BBS at this stage and not the front page. My opinion is a lot of it makes sense, given other things I've posted on the board. BUT, I can't see an Hakeem trade happening unless from a PR standpoint it was presented as what Hakeem wants, not what the Rockets want. If not viewed in that light, it would be a near-PR disaster ("Now that Les got his arena he deals away who built it for him!!!", etc. etc.) ------------------ NOTHING BUT .NET CLUTCHCITY.NET
Very interesting stuff. Sometimes I wonder how much of a PR disaster it would be. Certainly, all informed Rocket fans will know that it would be something that Hakeem wants, Hakeem concedes to, and helps the team additionally. It is the general public who isn't as involved in the day to day activities of the team that might view it as a backstabbing move from the organization. If Hakeem is traded, it is imperative that the public knows it is clearly because he wants to be traded and thinks it is the best move for him. ------------------ "There are some frauds so well conducted that it would be stupidity not to be deceived by them." Charles Caleb Colton (1780-1832) [This message has been edited by JayZ750 (edited December 08, 2000).]
Interesting stuff. Gotta agree that there is no way the Rockets make a move unless Hakeem clearly states that he wants to be dealt. Like you said, it would be a horrible PR move for the team to trade him without Dream asking first. As for Indiana, I would hear out any offer they have including Croshere. He's struggling, but is the type of player we need at the 4. It would all boil down to what else they could offer and I wouldn't rule out a 3-way deal. ------------------ Five to one baby, one in five...no one here gets, out alive.
Strike 3... ------------------ I don't want to achieve immortality through my work... I want to achieve immortality by not dying. - Woody Allen
strike two coming.... ------------------ Mobley and Francis ...are not the two best players on the team. - Rockeem 11/2/2000
I'm a bit skeptical. I get the impression that Indiana isn't really competing for a championship anymore and are just keeping Reggie around to keep the team from going into the toilet as they rebuild. So I don't know why they'd want Olajuwon -- especially at the expense of one of their young building blocks. I'm also skeptical because Croshere is a full-BYC player, which essentially means we'd need a third team with cap-room to broker the deal. It seems that would be necessary anyway, given the discrepancy between the salaries of Dream and Croshere. In general, given the salary structure of the Pacers, I don't see how they'd pick up Olajuwon without either giving us (or someone) Miller or Rose, or giving us * several * of their building blocks for the future. I don't see them willing to take step back on their rebuilding program for the opportunity to get smacked around by the western conference champion. ------------------ RealGM Rockets Draft Obligations Summary http://www.gaffordstudios.cjb.net/
Moochie, why do you have to go, take a perfectly good user name and act like a total ass? Keep it up and you won't be around long. Take my word for it. ------------------ Five to one baby, one in five...no one here gets, out alive.
Hakeem to Nigeria for 2 first round Lions! ------------------ Vice President of the Jason Collier fan club!
It does make sense that the Pacers would be interested in Hakeem, and that he wouldn't object to a trade if the Rockets don't want him more involved and don't want him next year. Going into the season, I wouldn't have been surprised if Hakeem had retired by this point, due to his health. However, Hakeem has looked much better than I expected, and may even continue to improve. I think the question is, can we count on him this year and next. If the answer is yes, how could we possibly improve the center position with any certainty? If we were to trade Hakeem, could the combination of Cato & Collier suffice for contenders? I know in answer to that, there will be all kinds of posts "we can draft Woods, Curry, Heywood, ...etc". Well, there's absolutely no certainty to that. I unfortunately didn't have DirecTV last year and have hardly seen Cato play at all. If he is our # 1 center, will the drop off be more than compensated for by who we get from Indiana? For nostalgic reasons, I would hate to see Hakeem traded. I would Really hate it if the Rockets didn't clearly benefit by doing so. If Hakeem feels like he can play next year at the level he is playing this year, his value to most teams is quite significant. ------------------
It makes sense. Al Harrington is blossoming into a nice player. Croshere does all the dirty work but is having a hard time fitting in on offense so far. J.O'Neal is playing out of position at C. C-Dream PF-O'Neal SF-Rose/Harrington SG-Miller PG-Rose/Best I am totally against trading Dream. I think he has some game left in him, however, I have a feeling this trade could happen. ------------------ When we tire of well-worn ways, we seek for new. This restless craving in the souls of men spurs them to climb, and to seek the mountain view. -- Ella Wheeler Wilcox
I think the key is if Dream has thoughts of a career beyond this season. If that is the case, I can not see how he stays in Houston. As to AC, I am not sure he is the answer to our needs but he has skills and can do the dirty work, I think he could help. As to the PR implications, as stated before, this trade could by styled as one done on Dream's terms and at his request. Perhaps that would soften the blow. Very intresting stuff.... [This message has been edited by stringthing (edited December 08, 2000).]
Unfortunately, the Pacers will never make this trade. They are a better team with ONeal at center, and Croshere at PF. Putting Hakeem at C would only slow them down, much like Ewing has done to the Sonics. Hakeem, hang up your basketball shoes and retire. You are no good anymore, and you are wearing out your welcome. ------------------
We would be in big trouble if all we got was Austin Croshere. I really like Croshere but his value to OUR team is not even remotely close to Dream's. We need the intimidation that the NBA's all-time shot-blocker brings to the table and if we don't get anyone else in that trade then we take a step backwards in my oppinion. ------------------ "We need to fockass".....Dream back in the day
UNLESS, they trade US O'Neal! Hmmmm..... ------------------ There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Moochie, Moochie, Moochie- The wise man says: "It is better for us to think you a fool than to open your mouth (or cut on computer) and remove all doubt." AH!!! I feel better NOW! Now back to the topic. I would hate to see Dream moved, but I agree that he has to be the one to ask, and any trade involving the Pacers has to involve a twosome from a group of Croshere, Harrington, and Bender plus some picks. Unlike some poor souls on this board (refer to above) I think that there would be a line around the block for Dream's services, should it come to that point. Do you realize that Dream is STILL a top 10 C in this league, especially with Mourning being out and Mutumbo getting off to a slow start? TAKE CARE!! ------------------ "We make a lot, but we spend a lot." Patrick Ewing, alumnus, Georgetown University
In Moochie's defense, I thought Hakeem's comments were unwarranted. But like Jeff said, b****in' ain't nothin' new for Dream. I'd like to keep him, though -- he's doing more for us right now then Cato ever will. ------------------ It doesn't matter if I have a signature!
One thing I forgot to make clear, I do not want Hakeem traded and would like to have him signed again next season...for the minimum. He has stated that he would accept a trade if it were to benefit the Rockets and I find that admirable, but why doesn't he do what Barkley did and sign for a veterans minimum to help the team sign some quality free agents? Dream still has alot to offer this team despite his declining skills and limited minutes. He still commands a double team, still rebound well and is shooting a high percentage. In addition to trading him without his requesting a trade, I think not pursuing him after this season for at least the vet minimum is also a mistake. ------------------ Five to one baby, one in five...no one here gets, out alive.
Orchastrating this trade would be VERY difficult because Indiana just doesn't have any big salary guys to throw in as fillers - Derrick McKey is the only guy that I can see the Pacers throwing in - and that wouldn't make up the difference. Even involving a third or fourth team still makes this a VERY dicey trade proposal in terms of logistics. It's known that Indiana desperately wants a "true" center and that Hakeem would be about the best center running around in the East, and Rudy loves Croshere, but it just doesn't seem realistic to expect this trade to go down!! ------------------
I think Indiana would love to go to the Finals, even if they know they can't win over a western team. Who in the East could, anyway? What a first season statement for Isaiah! Remember his comments about the Dream going up against Oneal? Actually, if Dream became available, he would get a lot of attention in the East. He would instantly make Indiana, Miami, or NY the Eastern Conference favorites, and actually make Vancouver a potential contender too. He would be each of those teams missing piece. If Dream really wants to play for another few years, and wants to be traded, since we are in rebuilding mode, and can't effectively utilize his talents here, then I'm for a trade. If we were able to get 2 or 3 of Bender/Croshere/Oneal/Harrington, and other dead weight, I'd go for it. We are rebuilding. It is appropriate for us to gain building blocks, as long as it doesn't hamper our ability to resign Anderson. If we trade for an up and coming PF and SF, and no longer need MoTaylor, and can gain a better rebounder, then it would be in our best interest. This won't be an easy decision for Rudy, I'm sure. ------------------ the more I know, the more I know I don't know...
