I haven't seen any focused discussion on the PF spot since all the trade speculation has erupted (in typical fashion) before the draft. I wouldn't bother with this thread except that CD said that the luxury tax isn't an issue and won't hinder the Rox from making a move (paraphrasing). The 4 PF's that I want to discuss are PJ Brown, Antonio Davis, Rasheed and Elton Brand. Of these four, Brand is the clear best choice and fit, but also the least likely to be had, or so it seems. If the Rox are in fact shopping the likes of Cato, Griffin, Rice and/or Mobley for the likes of Sheed or Davis, then they have to be inquiring about Brand. If we bundled up say Cato, Griffin, Rice and Mobley for Brand and Piatkowski, the Clippers would have to at least think about it (I won't bother with the obvious explanation of the value of each of the Rox players.) The next best fit is actually PJ Brown and he does not lose out to Brand by much, if you account for the dollars (and long term, CD's comment notwithstanding, the Rox will account for the dollars). He is likely the best defensive 4 of the bunch, and I believe he is a free agent, of some type. If I'm right, then he could be had with the least amount of manuvering. Throw money at Brown, go over the cap for one year (until Rice's contract expires) and presto, we have a vastly improved team. We could then move Griffin for a guard to round out the 3 guard rotation, and preferably it would be a point guard. In Brown, we would have a 4th quarter finisher that could get that key rebound, hit the 14 foot jumper or get the defensive stop. With this in mind, Davis and Rasheed have to be a distant 3rd and 4th option. Also, with this in mind, it makes less and less sense for us to just stand pat at the PF spot.
Your analysis seems spot on, except for the fact that PJ Brown is the better defender. I disagree. Brand is better at that too.
Brand is certainly no less than a competent, physical defender who busted out with blocked shots this year. I may have unintentionally discounted his defensive ability because of his tremendous skill in rebounding and scoring. Conversely, I may have given Brown more credit for defense because that is his calling card. Nonetheless, we are a dangerous ass team with either one of those guys. Brent, some guys like Sheed and Coleman will never live up to their physical abilities because they lack the direction, drive or intangibles. Nonetheless, they're millionaires several times over, so people can hardly say that they are idiots (even tho Sheed is clearly chief idiot of the dumbass tribe.)
In one of the Rockets vs. Clipps games, I seem to remember a mention on how Brand had changed his game. supposedly at the time, he was leading the league in rebounds (At least off. rebs.) and blocks per game. I'm pretty sure he was hurt short after, screwing up his new found defensive presence. Can anyone back me up, I could have sworn he was playing amazingly well at the begining of the season last year.
As I've said in other threads, I'm all for developing players instead of thinking of trading. Griffin is a talented player that I believe could become a key player in a couple of years. Let's see what JVG can get done with him.
The question that I have is this. Has Mobley's name even been mentioned at all? Im not trying to argue a point, Im sencerely asking a question. (I have to put that in there, waaaaayyy too many newbies these days, saves a flaming) I guess if I could rank my wish list from the above mentioned men, it would go, 1.Brand 2. Wallace 3.Brown 4.Davis Brand is the best of the group, not only is a scorer but he is also a tenacious rebounder, but best of all he is a true stand up kind of guy. A great citizen. Wallace, well, Wallace is a long big man, that has the ability score down low, rebound, and his long ball isnt too bad. Where Brand is the good citizen, I think that Wallace is the "enforcer" our team has been looking for! Well, as was mentioned Brown has a decent mid range game, and can also play defense. Davis is older, but is tough as nails, and also has that enforcer attitude. He can rebound and he is very long also. His greatest down-side is his age and contract. Well, I will leave my post to have all the holes that are in it to be well pointed out, and argued greatly. MAN I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!
Sof, I lumped Mobley's name on the list because I recall a quote from some article or some prognosticator recognized in some article in another thread. Mobley's name may have been raised in connection with a potential spreewell trade or something like that.
Available Free Agent PF's like Jermaine O'Neal, Juwan Howard, Karl Malone, and Keon Clark are all worth mentionng as well. And if luxury tax is not an issue, there's talk of Kevin Garnett wanting to leave also. If including them, my preference would be: 1) KG 2) J O'Neal 3) Brand 4) Sheed 5) PJ Brown 6) Karl Malone 7) J Howard 8) A Davis 9) Keon Clark
I think a role player like Kurt Thomas would be a good fit. Rebounding and defense at the 4. Just what we need.
another to put on the list should be stromile swift i think he'll be one of the best bangs for your buck out there some nights he can dominate on the boards
This move could be very significant for the future of the Rockets and should be examined without emotion.I hope that JVG is not looking for a quick fix, so just look at these considerations. During the upcoming season P.J.Brown - 34years, Elton Brand - 25 yrs.( a year younger than Francis and going into his 5th. season) Rasheed Wallace - 27yrs ( social misfit ), Brian Grant - 32 years. Davis will be 35 years I suggest we only trade if we make a significant LASTING upgrade in our Roster. Otherwise I am for holding 'Pat'. till we do! No quick fixes, without lasting significant gains.
If the Rockets can bring in Rasheed for Griffin, Taylor, and Cato then then go for it. I don't like Rasheed, but it is better to have one pot head, then 3 pot heads(Griffin, Cato, Taylor).
I don't think so....Mobley.......JVG seems to like him. And he seems safe right now. But if I were the owner, I WOULD ACCEPT TO... Cuttino Mobley, Eddie Griffin, Maurice Taylor or Kelvin Cato, and a future 1st round draft pick for Elton Brand, Quentin Richardson or Corey Maggette, and a 2nd round draft pick or Eric Piatkowski. Unfortunately......I'm not the owner
I might be missing something here, but is it possible for us to get Brown and keep Griffin? I do believe that young players learn from older players, that experience counts, and PJ could certainly teach Eddie a thing or fourteen about being a power forward in this league! I also believe that PJ might just be the best fit for the Rockets - simply because he'd be cheaper than Brand, is a solid defensive player and can nail a 15 footer with consistency. Of course, offense isn't his thing, but he works off the ball and gets busy on the offensive glass. A player who is used to not having the ball is probably more what we're looking for on offense considering that we're probably looking to Francis/ Ming then Mobley in that department! If it's at all possible to get Brown, then I'd say a happy cherio to MoT.
i expect that there is no less than a massive snowball fight occurring on thickly iced roads taking place at subzero temperatures in Hell as I type b/c that is the third Yetti post i have agreed with today. brand i feel is the best long term choice. jermaine o'neal (if he's even available) is my second choice. both young and great fits i feel. a step above the rest. rasheed is my next choice as he either brings a good long term fit or relieves us of 17M in cap space. a win/win situation there. PJ would then come before AD for me.
we have the MCE that all other capped out teams have. most likely that is what he will be signed for (that's what he has to accept if he wants to help dallas or LA for example) so if he takes the MCE from us we don't have to lose anyone to get him.
