Yeah, but Hibbert is actually doing well and looking like a guy you want to keep for many years to come. If I were IND, even if things go south-- which we expect-- I keep my guys, get a high pick, hope Paul George is back as good as ever and try again next season.
Rockets work a lot better with Dragic than Suns. Canaan, Terry (if not traded), and Beverley all have no issues deferring to Harden. They can defer just as easily to Dragic in dual PG sets when Harden's sittin or play SF at times. Bledsoe and Thomas OTOH are clearly ball-dominant PGs. If Dragic wants the ball in his hands as much as possible yet still play on a contender where other stars will demand the ball, Houston's a pretty good choice.
I don't disagree with you, but looking around the league there does not appear to be any good ones available. At best we could get some stiff, but I just don't see a team that would be willing to deal with us. I guess our most realistic target would be David West if Indiana continues to free fall, but I don't see it happening. With Dragic we get a second playmaker and someone who could provide a huge spark off the bench which we sorely need.
This assumes Dragic would be OK with coming off the bench. Don't see that happening as he is due for a big pay day ($12M-$14M/yr) this summer. Also don't see Morey (or any other GM) trading away valuable assets for a half year Dragic rental. This means he'll be a starter anywhere he plays, this year or next.
Obviously minutes can be staggered but my post was in response to someone saying: This quote is also included in my initial response. I did this to give my 'bench' response proper context.
You are probably right, and whether or not Dragic starts or not, it would be apparent that the team would be at its best with Harden & Dragic's minutes staggered. Also Dragic is definitely a pass-second guard. Not saying that's a bad thing but with an array of shooters, and Dwight Howard needing to be involved to balance the offense, you have that to consider. Still... the guy is talented enough to where if Phoenix really does dangle him in trades (doubtful), than you got to take a swing.
He would have replaced a weaker defender at the 4 and Harden would have still been the initiator of the offense.
Morey disposed of the only guard who was ball dominant (Lin). Canaan may be more ball dominant than Bev, but there is little indication that once the roster is healthy Canaan will be picking up significant minutes until he learns to play off of Harden. I somehow feel Morey has spoken. Everyone in the starting five (and most of the reserves) have become spot up players. Are the Rockets better off? Almost certainly.
Who is Jason Smith currently playing for and is he available? He would be the perfect backup stretch 4/5.
