I was just thinking about the coverage of the Hakeem negotiations when a thought occurred to me. Each time a big story has landed in the paper, it has been a major development. The Chronicle is always the best guage of the real stories because they are the biggest paper and have the most to gain/lose from running a major story. What is interesting about this newest wrinkle is the fact that the FULL story appeared on the Chron website in the middle of the day today. That RARELY happens. Usually, it is a small story with the barest of details with more to come the next morning. The fact that this story garnered the attention it did makes it particularly noteworthy. Getting that much run this early in the deadline makes me believe that the Rockets really wanted this story out there. Having that info leak at around 2pm gives the major broadcast news stations time to get their own versions together for the 5pm news as well. This is the most serious info "leak" we've seen yet. ------------------ Who's your buddy? Who's your pal? I am, aren't I?
Jeff, I couldn't agree more. This also supports the "Put the ball/heat in Hakeem's court." Further, It ups the ante for other teams if they want to compete or trade (eg. increases trade value). Clearly, something is up. You have echoed my sentiments as stated in other posts in which I think Hakeem is going away or the Rocks are seeing what they can get for him. Lets face it, Hakeem put them in this position. Now they are taking that baby for a spin to see what it can do. Time will tell. ------------------ "Mongo don't know! Mongo only pawn in game of life." [This message has been edited by ROCKET!!! (edited July 30, 2001).]
Most normal people would think at guarenteed 10 million dollars for 2 maybe 3 years for a 38 yr old ex-superstar who suffers from bizarre injuries and medical condition is very reasonable. The rockets organisation obviously want to make sure they do the right thing in the Houston public's mind, that is don't leave a houston legend out to dry. So tell the Chronicle bout this offer and make it clear it is now Dream's decision to stay or go. Remember one of the last articles in Chron talked about the Rockets trying to find more money to offer Dream and that they aren't considering trades for him... yet. They are just making sure there is no egg on their face and will still be bums on seats. Smeg ------------------ "The things I enjoy most, I suck at: 1) Sex: everything's fine until she makes noises." - Achebe
Good observation. It must be 115 degrees in that kitchen now. ------------------ T-Pooh and BahDakota went up the hill, to make a bet on a Forward. When it all came down, they were nowhere to be found. Now they should be drawn and quartered.
What jumped out at me about the article was the wording in the first sentence. In today's NBA salary world, I would hardly call this a "major" increase. Feigen has that worded perfectly for the average fan to digest and paints the Rockets in the best possible light. A cynic (not me, of course) could conclude that the Chronicle was just reprinting a press release from Rockets headquarters. ------------------
grummett, Should Dream and his agent have worked the press more than they had? I can't remember anything notable quoted and printed from Dream's camp. If this last offer is not to Dream's liking, will he have any widespread public support when he goes to the press asking for his perceived FMV from the Rockets? Mango ------------------ Get it right or just don't do it! Resistance is futile....you will be assimilated. Start more Dream threads! [This message has been edited by Mango (edited July 30, 2001).]
Mango, Actually, I don't think Hakeem and his agent could have used the press any more than they already did (read here-like a horse that was rode hard and put up wet)! How do you think all the info on who was coming to dinner leaked out. That was purely manipulation on Hakeem's/his agent's part. No way the Rocks publish that and take the publicity hit. That would be straight out ignorant on the orgs part and CD is not ignorant. ------------------ "Mongo don't know! Mongo only pawn in game of life."
Mango: Just a little inside note... The story about Toronto offering 4 years, $20 million was run by the Chronicle, but they were duped into believing it by Fegan. There was never anything resembling that on the table. So, it isn't unheard of for the press to print misinformation even if they didn't realize it. ------------------ Who's your buddy? Who's your pal? I am, aren't I?
Jeff, ....but since it was eventually found out to be a planted story (lie?), does that tarnish the credibility of future statements from Fegan? Seems foolish to tell a story about something that will be easily found out. Mango ------------------ Get it right or just don't do it! Resistance is futile....you will be assimilated. Start more Dream threads!
Mango, My gut reaction is that if Hakeem really wanted to stay in Houston, he would have used the local media more. Stirring up the locals through the media steps up the pressure on an organization. Think back to the reaction when the previous Toronto deal was leaked. I think he wants to go elsewhere. To your second question, Hakeem will always have widespread public support, especially if he frames the debate that he's getting low-balled by the Rockets as you asked. Just look at the differences of opinion on this board, much less the general public who could care less about salary caps, etc. ------------------
grummett, Lets go with a scenario that he is going to Toronto with a sign-n-trade. Do you forsee a fairly peaceful departure speech/comment from Dream or will he try to paint the Rockets in the most unfavorable light possible? Mango ------------------ Get it right or just don't do it! Resistance is futile....you will be assimilated. Start more Dream threads!
Did you believe popeye's assertion, a couple of years back, that Hakeem had full knowledge of the previous Toronto trade negotiations and that the deal fell through, in part, because Hakeem demanded a contract extension? Was he disingenuous when he said he would have retired had that trade gone through after being told that no extension was forthcoming? I don't foresee a gracious Hakeem. I hope I'm wrong. ------------------
At Houston press conference Hakeem says: "I wished it could have worked, but Houston has been good to me. It will still be home. At Toronto press conference Hakeem says: "They let their biggest need go. It was definitely a mistake. I do not feel respected. I look forward to playing them." ------------------
grummett, I reread that thread the other night. http://bbs.clutchcity.net/ubb/Forum3/HTML/008457.html I believe his post to be true as events are now unfolding to support his observations made in that thread. Mango ps here is another post on that topic: http://bbs.clutchcity.net/ubb/Forum3/HTML/005444.html ------------------ Get it right or just don't do it! Resistance is futile....you will be assimilated. Start more Dream threads! [This message has been edited by Mango (edited July 30, 2001).]
Jeff, Bingo! From your other thread it appears that we were both right on the money. ------------------ "Mongo don't know! Mongo only pawn in game of life."
I just wanted to clarify/confirm that the Raptors did inded offer over $20 million over 4 years. The deal would start at the $4.5 mil exception and add up to $14.85 mil over the first 3 years with a prformance bonus to boost the 3rd year. The 4th year at $5.95 mil is only guaranteed if we make a Finals appearance and that is a no-lose situation for Toronto - especially considering Hakeem will likely retire afte the 2nd season. I think a S&T scenario is more likely with either Keon Clark or Brian Skinner coming your way. You could sign Hakeem to a 2 + option deal and then free up capspace by taking much less in exchange. Toronto has a trade exception of $5.6 million so if Keon is the player going to Houston, Hakeem could be signed for $6.4 million and it would be the same as adding Olajuwon to the existing roster at the exception and retaining Clark. I feel Hakeem would agree to a 2 + option deal if it gives him $13 mil over the first 2 seasons. The crazy thing is that even adding Olajuwon, the Raptors would be over $3 mil under the luxury tax and if they re-sign or extend Carter next summer could even be under the CAP with $9 mil coming off in Curry, Childs and Skinner. ------------------
first post when the raptors camp is in town with some nice details (if correct, no offense). Any chance you're with toronto, or fegan blowing smoke again ------------------ D'oh! (_8(|) - a thought on Hakeem leaving
All the info is indeed correct - except for my speculation on who you'd get in a S&T. I've been reading here for almost a year and try to keep a low profile since I'm developing a site of my own. I'll admit I'm a Raptor fan and wanted to chime in with some details to clarify some (angered?) misconceptions by Jeff, that's all. ClutchCity regulars are among the most knolwedgable and loyal that I've come across, so here was no intention of twisting details to support the Raptor side of things. ------------------ [This message has been edited by courtside (edited July 31, 2001).]
Why can't they just give the man his 8mill per for 2 seasons and cut out all this nonsense?Did anyone actually think sorry ass David Robinson was leaving sa?No,but they treated the man with with respect even Webber had seriously thought about coming.That's what Hakeem is looking at and anyone of us would do the same.How can the Rockets look at Hakeem,even at his presesnt state and say, "David Robinson has did more for his organization than you have for ours." That's why his agent isn't returning calls because the offer still sucks.Its not the fact of the 3rd year,its the fact that you're going to pay Taylor and Anderson more than the dream?Everyone likes to compare numbers,so do it.Hakeem averaged 11.9 pts,7.5 rebs and 1.5 blocks vs 13 pts,5.5 rebs and .55 blocks a game.Also,taylor only played in 11 more games than hakeem.Its not hard to believe that dream could put up those kind of nubers or maybe a little better if he stays healthy.So if I had a choice of the two,the choice is simple. ------------------ everett
leebigez, 30 million dollars is what Hakeem got for all that he has done for the franchise. Now it is about what he will be doing for the team in the upcoming years. The sad fact is that he is old and getting older and has not played a full season in years. We would all love to have a healthy Hakeem at 8 mil per, but the odds of getting a healthy Hakeem are not good. That is why it is time to move on. ------------------ I cut all the heads off of a Hydra, and all I got was this StupidMoniker. "God is dead" - Friedrich Nietzsche ~1880 "Nietzshce is dead" - God 1900
