We always planned on Hakeem retiring after this season. Long term, I can't imagine that the Rockets expected him to be a big part of their team beyound this season. Sooner or later, he had to go. We expected this summer to be the end all along, and now we just picked up two draft picks, including a first rounder, for free under a circumstance we expected for years. We also picked up a trade exception. None of these items hurt our cap flexibility, and they help us in future trades. This certainly isn't a great day for the franchise, but it's not as bad as it originally seemed to be. I wish you luck Dream, but go Rockets! ------------------ Draftsource.net-- the premier source for draft info. Profiles, rankings, mock drafts, and more! The Mo Taylor Fan Site
Well said. ------------------ Women can not fart, belch or burp...therefore they must b**** or they will explode.
I totally agree. I was one of the fans that wanted to sign Dream no matter what but now that it is over I do think it was for the best and now we can move on with are future. I still love Dream and hope he does well this coming up season.As a matter of fact I think he will have a really good year! Now we need to sign or trade for a starting center!!! ------------------ AKA Rendiggler
Thanks Cat. That post really cheered me up. I remember I was actually unhappy when Hakeem declared he was returning; I felt that he had returned to a fairly high level of play towards the end of the year, but I didn't have much confidence in him staying there. Houston is in a better situation than if he had retired. Which many of us wanted him to do. Great perspective. ------------------ Clutchcity.net... source for all your Rockets, Astros, political, music, humor, and Gordita news.
Cat, Well said! Let me put it slightly different as well 1. Hakeem's retired from the Rockets 2. We get picks plus the cap space 3. We can still see Hakeem play!!! (luv those fadeaways!!!) ------------------
I agree completely. Great post, Cat. ------------------ 3fingeredgus- never underestimate the heart of a champion!
In all likelihood, the trade exception will be renounced. Our center position is downright ugly. Collier isn't healthy, and Cato can never stay healthy. Next year was supposed to be the year Cato came in to his own. I'd be so much more comfortable right now if Cato showed he had a pulse. The Cato we were expecting when he signed-a Ratliff-like like eraser down low in a 6'11'' 260 frame, would be the PERFECT fit for this team. Instead he goes down to the IR with a broken nail. I think the best thing to do now is scrounge for a 1 year fix (while I'm thinking- Ike Austin has 1 year left, he's not very talented, but could eat some minutes) then make a BIG push for Raef next summer. I just don't think a 4/5 of Jackson/Taylor can get things done, because neither can be a stopper on defense, and the only guy with the size and weight that can is Cato. If Cato becomes a stopper, what good is locking Jackson on a big long contract anyhow? The Rockets grand scheme was for Cato to be "groomed" to arrive right as Hakeem left. In summary- It's Cato Time. For better or worse. If given the chance, I'd trade the picks to have Hakeem retire a Rocket. ------------------ "I think the organization was looking at it from a business point of view, which is only a very small picture. If you look at the big picture, it wouldn't make any sense." -Hakeem Olajuwon, on a possible trade to Toronto, 7/02/99
NIKEstrad, The exception will not be renounced.... We can use that exception plus the Drew exception to go and get another player post-signing of our guys (eg. no cap hit). Word on the street is the Rocks are looking at Dale Davis. Personally, not my favorite. Cat I couldn't agree more. This is the push SF and the club needed. For better or for worse, it is SF's team and we have gone fully with the youth. ------------------ "Mongo don't know! Mongo only pawn in game of life."
