Take this for what it is worth...... Earlier, I (like many others) posted some information that the Maloofs are looking to facilitate a three-team trade, sending Webb to NY with the help of Detroit. Supposedly, there has been ongoing, "informal what-ifs" between the two clubs (this is how it was worded to me, I guess because of that pesky no tampering rule), but now with Allan Houston opting out, "talks" have cooled. Apparently, Detroit will offer Houston a "" NICE "" contract and the 2-Guard position with Stack moving to the 3. Detroit feels that by adding Houston and their first round draft pick, they (as a club) can remain flexible for the next couple of years. Now this is great news for the Rockets, except that Webber might eat some crow, take the cash and shut up. The Maloofs are left with taking a big gamble they feel they are going to win (I think they are right too). Webb's ONLY leverage now is that he will leave and the Kings will get nothing in return. From what I know, they are fully prepared to go the distance to see if Webb is blowing smoke. Word is that the Kings are not going to let Webber bully his way out of Sacramento. They are taking a "if he leaves, he leaves" kind of attitude. Which I for one is glad to see a ball club have enough b@ll$ to stand up to today's players. Over the last couple of years, there has been a lot of itimidation by agents and players....enough is enough. Now here is what I am hoping will occur.....Webber may not be able to convince the Kings for a S&T, but maybe the Rockets can. As many have stated already, the Rox are in a great position. I think they can bring him here, out right or in S&T. I am so blinded by my wish to have Webb join the Rockets, but now I am starting to waiver a little. It has nothing to do with he playoff performance (he's hurt), but more about the flexibility down the line. Plus, I don't want to lose Dream, Moochie or Franchise (in a few years) because we don't have $$$$$. Anyway, apologies for the long post, but as some of you will recognize, I don't post very often, only when I think I can add a little something, something. If I can get anything out of the Webber camp, I will be sure to let everyone know. 2001 - 2002 Houston Rockets make the playoffs, b-a-b-y!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ------------------ "...Do you hear 'em? They're everywhere!!! AAAHHH!!!" That's what the other teams will be saying after being shellshocked by Steve Francis and Co.
I'll take you at your word. Stackhouse has mentioned playing 3 before. I think Allan Houston left Detroit not because he disliked the team but rather because Detroit could/did not offer NY Knick-type money. Detroit has a 3.9 million exception by the way. The Pistons have a guy who gets 12 rebounds a night (Ben Wallace) but is playing out of position at center. After they sign Houston, we can send'em Cato and Los....? Just a thought. I don't think Webber will stay in Sacramento. So many people ask, "Why would he leave?" 'Cause he wants to, that's why. Oeilpere once posted that the Rox are not high on Webb's list of where he wants to play but imagine this: I think the Maloofs looked into trading him to get something in return and that means, "Well, Chris, OK, if you wanna go, but if you go, we'd like to send you to an Eastern Conference team," and Chris said, "Well, look into these teams." And it might not work out that way. I can certainly see why Rudy and CD think we can get him. But, yes, it would be best to move some unwanted contracts so that Mooch and Dream come back, too. ------------------ [This message has been edited by ROXTXIA (edited May 09, 2001).] [This message has been edited by ROXTXIA (edited May 09, 2001).]
The Rockets are looking to sign Webber to a long term deal,and also need to resign Dream and Moochie.Dream is not going to be here for long.Cato and Collier are not the solution at center either.I think that is why the Rockets are going to try to get a center with the 13th pick instead of a small forward.The players most likely available at the 13th spot who are centers are Haywood,Jason Collins and Ken Johnson.Loren Woods might also be there if he falls in the draft. I personally don't think that we should get a center with our 13th pick.I would try to see if we can get Webber in a sign and trade or directly signing him to a long term deal,and getting a small forward with the 13th pick and a back up center with the 22nd pick.Sending Cato and Los to the Pistons or any other team needing a center would be great,but that won't be so easy because of Cato's contract and disappointing play. ------------------
You're right about Cato's disappointing play, unless these factors contributed to it: a) Hakeem's resurgence b) Cato's BYC and teams' cap situations (Miami? Detroit? New Jersey? our own) making a trade-deadline move impossible, hence Cato's added time on the pine to avoid injury so that when the off-season arrives....see ya!! ------------------
I remember when getting Rick Barry (for just a couple of seasons) cost us John Lucas. I hope this Webber situation doesn't cost us Steve Francis down the road because of tight money. ------------------ Time is a great teacher-- only problem is it kills all its pupils.
John Lucas was not a big loss... ------------------ "Oh No..." -Bill Walton in 97 just before Stockton's buzzer beater
