Houston can absolutely pull a stud free agent in 2012. We have a great legacy in Houston, a committed and esteemed management team, an awesome group of guys, and a city which NBA players LOVE. And we still get MASSIVE exposure from China. Houston is one of the few profitable, historic teams left. What was our networth again? Top 5?
If we trade for Jamison, and then trade him away during the 2011-12 season, does that assure us a Top 4 pick in the 2012 draft? Wiz got #1 pick last year after trading him away, and now Cleveland seems to be locking up the worst record and likely one of the top picks this year.. Seems logical that it is all due to Jamison, and if that is the result I am all for it.
With the "superfriends" forming in Miami, none of that matters. It's all about pairing with another star/superstar these days. And besides, the Rockets legacy isn't as great as other potential franchises, and wherever there are multiple star players they feel they can create their own legacy on a new slate. I honestly don't think for a superstar player, they'll be concerned with legacy of a Rockets franchise.
Wasn't Jamison contemplating retirement earlier this season? Why would we give up scola to get someone who's slightly worse and wants to retire? Seriously, lets actually think about the logic behind a trade before just randomly throwing it out there people...
Please don't misquote me, W22. My "Yao for Nothing" article was written with the (rather conspicuous) caveat that it should be done ONLY if a major talent upgrade was not feasible and that it was a better strategy than not trading Yao at all. Your Jamison idea does nothing that a Yao TPE wouldn't accomplish much more easily and effectively. (1). Jamison will take minutes away from younger guys like PPatt this year and next. What's the point on a rebuilding team? (2). If the point is to have Jamison as a large expiring contract to entice teams trying to effectuate a salary dump, why not just have a huge TPE that will work better for the dumping team? The Rockets may even get additional assets if the other team is taking back no salary. (3). Trading for Jamison this season (vs. a TPE) makes it less likely that the team will get below the luxury tax threshold, needlessly wasting Les's money that could be better utilized elsewhere on this team. (4). If you were hoping to have BOTH Jamison and a huge Yao TPE for a "super mega salary dump trade," I just don't see a scenario quite that ridiculous playing out. W22, your Jamison idea is not without merit. But it simply does not accomplish anything that a Yao TPE wouldn't accomplish more effectively.
I hate when people say garbage like this. As if there's some magical force that caused the state of the NBA to suddenly change. (hint: there isn't)
Originally this thread was about the possibility of getting both, Jamison and Verajao. Once Verajao went out, the Antawn Jamison idea went out with him. I actually agree that getting Jamison alone will not make since unless another trade is following where Scola is going out.
