This is the real deal: 1. When Mcgrady is not scoring, nobody is scoring, we go on droughts that often cost us the game. Yes, Battier is more efficent on the defensive end, but Rashard is more efficent on the offensive end, so the trade is really a toss up that doesnt seem very bad at all. I say if the Rox can get it done, do it. 2. Mike James for Juwan is perfectly fine as long as we get another 4 in FA. No problem there. Hopefully they know what they are getting now with James and give him a role suited for his offensive game. He is superior to Rafer on D. 3. Bob Sura for Sarunas Jasikevicius, sure do it, and this is why: Spanoulis just isnt happy here, he hasnt played very great, and doesnt seem to be a good fit from my end, although I was very hyped on the guy this time last year. If he wants out, let him out. 4. Bonzi is a traitor, and let the team and the city down. He came in out of shape when every person around here knows when the season starts. He should have been prepared and less of a burden on the fans. Let him walk, despite his prior relationship with Capt. A-Hab (adleman). 5. Makes me wonder about the availability of Rafer and Head if even Battier is getting dangled. I wonder if this roster is getting re-tooled.
No mention of the newspaper and he also reports (without credit) the Mike James rumor. Wow, wonder where he got that from. "More as we get it" ... what a douche.
Anyone else think Lewis would start alongside Snyder or Wells rather than Hayes? I don't like it. But I see it coming.
This is the real deal actually: 1) Yes, obviously we are going after Lewis along with a bunch of other teams. He's a guy we really want and will fit in with our new offense perfectly. Remember, we aren't his only suitors so lets not put a Rockets unfirom on him just yet. 2) Howard for James is not fine and you made my point in your statement. It's not fine unless we resign Hayes and have another PF ready to be signed. Otherwise we run the risk of Hayes leaving (unlikely but you never know) and trading Juwan. Now you have no PF's. Not ok. 3) This deal is fine as long as you're content with that backcourt. Otherwise we may need Sura's contract. That's two pg's right there. It's pretty damn obvious VSPan is not in our plans so we can move on from that mistake. With the new system in place I'd like to see what we can do (Francis, James, another, PF to team with Hayes ect....) before jumping on this. 4) I agree. I hate the guy but if he'll play for Adelman like he did before at that cheap of a rate then fine. He adds possible depth for next to nothing. 5) They will listen to offers for anyone except Yao and TMac (unless Kobe was to possibly become available and even that's very unlikely).
A few of my friends have seen it already, but I finished the Rashard graphic Thursday night and another player yesterday ... the profiles will likely kick back in to play tomorrow.
I don't think it would be too hard to line up a deal or signing where they could replace Juwan. Webber and McDyess are two that pop to mind immediately. I don't know if you're assuming Lewis in that scenario, but if Lewis was acquired you would have to think that he would see some time at the four. As for James, I would want him in either case, but I like him better for the JVG team. Adelman has always seemed to have had very good all-around PGs (Porter, Strickland and Bibby come to mind). James' strength as a scorer and less as a "true point" are what were ideal for the JVG team. James would seem to fit the instant offense role more for Adelman, but I admit I don't feel like I have a good grip 100% on what Adelman is looking for.
By the way Clutch, just letting it be known that i never blamed our playoff failures on Rafer. I acknowledged he was part ofthe problem but not the reason we lost.
If you had Lewis switching between the 4 on offense and the 3 on defense, depending on matchups, with Hayes (or someone else), Yao, Tracy, and James, you have some serious firepower. Just a nightmare to defend. Hayes would be covered on offense by playing with 4 guys who can fill it up, while he cuts to the basket for layups. You have to think that would not be a bad bunch on defense, either.
I don't know about that. I don't want Webber for our new offense. if you've seen him in the Playoffs he's really fading badly. No chance we get Dyess (Detroit loves him and what do we trade?). Lewis would see some time at the 4 but he can't match up legitimately at that position (defensively he gets murdered). Adelman is going to turn us into a running team (which may help Rafer). He says he's going to keep a balance to obviously utilize Yao but I have some concern in that area. I have the same fear as you with james. In Adelman's offense he gets shot happy and we're back to chemistry problems. That's why i honestly switched to Francis. He wants to come back so badly i think he would be more then willing to accept a role that fit the team. he's been humbled. I don't know if that's possible with James anyore. Plus, Steve would thrive in an uptempo offense where he didn't have to be the star and didn't feal the pressure of having to live up to the superstar expectations that have followed him since the TMac trade.
Ive seen McDyess in Houston on a regular basis for the past 5 years. In the back of my mind I always thought he would probably like to sign here to end his career. I would love him, I bet JVG would have loved him. Unfortunately its Webber who I feel Adelman will make a genuine run at. I wouldn't be surprised if he is here next year to play for his old coach, his friend Juwan, and contend for a ring. Hayes or Mutombo sadly being the odd man out... At least Webber can run the offense and make others better. But he is too damn inconsistent to rely on in a playoff series. Also, if playing close to home is a factor in Rashard's decision and the Sonics stand to gain anything I would think Dallas would come out of the dark and out bid us.
I think he can opt out .... not 100% sure, but I think he has a $6+ million year remaining but he can opt out and become unrestricted. But obviously if he opts out that gives you a good idea of what his $$ asking price will be. Detroit also has Rasheed, Webber and Amir Johnson in the pipeline. All things being equal I would probably take James because I think he's a better "point" than Francis (though neither is great), but it's a tougher call (last year a no-brainer for me). Francis would cost nothing in a trade and you could set the terms of the contract. If they can get something else decent for Juwan (or whoever they would give up to get James), I'd vote Francis too.
Battier+pick+filler for Lewis --- heartbeat Battier for Wilcox --- Hmmm, not bad. Only concern is would Wilcox be Stro II?
I'd give McDyess the full MLE for at least 3 years. He'd make a huge impact on this team. Of the "role playing" PFs in the league, only Haslem would be a better fit beside Yao. If the Rockets could get that done, I'd be giddy.
i just have to post this: under no scenario is lewis a PF. he is a SMALL FORWARD but very long. perfect 3 for the rockets.
