I beg to differ from those who argue that the Rocks don't need a star at the 3. As they stand, they are a perimeter-oriented team with little inside-presence. Now assuming that there is a 50/50 chance of the Rocks obtaining a solid inside player via free agency (must I type #4's name?), or even smaller likelihood of finding immediate contribution via the draft, I say further solidify the perimeter by drafting/signing the best 3 they can find. IMO, the Rocks are NOT in the position of finding role players, they need a difference maker or two. Isn't that why they are planning on going after a certain #4 in the first place? So if a star 3 is available, the Rocks should be on him like white on rice! ------------------
How about Gerald Wallace. He would have been a top 5 pick last year, this year he will be available around 13. Then we can pick up a Center later in the draft. ------------------ The next time I have meat and mashed potatoes, I think I'll put a very large blob of potatoes on my plate with just a little piece of meat. And if someone asks me why i didn't get more meat, ill just say, "Oh, you mean this?" and pull out a big piece of meat from inside the blob of potatoes, where ive hidden it. Good magic trick, huh?
I say Its about time Houston takes a chance on a high schooler , Duke Bust Duke Average Bobby Hurley Trajan Langdon Christian Laettner William Avery Duke Good Elton Brand Grant Hill ------------------ "Eat your kids, play with your dinner and join the chat" - Dr of Dunk gives a public sevice announcement at the request of Mike Tyson .
Hate to rain on your parade, but I don't see anyone willing to trade a quality PF for a quality SF, especially with what the Rocks are willing to offer. The two positions that seem to be in the most demand today are C, of course, and interestingly enough, PG. But... ...do you remember those trade rumors earlier in the year where the Bulls supposedly shopped Brand around, and the Rocks made an offer (serious?) for him? I just get the feeling that, with the flexibility that extra cap space affords a team, this may be the way to go for the Rocks in the off-season: deal with a team looking to deal a young\established star for cap space\picks and start over (Blazers, Nuggets, Celts, Lakers?, etc.). Thoughts? ------------------
I never said a mid-1st-round athletic (dime a dozen) SF would land a star PF in a trade straight-up did I. NO! Now....who has a tradeble PF with a voidable SF slot????
No...but you did allude to the fact that a package INCLUDING a star 3 or nice prospect could be used to get a star 4. I argue that, with the lack of talented, well-rounded big men in the NBA, not many teams would be willing to take on such a package, unless they were getting a solid big man back in return. And that's a bit self-defeating in the Rocks' case. I still argue that, considering the talent at the position and where the Rocks will most likely be drafting, SF may be the way to go for the Rocks via the draft. Solidify the perimeter and draft to your strengths. The Rocks are actually in a great position this offseason. Unlike most rebuilding processes, the Rocks HAVE a foundation (Steve & Cat) to build around, and yet have plenty of holes to fill in their roster. The only mistake the Rocks could make is passing on talented players, regardless of position, for a player who fits the "system". Of course, I'm not talking about drafting several Gs because they are the most talented, but don't bypass a F because he doesn't shoot the 3 that well, i.e. the Rocks aren't in a position to pass up a player because they don't think he "fits". So, draft a SF and solidify the perimeter, or draft a PF or C and add more balance. Either way, the Rocks figure to be better next year. ------------------
I think Duke's System may not allow their players to reach their full potential They get use to the help defense and the motion to get their shots This is y a parks, laetner, and ferry look all world in college Not to mention the Celticlike calls going their way. In the big show it is different I don't see battier being any different Hell he reminds me of Ed O'bannon REMEMBER HIM *grin* Rocket River ------------------
FIRE RUDY?!?!?! You have got to be out of your damn mind. He's one of the top 5 coaches in the NBA easily. Sports Illustrated did an article on him as he coached the Olympics saying every player on that team would love to play for Rudy. The Rockets need some changes but a change at coach is definitely not the answer. ------------------
Syracuse has sent a lot of decent talent to the NBA as well. All had productive years. Seikaly, Coleman, Douglas, Bing, Schayes, Owens, -Moten, Wallace, Dave Johnson, Roe, Hart, Thomas, Pearl Washington, O.Hill- ------------------ humble, but hungry.
