exactly, and nobody CAN guard kobe... if rox can get gordon cheap, 3 yrs for less than 25 mil, it will be sweet...
Some people just don't understand basketball beyond shooting. Ron gives you defense, rebounding, he hustles, and he can play multiple positons. If Ben Gordon's shot is off he is completely useless.
On the contrary, it seems like you aren't watching. Ben scores more than Ron, while shooting better from the field, 3 point line and FT line. When his shot is off, of course he isn't as useful (who is?), but by the law of averages, Ben's shot is "off" far less than Ron's is. Ben gives you more assists then Ron, and the same number of blocks. And despite being 4 inches shorter and 60 pounds lighter, he still grabbed 3.5 boards per game, to Ron's 5.2...so less, but not that much less. What's more, Ben had a better Efficiency rating on the year (nba.com) and better PER rating (basketball-reference.com) though Ron had the better Roland rating (82games.com). Finally, it's about roles and chemistry as much as anything else. Talent comes first, of course. But while they do different things, I think it's fair to say they are about equally talented. Ben's the better offensive players, faster, better shooter, Ron's the better defender, bigger and stronger. But chemistry is important. I think Ron has fit in to the current Rockets team, for the most part, but we all know his tendency to "free-lance", both offensively and defensively. I honestly think part of this is because the team just doesn't have a true SG - a spot up shooter, slasher type whose job isn't necessarily to do all those other things (though still needs to hustle, etc.), but to hit shots. To that end, it'd be great to have Gordon plus Artest, Battier, etc. But that's unlikely. The question is, would the players and teams sign and trade them for each other. Financially, unlikely - Gordon will likely want (and maybe get) a longer deal this time around, even if it means an annual salary in the range Artest gets. But finances aside, I think Morey would at least look at it. As noted, Shane gives us all the hustle, defense, etc. that Ron does plus on the court and locker-room leadership. So if Gordon is a better FIT, then it might make sense. That said, his height, combined with our PGs, is a concern. I am on the trade Artest (sign and trade) or Battier bandwagon if necessary, because I truly believe that absent health, our two biggest needs in the offseason are (1) a true SG, and (2) front-court backup center height. I'd prefer to get both by trading TMac and his partly insurance covered, expiring contract, which is so large, it might be able to net you both of those needs. Then you get to keep Battier and re-sign Artest. But that may not be possible. It'll be interesting to see how Morey plays it.
I too would like to see the Rockets leverage TMac's contract. Perhaps in a trade with the Bulls for Gordon and a backup center like Brad Miller
For anyone that voted Ben Gordon. Have you seen his shot selection? Have you seen his defense? That and the guy wants 14+ mil a season. Ronald brings so much more to the table.
