At first glance, it may seem that we’re stocked at center for next year with Hakeem and Cato (kind of stuck with him, b/c of his contract). Yet, Cato’s attitude and committment concern me as well as most of you, so maybe if we brought in some competition, he’ll actually get his act together. If Cato doesn’t step up, then maybe the new guy could actually be better than Cato. Also, with Hakeem retiring and Cato’s fragility, it would be wise to get another young center in here as a long-term backup. Two guys I was thinking about were Adonal Foyle or Jelani McCoy, both free agents. Though I haven’t watched much of either of them, I know they both block a lot of shots, which is their big advantage over a guy like Pig. Foyle was like a #8 pick, so he should have more potential than he has shown. It would be nice if the guy brought in could run the floor with our guys as well. I haven’t seen enough of Foyle or McCoy to judge them in that area. I don’t know for sure, but it doesn’t seem that they would command much more than $2 million in the open market. Neither of them are in great situations right now and might enjoy a change of scenery, especially Foyle. Though there isn’t a giant opening available in Houston, they should be assured that if they play well, the PT will come, and CD and Rudy are as good with big men as just about anyone. Do you think this would be a wise use of our exception, and do you think there is actually a possibility of the Rockets using the exception on a center? Also, do we still have the exception if we use that $4.5 million trade thing? ------------------
the 4.5mill doesn't affect the 2m exemption. BUT Adonal Foyle is 6'8" - he was drafted no 8 out of Colgate.. ever heard of it ? Nope, oh sure, he led the country in shotblocking and the warriors decided they'd give him a go, and he's a handy sort of backup, but he lacks size !!!! I know Pig's not much bigger and I have no problems getting rid of him... .. but remember we probably get Vancouvers second round pick, and there's a guy by the name of Jabari Smith who is 6'11" 260 and plays hard D, is a tough rebounder and decent shotblocker - no offense, he figures to go early to middle second round... why not just take him ? Good insurance for when Dream goes down again and might help Cato's attitude !!! ------------------
I thought we used our $2 million exception on Anderson, and that you couldn't use one two years in a row. Please correct me if I'm wrong. ------------------ Is it any coincidence that we are the only team mentioned in the national anthem? I didn't think so!
We must use the $2m on Mobley...sorry! RM95: you're thinking of the $1m exemption that we used on Barkley last year. That is available again after Aug 1st. also, we should really be calling this a Middle Class exemption because it increases every year. So actually, it is a $2.25 m exemption this year...then average salary thereafter. [This message has been edited by heypartner (edited March 31, 2000).]
Two words for a backup: Brad Miller Rudy had liked him b/c apparenly he had worked w/him during the basketball championships when the players had locked out and Rudy was using replacement players. I heard he wanted to sign him but Charlotte had nabbed him up. I also heard that Eddie Jones told the front office to bring him back or else he's leaving, so if he decides on a change of scenery, Eddie will leave and maybe could land here as well although I don't know what Mobley/Anderson would think about that. ------------------
no...we have Bird rights on Mobley ------------------ The clock is winding down, and Scottie has the ball, Cato is sprinting towards him, Pippen shoots and here comes Cato. Man did you see that block?!!! Ouch it hit Scottie right between the legs. ITS FINAL!! THE ROCKETS ARE THE CHAMPIONS OF Y2K!!!
Well DanaB, I thought we had this one worked out that Mobley's Early Bird rights only afford him a 175% raise (surely not acceptable to Mobes). But upon further review it is 175% or average salary (whichever is greater). So, I think we all stand corrected. The Early Bird should produce a raise equivalent to the Middle Class exception (also known as the "average salary exception"). Anyone know what the actual average amount is?
heypartner, How about a quick-n-dirty approximation of the number? If all teams have an average team salary of 36 million spread over 17 players (roster + IR + monopoly $$$ (Maloney,D Maclean)), shouldn't the average be about 2 million or a bit more per player? Some teams are way over 36 million and some are under. Some teams only have 15 players to pay and some have more. Does the monopoly money for Maloney and Don figure into the average salary figure? Mango ------------------ It could be worse ....... you could have been born a Jazz fan!!!! [This message has been edited by Mango (edited March 31, 2000).]
the "average salary" definition is easy to look up...hard to calculate. It is: total salaries paid during the previous season, dividing by 362.5 (29 teams, times 12.5 players per team) and then adding eight percent. ...whatever!! The easier way to approximate it is to look at the definition of the Middle Class exception: 98-99 $1.75 million 99-00 $2.00 million 00-01 $2.25 million thereafter The "average" salary of the previous season Thus, the Middle Class is being "ramped up" to the average. So, likely, the average is currently MORE than the Middle Class. I'm in agreement with DanaB...Mobley will take a one-year average salary using his Early Bird. Then he'll sign a Big Bird the following year for his market value. [This message has been edited by heypartner (edited March 31, 2000).]
I agree that mobley'll sign a 1 yr deal this off season.. I jsut hope the rockets don't go crazy and overpay him at the end of next season !!! Like I said before, we won't really be able to sign much more of a back up than piggy, so lets look at a youngster in the draft. ------------------
did you guys see Evan Eschmeyer's block on Vince Carter? that was awesome. That's what Hakeem should have done 2 weeks ago. Hopefully Venson Hamilton and/or Tyrone Washington will be available to help. [This message has been edited by outlaw (edited March 31, 2000).]
I don't know how we didn't draft Miller last year or Todd McCoullah (sp?), that big stiff from U Wash, by acquiring an early second rounder this year. These guys were way undervalued, could be servicable back-up big guys for years to come, and would have come cheap-cheap-cheap. I didn't get it, after all we drafted Tabak and that hapless 7' 3" UNC dutch fellow, these guys were better. Well on second thought, I am glad we didn't use the Mobley pick on Miller, but usually it isn't too hard to acquire additional 2nd rounders. [This message has been edited by sir scarvajal (edited March 31, 2000).]
To further clarify heypartner's clarification: the million dollar exception can only be used every other year, but the middle class exception can be used every year. I think he is unfortunately also right about having to use it on Mobley. Unless he wnats to be a real team player and continue to be underpaid so that we can get a backup center. ------------------
Two best ways to get a decent center. Hakeem will retire this year or accept a buyout. Cato is shipped somewhere that likes him yelling at EVERY damn foulhe makes. Then buy someone who wants to play and still has the legs and heart to do it. Hey Scarguy. McCulloch was a great center and I agree with you, we should have gone after him. Bigtime. Time to let go of all these titty bottles and spend out time,energy and support on the future of this team. Not the hasbeens, the lazy asses, or the inderacheivers. Francis, Anderson, Mobley, Moochie, Thomas are and will continue to be the future of this team. The rest can all go pound sand for all I care. Bring on some hot hands through trades and drafts. OlowoKandi, Kenyon, Duncan, Odom, McGrady, Rose, Finley, Kurt Thomas, PJ Brown,go after anyone that will HELP this team, not waste more time and energy "DEVELOPING" talent. ------------------
The post above is exhibit #1 in my argument to have all new members read the Top 50 FAQ and the correct answers before being allowed to post. Mango ------------------ It could be worse ....... you could have been born a Jazz fan!!!!
Anybody know what the record is for using the term "titty bottle" on a poster's first day in here? ------------------
DrNuegebauer: I agree with you. I think that a second round pick would be a good avenue to finding a future backup center. Jabari Smith sounds pretty intriguing; maybe he'd be a good pickup with our second round pick. Really, any big guy who can run the floor and block shots would not be that big of a dropoff from Cato, the player he is now. I think the mobility part is the hardest thing to find in a big man, however. Adonal Foyle's listed at 6'10 and 250, though NBA height stats aren't always accurate. The few times I've seen him he looked like he had good NBA size, taller than Pig anyway. He's still getting his blocks whether he's 6'8 and that's what I think we miss the most when Pig's in instead of Cato. Also having been drafted at #8, I would think he would have some potential to maybe give Cato a run for his minutes. Yet, it seems like the Rockets have no money to give him according to the other replies of this post, so I guess it's pointless to discuss him any further. outlaw: Weren't Hamilton and Washington drafted as PFs? If my memory's correct, they weren't much bigger than 6'8 and not too beefy, so they would probably be undersized as backup centers. ------------------
Venson was listed at 6'10 and 240lbs here: http://www.nba.com/draft99/playerfiles/venson_hamilton.html Tyrone is listed at 6'10 and 260lbs here: http://espn.go.com/nba/draft99/players/profiles/washington_tyrone.html Both were excellent rebounders and shot-blockers in the NCAA. [This message has been edited by outlaw (edited April 02, 2000).]
Thanks, outlaw. You were right. Sorry for doubting you. That would be great if they could contribute either this year or at least after Dream retires! ------------------
oakdogg: Trust me, Adonal Foyle doesn't have much potential on offense. He was drafted 8 because the warriors desperately needed a shot blocker and rebounder and he was lighting the country up blocking shots at Colgate... he didn't really have to play against much bigger players and so he rebounded and scored well too. Unfortunately everyone except the warriors knew he wouldn't be so good in the pro's - I guess they didn't care that he had no offense, they jsut wanted his shotblocking - and he brought that. If you want someone who can't shoot free throws OR field goals than Foyle's the man - he also struggles mightily to guard players who are bigger than him ( most of them ). I guess he's better than Pig, but why bother with either of them ? Let's get ourselves a legitimate option to train as a center... ------------------
