The Orlando trade has been the best trade in the history of the NBA for me. Basketball has never been so exciting. I'm so glad Francis is in a system that really suits him. He seems revitalized with a team that appeciates his passion and loyalty. I'm also glad that everyone finally gets a chance to see the 1-2 "punch" of Yao and McGrady. Rockets have never been more fun for me to watch as well. McGrady is finally in a system he wanted. It's been nothing but excitement watching him try to show everyone that he's a winner now that he finally has his "missing piece" in Yao Ming. The Rockets are on the path to get more than 21 wins. The Magic are on the path to get more than 45 wins. I think it's obvious that the respective talents just needed teams and situations that suited them. I now have 2 "favorite" teams, the Orlando Magic and the Houston Rockets. Thank you Rockets for shipping out Francis/Mobley/Cato! The NBA has NEVER been this exciting to me Can you imagine how horrible everything would be if Yao/Contract Fillers was traded for the #1 pick and Grant Hill? I'm glad everything turned out for the better. Thank you Rockets Thank you Magic ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- insert random rant from reading a thread in the forums but not being able to find which thread it was: What peeves me is the "fair weather" fan insult. What's so bad about a fair weather fan? Personally, I think it's much better being a fair weather fan then a "die hard" fan. Examples: Fair Weather Fan of Nazi Germany vs Die Hard True Fan of Nazi Germany The Rockets organization promotes racism/sexism/(insert what you are offended by) Now I ask you: are you a fair weather fan or die hard fan?
As much as I like Stevie and his hustle, McGrady is clearly a superior player. It was convenient for Orlando to get 3 starters who've played w/ each other in the trade so they could get off to a quick start. In the long run, this will benefit the Rockets. The Rockets have a far better chance of winning a championship with Yao and McGrady than the Magic does with Francis and Hill. So enjoy it while you can.
Ya, i think taht in the long term the rockets have much more upside, as far as championship potential. It might take a couple of years for us to get decent role players to surround the tmac/yao 12 punch with, but once we do get some good role players, watch out.
I don't the Magic would have offered that. Orlando doesn't have a large Asian base like say the Los Angeles area.
I prefered Ray Allen, and the Rockets might have been able to get Vladimir Radmanovic in the deal too.
Also, anyone who thinks Steve is better than TMac is drinking too much alcohol. Especially in the half-court, the ability to elevate above your defender to get an open jumper is essential. This was a reason why Michael Jordan at 6'6'' was so adept at getting open shots with his dribble. TMac is 6'8''? This guy is pretty tall for a SG, and he can get an open shot from anywhere in the half-court. It's the garbage the Magic traded along with TMac that has handicapped the Rockets. The Rockets miss Mobley's outside shot and Cato's defensive presence. Mobley was also a legit secondary go-to guy.
I mentioned the Lakers in the prior post. Lakers will offer Odom, Mihm, Butler for Yao, Mo, and Boki. I'm pretty sure the Lakers will throw in a 1st rounder and the maximum $3 million cash.
TMac isn't Ray Allen, and Steve is no Mark Price. Steve was never comfortable in the half-court pulling up for a jumper.
Orlando got the #1 overall pick AND Grant Hill this season. They are in the east. Its crazy speculation to imply who got the better end of the deal. Its unknown what would have transpired if it never happened or even if the teams conferences were reversed.
Thank you PeeeMeS. Please post more often in order to help counter those forces and axis of evil here.
brave words considering that Cato has been injured so much this season - but all in all, the Magic have some extra special things to be thankful for this year (including a BIG thanks to Grant Hill for getting back out there) .. also, in the long run the Rocket may really prevail in this deal - if you all don't trade or resign Cat (since he may look for a paycheck next season)
