June 28, 2003, 10:56PM TIME TO TWEAK Adding to nucleus Rockets' likely plan By JONATHAN FEIGEN Copyright 2003 Houston Chronicle At a few ticks past midnight Monday, Rockets general manager Carroll Dawson and coach Jeff Van Gundy could be on someone's porch with roses and all the riches the franchise's salary-cap limitations will allow. The NBA's free-agent dance begins Tuesday, and Dawson is a former Baylor coach who has not lost his taste for recruiting. But the Rockets' free-agent season likely will not go that way. The hard sell never has been Dawson's style and does not seem to be Van Gundy's. Beyond that, the Rockets don't seem moved to romance the flashy free agents. Signs point toward a more graceful pursuit of subtle changes. Players cannot sign until July 16. The Rockets have not mapped out their strategy. But Van Gundy took the Rockets job in part because of his high opinion of the team's nucleus of talent. That opinion has grown stronger through his evaluations. The Rockets ended last season believing their nucleus needed more seasoned and proven veterans. The coaching change has seemed to reinforce the inclination to add to the nucleus, rather than break it up, if only because Van Gundy wants to see for himself what he's got before choosing to get something else. "As we identify the positions that we want to fill on the team, we'd like to have people that are veterans to stabilize," Dawson said. "It doesn't have to be old people, but it has to be somebody that is established in the league. Whether we are able to get some of those are not, we have to go through the summer league and see what happens and fill in the team along that vein. "Right now, it's hard to say whether there will be any of those or not." The difficulty begins with Van Gundy's crash course on the Rockets and the draft. In addition to his videotape marathon, Van Gundy has spent his time since becoming coach trying to put together a staff, meeting his players and cramming for last Thursday's draft. He spoke with center Yao Ming on Thursday, but could not tell him who else would be his coach. Former Knicks center Patrick Ewing appears more inclined to wait for Michael Jordan's expected purchase of the Bucks to accept a position in that organization. Steve Clifford and Tom Thibodeau are still expected to rejoin Van Gundy but have not completed contract negotiations. The process of putting together Van Gundy's first Rockets team could be as deliberate. Without directives yet from Van Gundy about which free agents to chase, the Rockets have a pretty good idea about his tastes. "In talking with him so far, he likes physically tough guys," director of player personnel Dennis Lindsey said. "He likes mentally tough guys. He likes guys that can shoot the ball. I think we all want to improve our shooting, not just off an evaluation of last year's team, but also where the league is going with zone defenses." Lindsey was speaking about the team's preparations for the draft, rather than free agency. But Van Gundy seems more likely to seek those qualities in a veteran than in a rookie chosen in the second round of the draft. The first call could be to James Posey, the Rockets' own free-agent forward who could be the sort of defender Van Gundy wants. Posey made his home in Houston even before the trade brought that him to the Rockets last December. The Rockets made a qualifying offer so they can match any offer Posey receives. But the market has not yet set the price it will take to keep him. There are many players -- besides the Karl Malone, Jermaine O'Neal, Elton Brand, Jason Kidd headliners -- out there within the budget that could fit those descriptions. If Charlie Ward, Van Gundy's point guard with the Knicks, opts out of his contract on Monday, or is bought out of his contract by the Knicks on Tuesday, he could bring the toughness Van Gundy loves and add depth to the backcourt. Pistons guard Jon Barry brings similar qualities. He can play both guard spots and offers a perimeter shooting touch. Seattle guard Kevin Ollie is known for his toughness, especially defensively. Spurs guard Speedy Claxton is not as big a defender and in some ways, duplicates some of Steve Francis' strengths. But he is coming off an impressive postseason and would bring an up-tempo element the Rockets have lacked. The Raptors' Voshon Lenard offers the shooting touch off the bench the Rockets have lacked in the backcourt. The Mavericks' Raja Bell is the sort of defender who could appeal to Van Gundy. The Timberwolves' Kendall Gill and Jazz's Calbert Cheaney are also veterans coming off solid seasons. Jim Jackson had an outstanding season with the Kings, but he is expected to remain in Sacramento. The Bucks are not expected to exercise the option on guard Anthony Peeler, acquired Friday, making him a free agent. If the Rockets look for veteran help in the frontcourt, they could join the pursuit of P.J. Brown, though he could look for a deal much richer that the Rockets could offer or with a team in better position to make a run at a championship. Keon Clark and Juwan Howard could be out of the Rockets' price range. Houston native Jake Voskuhl could bring frontcourt energy, though the Suns are determined to bring him back. Because the Rockets are over the salary cap, they likely cannot get into a bidding war. They could only go past the mid-level exception, expected to be start at about $4.5 million in the first year of a free agent contract, in a sign-and-trade deal. But the Rockets' most coveted assets other than Francis and Yao -- Eddie Griffin, Cuttino Mobley -- don't make enough money to work a big-money sign-and-trade. The team's larger contracts -- Kelvin Cato, Maurice Taylor -- are difficult to move. Glen Rice's contract, worth $9 million next season, does come off the books after one season, making it useful to teams hoping to duck under the cap next summer. But there are few of those teams around, and fewer with players the Rockets want. The Rockets do seem willing to spend the mid-level exception, and perhaps their veteran's exception worth another $1.5 million, even if it pushes their payroll past the trigger of the luxury tax. Rockets owner Leslie Alexander has said in recent years that he was willing to exceed the salary cap. But while Dawson said the Rockets would not ignore the potential of taking a luxury tax hit, they would not consider it an insurmountable roadblock to the player or players they want. "The tax and the money is a big concern to all of us," Dawson said. "That's what it's there for. You have to look at it. But it never does above winning, and it never will with our owner. "His biggest concern is making sure we have the right equipment to win. All owners are businessmen. They're not going to foolishly waste money. They want it put into the right place, where it will count and (turn) into victories and eventually, parades."
Also some not so interesting names. Charlie Ward? Anthony Peeler? Jim Jackson? Kendall Gill? Calbert Cheney? I think Glen Rice and Mo Taylor already fulfill the Rockets' quota of overpaid veterans. I thought Kevin Ollie or Raja Bell might give the Rockets what Juaquin Hawkins did last year, but possibly in a greater, more elevated role. I'd like to see the Rockets resign Hawkins...I think he might be able to contribute in a JVG system. As for verteran leadership, I'd look to a big man with muscle. The Rockets need an enforcer, like Oak-tree provided for the Knicks, back in the day.
Instead of wasting money on a loser like Jake Voskhul, Les should just buy Yao a super-sized oxygen tank, similiar to the one Dream used to have in Denver. Imagine what will happen if Dallas adds a Jason Kidd or San Antonio adds a Jermaine O'Neal, or the Lakers add PJ Brown or Juwan Howard. Princess Les: Yao, you are our only hope.
One thing that we have learned in the past is that the Chronicle's sports writers know absolutely nothing. So if the Chronicle says one thing, just think the complete opposite.
Boo, deceptive title by Feigen. Who knew signing Raja Bell could be considered "adding to the nucleus"? I know "electron cloud" doesn't sound as good, but it would be more appropriate. Next thing we know, Saul Smith will be a crucial piece to our summer team "nucleus". Ward, Ollie, and Barry would all be preferable to Moochie as a 3rd guard. Ward knows JVG, Ollie has defense and is not mistake prone (#1 AST/TO), Barry has size and the best shot of the group. If Cato was to be moved, a guy like Voskuhl is better than Collier, IMO. PS- If Ewing follows MJ to Milwaukee, he's the biggest tool ever. A chance to work with Yao Ming and Eddie Griffin, or Joel Pryzbilla and now Joe Smith? Houston's even a lot closer to the Gold Club.
Calbert Cheaney???? THE calbert cheaney that shot 0 for like 40 in the playoffs this year? THE calbert cheaney that couldn't hit even the backboard in the Jazz/Kings series?? Seriously, I think the names that Feigan mentioned...only Barry interests me. Ward? If he wants ward, it better be for like 2 mil a year. Claxton? A good backup and nothing less...but we have mooch tied down to so much money that it wouldn't be smart NOT to play him *shudder* I like that Feigan addresses the players that we, financially, can probably sign..but c'mon...Calbert Cheaney!??!
Ok.... so basically this article is crap and tells us nothing... he's just throwing a bunch of names up without anything concrete. Feigen hasn't a clue.
TIME TO TWEAK Adding to nucleus Rockets' likely plan By JONATHAN FEIGEN Copyright 2003 Houston Chronicle Again I say to you this is his opinion and interpretation of what is going on. My comments follow selected paragraphs. Former Knicks center Patrick Ewing appears more inclined to wait for Michael Jordan's expected purchase of the Bucks to accept a position in that organization. We are being saved from a Spotlight seeker not someone that might be a good big mans Coach. "In talking with him so far, he likes physically tough guys," director of player personnel Dennis Lindsey said. "He likes mentally tough guys. He likes guys that can shoot the ball. If this was true[It just cant be] and JVG has seen the tapes then he would trade the complete Rockets Team, not just Griffin ! Rockets would not ignore the potential of taking a luxury tax hit, they would not consider it an insurmountable roadblock to the player or players they want. But it never does above winning, and it never will with our owner. What is going on here, first we hear that Les wants to make a big splash going into the new Arena and he doesnt mind going over the Cap. Next Feigen tells us that we wont be attempting to add or Trade anyone of substance, only players not wanted by their current team and on the declining side of their career such as Jon Barry etc. Then Feigen states that CD. says that we will go over the cap for the right player, if we realy want him! Ok then what about one that makes a significant upgrade? "His biggest concern is making sure we have the right equipment to win. All owners are businessmen. They're not going to foolishly waste money. They want it put into the right place, where it will count and (turn) into victories and eventually, parades." If this is true that Les Alexander thinks like that and I believe he is a good businessman, who is saying that we should not make a major move only get the likes of Kendall Gill, Calbert Cheaney, Anthony Peeler, Charlie Ward and Jon Barry[have you checked last seasons stats]. If this is the case then I hope our 44th pick has a fantastic off season as we are going to need him to help make the Big Splash!
I'd take Ollie or Peeler. Ollie is a very good defender and does not make mistakes with the ball. He's not much of an offensive threat, but plays his role very well. Peeler brings shooting and excellent defense. Both players could be had for a relatively cheap price.
I don't know why everyone is so down on Charlie Ward. At the right price, he'd be such an improvement over Moochie... Although I'd rather have Jon Barry, Ward would be a huge upgrade... Unless we trade Griffin or Taylor for a PF, that is all we should add in my opinion, especially if they really think Boki will provide 10-15 off the bench. Also, I wouldn't mind seeing Turkoglu in a Rockets uni.
I don't know what Ward's contract is like, but he'd be a SOLID backup point guard for the right price. He's a good assist man, a capable 3 point shooter, and a better defender than any of our current point guards.
I believe Feigen gets great sources, because he never harms the Rox with wild speculation and he protects his sources. Clutch has said this. When Feigen writes like this, you have to look at what he didn't write. He continues to be saying JVG is identifying the nucleus and standing pat--short of a perfect trade. what? This is the second time he has denied (by more than omission) that Mobley is on the block, in direct contrast to the hopes and dreams of many here, such as all the silly Jon Barry or Tinsley for Mobley trade ideas. Read the title, again. imo, he is telling us for the second time that JVG includes Mobley in the nucleus and is not breaking it up for anything less than a perfect trade. tell me the scenario you expected in the summer Guys, just because you are not hearing what you want (BREAK THEM UP), does not mean Feigen isn't telling us something in this article, within the limitations of the fact he never harms the Rockets negotiating position with confirmed trade talks about the starters/key players.
great article, nothing to cry over... at least that is what i have expected... there are some who think the roster should be torn apart but it won't happen.
If you figure that there are only 4 teams (Spurs, Nuggets, Jazz, & Clippers) with more cap space than the mid-level exception, then the Rockets have a good chance to pick up a quality FA or two. The key will be to go after those players that won't garner as much attention at first & really make them feel wanted, rather than sit around waiting on the higher profile players to make up their minds. We did that on Dream & missed out on most of the FA's that could've helped us. Here's the players that I'd pursue by position, focusing on my need areas of PF & depth at SG/PG first. PG: Lue/Armstrong/Best/Rod Strickland SG: Piatkowski/Barry/Peeler/Jordan (Hey, it wouldn't hurt to ask him) SF: Posey/Piatkowski PF: I'd probably have to do a S&T to get a good one(Mobley/filler for P.J.Brown?)(Rice/Mobley for Brian Grant/filler?)(Mobley/fillers for T-Ratliff?) etc. etc. C: Unless we trade Cato, we're set here. If we could manage to land Lue($1.3 mill veterans exception), Piatkowski, & Barry(split the mid-level between Barry & Piatkowski, or S&T for one of them), in addition to resigning Posey & trading for a starting PF, we'd be set. Ambitious? Yes! Doable? With some creativity, yes! Here's a list of the top FA's at their respective positions, according to the NY Daily News. Pick your poison. I didn't know Howard was a SF. http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/story/96403p-87345c.html Feeling the cap crunch There's no room for free-agent frenzy Summertime, and the livin' is easy. The hard part, for NBA free agents, is finding teams offering maximum salary slots. Jason Kidd is almost guaranteed to get "max" money, whether it's from the Nets or Spurs. But as free agency starts Tuesday for 142 other free agents, including 13 former All-Stars, just about everyone else is going to feel the effects of a league-wide recession. Only four teams - the Spurs, Nuggets, Jazz and Clippers, who never spend any money - have the potential to offer maximum salaries. A handful of teams, including the Heat, could be anywhere from $4 million to $6 million under the cap. But the vast majority of teams are either capped out or wary of over-spending because of the luxury tax. So the best they can do is offer the $4.5 million exception. That's not exactly big money, but times are tough all over. "This is the first year that our TV money has gone down," says Mark Cuban, the Mavericks owner. "Not paying the tax and getting your share of what is paid is very critical to many teams." To make matters worse, the economic forecast calls for continued gloom and doom. The salary cap went down last season for the first time in history and is expected to remain at a shade over $40 million. Cuban says the only thing that saved the cap from decreasing a second straight season was the sale of retro jerseys. TV money from the new contract, now entering its second season, is not going to increase anytime soon. So it doesn't bode well for Kevin Garnett and Kobe Bryant, who headline next year's free-agent class. As for this summer's class, players can start signing contracts on July 16. Other than Kidd and a few others, don't expect a big rush to the bargaining table. But when September rolls around and offers are few and far between, more than a few players will be running to grab onto the million-dollar exception. A look at the top free agents by position: Point guards 1. Jason Kidd: It'll come down to two teams - San Antonio and New Jersey. Remember who won a few weeks back? Expect the same result here. 2. Gary Payton: One of many stars who will have to take a major pay cut. But having the chance to play with Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant will make signing for the $4.5 mil exception a whole lot easier to justify. 3. Gilbert Arenas: Kidd will visit Denver. Arenas will end up living there. Some of the Nuggets' $22 million in cap space will go to the Warriors' guard. 4. Andre Miller: After the year he had, it's hard to see anyone offering him more than the $4.5 million. Denver and Utah are expected to make offers, but Clips may match. 5. Speedy Claxton: His stock has been on the rise since Game6 of the Finals, when he knocked down open J's during the Spurs' clinching win. But can he do it elsewhere, when he doesn't have Tim Duncan sucking in the defense? The Next Five: Kenny Anderson, Rod Strickland, Tyronn Lue, Antonio Daniels and Darrell Armstrong. Shooting guards 1. Richard Hamilton: He's restricted, and with the very few scorers the Pistons have, they'll definitely match any offer. 2. Jerry Stackhouse: With money scarce, he'd be crazy to opt out of his current deal and leave Washington. Besides, Michael Jordan is no longer around to torment him and the other Wizards. 3. Reggie Miller: Any kind of decent offer from the Pacers will keep him in Indiana, where he's put down roots over the years. 4. Stephen Jackson: He's staying in San Antonio, but his days of starting are definitely numbered. 5. Corey Maggette: Another Clipper restricted free agent who's been extended a qualifying offer, and figures to stay at least one more season. The Next Five: Lucious Harris, Eric Piatkowksi, Jason Terry (restricted), Jon Barry and Steve Smith. Small forwards 1. Lamar Odom: He's restricted and even with his drug history, the Clippers intend on re-signing him. They'll get him cheap, too. 2. Juwan Howard: One of a handful of players who signed deals for over $100 million in the summer of 1996, when money grew on trees. Say hello to a new tax bracket. 3. James Posey: With the few defenders Jeff Van Gundy has as he starts out in Houston, he'll make sure this restricted free agent isn't going anywhere. 4. Scottie Pippen: Even if he's nearing 38, he'll still get the $4.5 million exception from some team. 5. Walt Williams: Good shooters are hard to find, making the Mavs reserve a good candidate for someone's $4.5 million slot. The Next Five: Kenny Thomas (restricted), Calbert Cheaney, Adrian Griffin, Walter McCarty, Jumaine Jones (restricted). Power forwards 1. Tim Duncan: Has as much of a chance of leaving San Antonio as the Alamo. It's a player opt-out, anyway. 2. Elton Brand: Tops Spurs' list of frontcourt players because he's so solid on and off the court. The Clips are going to match. Maybe next year, if the Spurs don't use their money on Kidd. 3. Jermaine O'Neal: This summer's tease. Isiah Thomas isn't leaving, hard to believe, but neither is the Pacers' top player, even if his name has been linked to the Spurs as David Robinson's replacement. 4. P.J. Brown: One of the few who will command more than the $4.5 mil exception, with the Lakers and Spurs competing for the Hornets' starter. 5. Karl Malone: Playing for the Lakers and Mavs is definitely enticing to someone who doesn't have a ring, but he can always get Jazz owner Larry Miller to open the vault one more time. The Next Five: Keon Clark (player option), Derrick Coleman, Robert Horry (team option), Samaki Walker, Robert (Tractor) Traylor (team option). Center 1. Brad Miller: Pacers' starter might have the most value of any big man. The Spurs have discussed splitting their $14 million of cap room, with Kidd getting the bulk and Miller coming in for what's left. 2. Vlade Divac: Has a player opt-out, but he's a lock to stay in Sacramento. 3. Alonzo Mourning: Dallas might gamble that his kidney problems are over, in which case the Heat would like to do a sign-and-trade. But if there are no takers, he can always re-sign with Pat Riley for one more season. 4. Michael Olowokandi: The Clippers drafted two centers (Chris Kaman and Sofoklis Schortsianitis, aka Baby Shaq) Thursday, so it's goodbye and good riddance to the No. 1 pick overall in 1998. Denver has an interest. 5. Radoslav Nesterovic: The Timberwolves acquired Ervin Johnson as insurance as part of Friday's Sam Cassell deal, just in case Nesterovic walks. The Next Five: Elden Campbell, Theo Ratliff, Jake Voskuhl, Popeye Jones and Brian Skinner.
If Andre Miller is worth $4.5 million, we should go after him. Moochie Norris makes $3.6 million. The difference in talent level is ridiculous.
OK then what we are to understand is that JVG/CD/Les love the the Rockets, in their present form, and are not making any major trades this offseason. This means that JVG has seen the tapes and is prepared to tackle the problems clearly exhibited by his revue. Then let the cards fall as they may and we should support his efforts to turn our team arround. This does of course arouse certain inquisitive thoughts! What ever happened to the Big Splash? What ever happened that Les was willing to spend over the cap for just the right addition? What ever happened to Francis moving to the Two Guard What ever happened to using Rice and his $9,000000 in a Trade? What ever happened to getting rid of Moochie?
