The only thing that I find encouraging is that the Rockets are looking at the 2010 free agent class,however they will have no room if they shell out a big contract to McGrady,possibly Artest too. That doesn't mean I don't want to retain Ron for a similar deal to the one that he has now if he plays consistently or a healthy McGrady for an MLE like contact. Bottom line is that we need to strike it rich with some luck,with a healthy Yao as our center. I fear that if we fail to make it to the 2nd round this season then no significant player will want to come to Houston.
What a great coincidence most of our contracts expire in 2010, the greatest free agent summer in recent history! I mean, it really is just a series of fortuitous events. I'm sure Morey, his assistants and capologists had absolutely nothing to do with it Everybody wants a piece of Bosh, LBJ and Wade, and rather than going after the big three I think its better to go after other targets. I vote we keep our roster (including shane and artest) and just replace Alston with Steve Nash. Nash would be perfect for Adelman's system. And with us he'll finally get a chance to win a ring. I mean, whoever heard of a two time MVP who doesn't have a ring?
But with Deke playing some minutes against offense that simply too big for Chuck to handle, it will save some grind on Yao's legs, hence less chance to get injured. Les is too cheap!
just have a look at T-center. of course he's happy with Yao. i bet even the toilet tab is advertised by Chinese brand.
Les is not thinking straight. Deke is not a great great player, but he is heck of a great great backup. we are not looking for a starting Center, we are looking for a backup who can provide rebound and inside presence. we saw that in Nuggets game when Yao was resting in second quarter. Hayes single handedly place the nuggets back on the scoring pt due to his undersize and height.
Please tell us what Deke did against the Jazz last year in the playoffs that makes you think he is a difference maker.
As much as people want to call Les cheap, the NBA is a business. I dont expect him to willingly lose millions just to add Mutombo. I agree, Mutombo is a great backup C, but would you add him for 5 or 6 million cuz that is what it would cost Les if they can not dump salary. Mutombo is a luxury, but I dont think he is the difference between a championship or not. I will also agree more size is needed. There has been talk of the Luther for Sean Williams deal but who knows if that is true or if Williams can add anything. I would look into Brandon Wright from GS. He is 6'10 and GS needs to create a roster spot to add Monta Ellis back by this week. He hasnt played much but seems long and athletic enough to get some rebounds and blocks. Lets face it he would be playing limited mins anyway. I think he adds more then Sean Williams would. Plus GS has a similar player in Anthony Randolph who they seem to like more. I would offer Head and Francis for Wright, Marcus Williams and Anthony Hendrix. The GS trio makes just over 4 million and Head and Francis make about 4.6 million. That saves us about 500K and creates the roster spot for GS who can let both Head and Francis expire so they dont have to eat a guaranteed contract to bring Ellis back. Head can shoot but not defend so he fits their style of play. Francis who knows what he may or may not do. Hendrix can be cut since he only makes 444 K if we need the roster spot. Williams sucks but can sit on the bench as a back up PG like Head was. Wright gives us a young 6'10 guy for spot minutes. Hardly a big splash, but possibly helps both teams. Sorry, the random trade thread is gone and this at least applies to the Mutombo backup Center issue.
Glad to know that Les has to talk the Deke because the smart rox fans constantly bring this up. Of course he is happy with Yao and Tmac because they are making money for him. Les will never trade Tmac for a few good role players even although this could bring a good team chemistry, a bit of more wins, simply because Tmac has a much better market value to make more money for Les. Les is just a business man. Winning is second.
I am not a fan of Les Alexander. He is obviously quite a businessman, but there is reason to question his basketball sense. You can't really blame CD for all the stupid trades, acquisitions, and contracts through the years. I will give him this he is a natural salesman, and talks a good game. The fact that he has never produced more than a first round exit speaks volumes. (To be fair, the championships belong to the previous owner and Steve Patterson). Morey is impressive but is he really a "basketball" person? For example, Hayes, Scola, and Landry are all redundant players. We have one "tall" player. The organization is in love with Rafer Alston. I bet Rafer doesn't start for any other team in the NBA. Issues like this raise questions.
Yeah, he averaged almost 7 boards and 2 blocks per game despite averaging only 20 minutes a game. He kept Williams and AK from driving into the lane while he was out there. If you think that Chuck can handle Okur/Boozer if Yao was out, then maybe you are spending too much time watching the power dancers and not enough time watching the team Why wouldn't you want Deke and why do you think that Chuck is a capable backup should Yao get hurt again? Chandler, Duncan, Okur, Bynum, etc... vs. Chuck
I think there's a chance Alston is traded. In the article Fegein reported that Les said: To achieve that the Rockets obvious scenarios are trades with Oklahoma or Memphis or moving over $9M of salary. Why would Oklahoma or Memphis add over $2M to their expenditure for expiring contracts? That's why I have a feeling the Rockets will do a big trade salary-wise and that they'll keep Battier over Alston.
Please tell us if Deke was signed to be a starter or backup for the rockets and please tell us how his defense on Carlos Boozer was in the Jazz series. He was not signed to be a difference maker and 6.5 boards + 1.8 tapouts aint bad for 20 minutes a night. The guy is a warrior plus Yao is practicing against a bunch of midgets. Would hate to see the Spurs get him. Sign him or Horry and lets move on.
