I REALLY want Stro! More than any other possible candidates.. I feel like he'd be the best fit for us at PF among all the guys we're interested in.
Games in which Stromile Swift plays 30+ minutes: 2004-2005 7 games, record 4-3 (overall 43-37) 35 minutes per game 47.3% shooting (44-93) 79.6% fts (6.14-7.7 per game) 18.7 ppg, 7.3 reb, 1.3 ast, 1.0 stl, 2.43 blk, 2.14 to 2003-2004 7 games, record 4-3 (overall 50-32) 33 minutes per game 54% shooting (47-87) 72.1% fts (4.4-6.1 per game) 17.4 ppg, 8.4 reb, 0.4 ast, 1.3 stl, 1.7 blk, 1.1 to 2002-2003 16 games, record 5-11 (overall 28-54) 33 minutes per game 47.4% shooting (92-194) 72.1% fts (3.9-5.4 per game) 15.6 ppg, 9.7 reb, 0.7 ast, 1.1 stl, 2.8 blk, 2.6 to 2001-2002 27 games, record 9-18 (overall 23-59) 34 minutes per game 45.5% shooting (135-297) 73.5% fts (4.4-6 per game) 14.4 ppg, 8.3 reb, 0.9 ast, 0.9 stl, 1.7 blk, 2.3 to ------------------- whew, that took a while to calculate. It's on a txt file if y'all need it. Okay, any trends? Let's see, he rebounded better when he played more minutes consistently. He's getting to the line a lot. I would guess that if he gets consistent time next year, he can get to the line 8 times a game. His scoring per minute has gone up each year (in 30+ minute games). He shoots ft's well for a PF, so getting to the line really benefits the team. And lastly (i'm tired), his win/loss record of games in which he plays 30+ minutes mimic those of the team overall, so honestly, I don't think it was Stro's fault for Memphis being bad or good. He came out of a terrible draft (the 2000 draft was just awful) and is what he is. Given time, he'll put up the stats...but more importantly, he'll do things that'll help the Rockets. Protect the basket from penetrating guards, guard quicker post players (instead of Yao), and most importantly, I really think Swift's track record (examined carefully) make him a Solid 3rd scoring option. If the guy can stay around 50% shooting but get to the line 8 times and hit 80% of those, that's more solid than Antoine Walker who gets to the line less than 5 times per game (and shoots many more shots) and only makes 54% of his freethrows. It's about effeciency, and I think Stro can be efficient in whatever role he plays with the Rockets, starting or off the bench. Score points, block shots, and grab boards (needs improvement, but I think it might be a desire thing + getting minutes consistently thing, not an ability thing).
Well, the most immediate trend from that data is the fact that the less and less he played major minutes, the better the Grizzlies got. Obviously, not the best statistical analysis...but it is right there... Troublesome, but I still would rank Swift as priorty 1 with Walker 1A if Swift can't get done.
I don't really care too much about foul trouble. Our PF's job should be to absorb some of Yao's fouls. Cato seemingly enjoyed doing that, and it helped the team overall. I know Walker would not want to do dirty work like that. His ego is just too large. Swift would be more able and likely to carry out this task. Besides, we'll hopefully have Howard waiting to come in and contribute. Hopefully we'll get our answer tomorrow.
yah, that paper has been writing articles like that about him for half the season. Wanted to get their parting shots in before he officially left I guess.
True but the Grizzlies never had T-mac and Yao so i dont see any way that the Rockets become worse if they add Swift to the mix and he plays significant minutes. You have gotta like those numbers. His shooting percentage could be a little higher but it should sky rocket next season (if we do get him) because he should be getting tons of easy baskets due to the attention paid to Yao and T-mac
I can't blame the writer too much. Stro didn't really diss Memphis badly, but his comment was a snub, easily rendered since he is all but out of there. Stromile will have a bit of a resurrection here. He needs starter's minutes. Give him 24 minutes at the 4, several minutes at the 5 and sometimes the 3 (hey, he only weighs 230 or so, he should be able to put in spot minutes anywhere on the frontcourt, depending on matchups), not to mention he'll be on his favorite team (I mention that too much, I know), and he'll be fine. Not world-beater, but very good. As long as he believes JVG's warning: "I can be kinda mean." But I'm sure T-Mac told Stro in the recruiting process how much he likes JVG the coach. No problem there.
Any word as to whether or not Swift is ACTUALLY going to let the Rockets know by today? Can anyone on the inside confirm this?? Yaomania??
Swift is a role player period !! we do not need him to score , we need the defense he brings , for 5 million + in today's time in the NBA is a bargain !!! He is just a piece of our puzzle !!!! We are paying mOOCHIE 4 million to be a cheerleader !!!! What did we pay Cato ? On Memphis , they have no superstar ,that is their problem and they are 12 men deep with nothing but role players !!! Swift will fit his role here and if he takes the MLE it will be a huge lift for the rockets !!!!
What is wrong with you people, would you take 5 mil instead of 9 mil a year. Of course he is not coming here for the MLE. If we can do a S&T maybe but no way for the MLE, period. Besides if he is that stupid I am not sure I want him here.
His agent wants $9 million, but virtually no one can give him more than the MLE without a sign-and-trade. However, it looks like New Jersey is considering it. From today's New York Post: SHAREEF ON HOLD, SO NETS COURT SWIFT By FRED KERBER July 13, 2005 -- What the Nets want to give, the Blazers don't want, and what the Blazers want, the Nets won't give. So Nets brass, while still placing Shareef Abdur-Rahim atop its power-forward wish list, stepped up a contingency scenario by meeting yesterday in Las Vegas with Memphis free agent Stromile Swift. The Nets' approach has been to try to land Abdur-Rahim from Portland through a sign-and-trade with their $4.9 trade exception and a second-round draft pick, but the Blazers are adamant that they have no interest in the trade exception and want a No. 1. Conversely, the Nets are loathe to part with a No. 1 pick. Nets president Rod Thorn, in Las Vegas, had no additional talks with Portland and claimed the situation was "nowhere." While Thorn declined to reveal any particulars of his previous talks, he indicated it would be "fair to say" he would not part with any first-round pick, including a 2007 pick that Blazers GM John Nash indicated could get it done. The Blazers could lose Abdur-Rahim and get nothing in return if he takes a mid-level exception offer. "The trade exception is not a valuable thing to us," Nash, the former Nets GM, said, expressing luxury-tax concerns. "A future first is also something that is desirable for the very reason that to use it would bring back another salary." But the Nets pretty much are saying dream on. "We're not giving up a No. 1," one team official repeatedly stressed. "Right now, though, the talks are nowhere," said Thorn, who claimed he expects a resolution of the Abdur-Rahim issue "in the next few days." The Nets have had contact with Swift's camp, but the fact the power forward met them in Vegas seemed positive. Swift was a guy the Nets considered before drafting Kenyon Martin in 2000. There are concerns regarding his practice habits, but the Nets feel they have a self-policing team. The 6-9, 225-pound Swift, 25, is a 9.0-point, 5.0-rebound career performer. Abdur-Rahim, 28 and 6-9, 245 pounds, carries career numbers of 19.8 points and 8.1 rebounds. Still, the Nets are not giving up on Abdur-Rahim. The problem is how to do it. "Until Shareef's agent calls and suggests a sign-and-trade, it's a moot point," said Nash. The Nets have had cursory conversations with Memphis about a possible sign-and-trade involving Swift. Memphis GM Jerry West could not be reached for comment yesterday. The Nets' third option is Toronto's Donyell Marshall, 32.
That 9 million a year thing, I think, was the sort of media concoction that becomes the reality in people's minds. Unless his agent threw it out there. I don't know what cut agents get, but a cut of 9 mil is much more than 5.1 or whatever the MLE is. Still, I think the 9 million is some journalist fantasy. Stro is not worth that much or Cleveland/Atlanta/Somebody would have ponied it up.
I was thinking the same thing ROXTXIA, things would be a lot more clear cut if they came out and said, "I want 9m." But I can't believe there is no word on the Rockets front. Can anyone give any kind of update? Doc? YaoMania? What is going? This is driving me nuts.
With the type of money being thrown around to mediocre players this offseason if Swift signs for the MLE he should fire his agent.
look - if New Jersey won't give up a first round pick (of which they have like 12) in a S-n-T with Portland for a 20 point, 9 rebound a night player ... then why would they give up something in a trade for a 9 pt, 5 rebound player... also saw that the knicks are after Walker now - Lakers are after Brown, NJ is after SAR, Wizzard are after Marshall - Atl is going to sign CHandler to an offer sheet (or die trying) I think everyone is waiting for SAR to sign, so that the other players can fall into place
