Just FYI, from the Philly Inquirer 'No more projects.The Houston Rockets are leaning toward snatching 7-foot-5 center Yao Ming of China with the first pick of this month's draft, and they are seeking the support of Philly native Cuttino Mobley and franchise player Steve Francis. Francis and Mobley have other ideas. "I'd rather us work out a deal to get someone like [Los Angeles Clippers forward] Lamar Odom," Mobley said. "I don't want another project, having to be patient in watching someone develop. Me and Steve have been going through that long enough. If Ming is ready to come and contribute, I'm all for it. Even though he's skinny, he's got really thick calves and thighs, and I like that. Plus, he throws a tremendous outlet pass, which will help our fastbreak. But if he's not ready, we need to get somebody that's ready."' http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/sports/3385009.htm
The more Cuttino keeps talking about trading for Odom, I think the less likely that it's going to happen. This has to be another ploy by management to scare the Bulls.
Also no way in hell are the Rockets dumb enough to trade Jason Williams to the Clippers. The Clips are the team we are going to be fighting to get the lower seeds in the playoffs. Giving them a core of: Brand Miles Maggate Jason Williams is not a good idea.
I'm sure Chuck and Hakeem didn't want to take on 'projects' like Cat and Franchise, but you have to continue to develop talent. Its not like Steve and Cat are at the end of their careers and are running out of opportunities to win either. If Ming is the best option for the future (being 2 years from now when we'll more realistically be ready to compete for a title) then that's who we get.
Where was he bashing Griffin. He stated, "I don't want another project, having to be patient in watching someone develop. Me and Steve have been going through that long enough." I do not think he was singling out Griffin. How many projects have the Rockets had in the last 3 years of lottery runs (besides Griffin): Morris, Brown, Torres, Collier, Langhi, etc.... He just does not want to continue the rebuilding process with another project. Regardless of how Rudy used Griffin last year, he was not considered much of a project. This time last year, he was considered the most NBA ready player in the draft. Rockets stated they were not looking at any more projects this draft (before winning the draft), so Cuttino is just restating those facts. Rockets have been out of the playoffs for 3 years. Francis & Mobley are just tired of being in a rebuilding stage, and want somebody that is NBA ready. What is wrong with that? He states that if Ming is NBA ready then fine, choose him.
Yao creates a mismatch every single night. No trade can give us that no matter how much it improves the ball club. Rice is going to get a ton of open looks in the lane and outside of it.
Seems like Cat isn't totally against Ming, he just doesn't want to the rockets to waste a pick on someone who isn't ready for the NBA game yet. Why don't the Rockets try to bring Ming in for a workout, and make sure CAT and FRANCHISE are there to see see for themselves and maybe even workout with him ( I know Francis won't be able to because of the injury)
