Everybody seems to have concerns about every center and SF in the draft, but I am wondering if DaJuan Wagner might be the best player for us to acquire. He can play either guard spot giving our backcourt a great deal of flexibility. If Steve's headaches continue, Wagner can step right up. If Mobley goes down or needs a rest, Wagner is a first class gunner. The little dribbler becomes an expendable, highly tradable commodity that we can use -- perhaps in conjuction with K.T. -- to get help for Cato and Collier.
i've mentioned this before. juanny wagner is the real deal holyfield. we're talking upper echelon guard in the making.
I agree that Wags is an awesome player but where does he fit in with this group? There's Stevie, Cat and Mooch. Wagner's not a point guard but he'll have to be in the NBA at his size. First, we need to concentrate on getting inside scoring, then we can worry about the guards. As talented as he is, it just wouldn't make sense adding him to the Rockets, plus if he comes out, he'll get picked no lower than 4th in all likelihood.
If he's there when we pick, there's always the possibility of making a trade of some kind. Lots of things happen on draft day. Picking the best available player is always better than picking the 20th best player just cause you need a center. That is, unless you wanna end up with the next Sam Bowie.
He won't necessarily be a PG at the next level. He's about, what, 6'2" and strong, something like 200 pounds (I think). If Iverson can play SG at 5'11" (probable) and 160 lbs (probable), DaJuan should be OK at SG (especially if he's quick). But will he turn pro or stay put?
Well, one interesting idea we might be able to use is going to an all speed lineup. With zone rules we can afford to have smaller players to matchup against bigger teams. Why not put the Franchise at PG, Wagner at the SG, and Mobley at the 3? Sure SF's will have a field day posting up on Mobley if we don't work hard on team defense, but how quick would that team be? We could bring back the old run and gun up and down the court. Let the other team score 105 as long as we get 107! Its an idea that many have been scared away from and no one has really attempted to use that type of lineup for their starters, but if you look at the trends in the NBA there are a lot of teams that are going smaller and quicker with success. The Pistons aren't big, the Hornets have Wesley at SG, Philly has Ivy at SG, so why not give it a look? I mean, if a PG can move to SG then why not see what happens with a SG to SF? We'd have 3 guys on the court that could shoot, score off the drive, bring the ball up the court, fast break, and play the passing lanes. The worst case scenario is we put in another year like this one with little progression, but there will still be a lot of teams interested in Wagner in a trade not to mention we'll have a high pick. I wouldn't mind seeing this team out on the court, because at the very least it would be an entertaining squad. Plus, as was already mentioned, we would then have both Mooch and Kenny T available to try to get a beefier guy in the middle. Just imagine a squad of Francis, Mobley, Wagner, and EG running up and down the court wrecking havoc. Hey, if you can't out tall then, then why not outquick them?
that would work on offense but think about defense. the rockets would get killed with a small lineup like that.
I think we first need to get defense, of any kind. Then, we need to get interior scoring. Then we need to learn how to pass. Then we need to pick up any extra pieces.
I dont know that Im sold on this guy. I mean, he didnt exactly torch C-USA. He averaged 21 pts and 3 assists...do we really need another shoot first, pass second guard?
My question is, will Wagner get us into the playoffs next year? I don't want to give Memphis a lottery pick. That would suck. Whatever we do in the offseason, it has to count. Tankfest 2003 will not be cool. We won't even be able to keep that pick.
i wasnt referring to steve....i was referring to the guy who would eventually be the odd man out if we use a top 5 or 6 pick on this guy
My point is that if Ming, JWilliams, Gooden and Q. Woods are off the board by the time we pick, I think we have to go for Wagner. He will be the best player left, and we can use Moochie, K. T. and perhaps even Collier to get a beefy backup for Cato. Heck, Chris Christoffersen will be available for our second round pick, and he's looking pretty decent -- especially at 7-2 and 300 lbs.
I've never seen a guy get so much credit for being such a poor shooter in my life. Iverson is a good player no doubt and plays as hard as anyone, but if Cat or any other player in the league took 28 shots a game, it would be hard to score 30 a night. When Jordan was putting up 23 shots a night, he was avg 37 ppg and shooting 50% from the floor. Iverson is a leader by his desire, but 38% from the field is just horrible. As far as Wagner, I don't really see a big deal with him. If nothing else, Dixon in Maryland would be more of a lead guard than him.
YHou mean Cuttino? My point is, we won't have a lottery pick next year, so it would be wise for the team to make the playoffs. There will be no tankfest next year becuz we won't get the pick. And if Steve decides to leave, that would turn a great trade into an ok trade. Also, Rudy seems to lean on veterans. Here's a scenario: We draft Woods, and it's obvious he is/wil be a player (like Griffin), but Rudy insists on playing Glen. Glen becomes as oone dimensional as Walt asnd we miss the playoffs and get a top 5 pick. That pick goes to Memphis. This franchise may be in trouble if we don't make the playoffs next year. Steve, Eddie, and Cat have to play well to make the playoffs. Our role players have to play well. I expect Seattle, Portland, and the Wolves to slide. But, will our act be together by then. It better be. Also, would wagner/steve or williams/steve be a significant upgrade to Cat/Steve. If we're leaning that way, we may be in trouble, because I don't think we'll be that much better.
