What makes more sense? signing Jim Jackson and Eric Piatkowski using our exceptions while keeping Glen Rice's expiring contract, waiting until we can get something of value by trading him, or trading Glen Rice along with two or three draft picks to Utah before agreeing to sign Piatkowski and Jackson? In one case we have our draft picks and the Chicago obligation along with the players we want and we can later trade Rice near the deadline for a player on a team that wants capspace. On the other hand we can give away our draft picks and a valuable expiring contract to get John Amechi (and not coincidentaly reduce salary). Your scenario only makes sense if you believe that LA is willing to significantly increase the team's payroll, something he has shown a hesitancy to do in the past (see James Posey).
It's true. You just said what I've been thinking a long time now when I've been watching the games. That and that his rotation is too short. Francis, Mobes and JJ played 48, 44, 44 minutes respectively tonight. That's crazy. It wouldn't be if it was the rare occasion, but it's not.
And I'll ask you what I've yet to hear answered by anyone else criticizing trading Rice. If his expiring contract had so much value, why did Utah cut him? Alexander will spend money when required. It's not like Alexander's Rockets have never had an overpaid underachieving player.
Of course it's better to trade Steve now. What do you think you're going to get with that exception? Larry Bird? The more you wait the worse Steve is going to look. Strike now while he's still an "allstar" starter. Use that momentum. Steve has become a net negative. He creates losses. You could replace him with any adequate net zero pg and the team would be better. Don't believe me? Look here : http://www.82games.com/0304HOU5.HTM Steve is routinely torched by his opponent. It isn't changing. He is a selfish, clueless zero who's only value is entertainment. Send him somewhere that needs an entertainer, like Chicago. Mobley has become a net positive. Good for him. He still needs to learn to play with Yao. Maybe dumping Steve will make that point clearer.
I too was thinking how much the boneheaded play hurt steve's trading value. That last "stunt" Steve pulled reminded me of the blown play in football, where the tailback runs side to side trying to beat the defense, but ends up losing about 20 yards because he ran backwards towards his own endzone.
wasnt he the one who initiated the run yesterday for the rockets. Didnt this team win 29 games already. Your going to tell me steve has zero credit for any of those wins.
1) It's foolish for a team with a new coach and struggling for a playoff berth to make a major chemistry change this late in the season. 2) It's pointless to waste the entire trade exception overcoming Francis's BYC status. 3) Francis's largest value will be to an EC team. As bad as the EC is, only the Hawks have thrown in the towel at this point. Many EC will be willing to deal in the summer when even those EC playoff teams will want to improve. 4) The Charlotte expansion draft will create additional oportunities to move players. 5) Francis' playing ability/skills may not have much relevance to a team trying to sell tickets. (Wizards & Hawks, for example). Francis' All Star status will not diminish in the eyes of fans. He will still sell tickets where ever he is traded regardless of the scouting report. 6) If (as you stated) the Rockets would be alright with a net-zero PG, we don't need to receive a Larry Bird equivalent. Two above average players would be adequate.
Well was yao ming gonna play excessive minutes? I really doubt that. He's going to run out of breath after every few minutes. I am not for him playing all minutes but with no o ne but steve helping yao score, we needed him ont he court.
I actually liked the Rice trade. I was pointing out that to get maximum value, it would be done differently. Just as f4p was doing. Sometimes you take what you can get and the Pareto optimal solution is not attainable. There is no guarantee that we will get anything out of the trade exception in the offseason, or that anyone will want to trade for Francis at that time. The trade exception allows us to trade him now, and if a good deal comes along, it might be a good idea to take it instead of hoping a better option becomes available in the future. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
