Given that there is no telling or if Eddie is coming back, that Mo is facing at least a 10 game suspension, with the inherent weight/conditioning issues which could result, and the obvious unreliability of both for the long term, do the Rockets need to acquire another big man?
Yes we do. Houston trades: SG Cuttino Mobley (17.5 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.9 apg in 41.7 minutes) PG Moochie Norris (4.3 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 2.4 apg in 16.8 minutes) Houston receives: C Theo Ratliff (8.7 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 0.9 apg in 31.1 minutes) Change in team outlook: -13.1 ppg, +1.4 rpg, and -4.4 apg. Atlanta trades: C Theo Ratliff (8.7 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 0.9 apg in 31.1 minutes) Atlanta receives: SG Cuttino Mobley (17.5 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.9 apg in 73 games) PG Moochie Norris (4.3 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 2.4 apg in 82 games) Change in team outlook: +13.1 ppg, -1.4 rpg, and +4.4 apg. TRADE ACCEPTED
TheRealShady, Interesting trade proposal, with Yao, Cato and Ratliff you have a very big, formidable defensive frontline, but I'm worried about Ratliff's injury history, and also we lose alot of offense in the deal. And as much as I love getting rid of Moochie, if you trade him and Mobley together you have to get some back court help as well.
I'm very pissed off at Mo Taylor right now (though I think the pot law is dumb and I like Mo). He screwed up and he screwed the team. But I really can't believe trading Cat to replace him is leading this poll. This is a hell of a fan site when one of the most dedicated Rockets -- the one with the longest tenure, the one that's been asked to change his game not once but at least three times and has tried to do what was asked of him, the one that's gone from star to number one most important role player and has kept a good attitude about it -- is at the top of everyone's list to trade. I know you've got to give value to get it back, but it really seems like you guys don't realize what we have in Mobley. He has a beautiful contract, he does what's asked of him and he's getting better all the time. Trade him for Ratliff? No thanks. Even if we do get to ditch Moochie in the process. If we could trade Mo (or some other package of role players) for an upgrade at the four, okay. But our third best player for a more injury prone Cato? You guys are crazy sometimes. I voted for the 10 day, by the way. It's hard to defend Mo or ever expect him to do the right thing again after four violations, but I'm stubborn like that. We're stuck with his contract and I still like his game. This year at least, after the damn 10 game suspension, I'm sticking with him and Cato at the 4.
Theo has had some injury problems before but last season he played in 81 games. Theo Ratliff is not just another Cato either. Ratliff averaged 3.2 blocks per game last year and is blocking at a rate of 4.6 a game this season. Cato has never been able to do that. With a 3 man rotation at PF and C of Yao, Cato, and Ratliff we will improve upon what already is the best defense in the league. Maurice Taylor was never a Jeff Van Gundy type player anyway, Cato and Ratliff are. If all else fails and Ratliff doesn't work out he only has one more year remaining after this season on his contract. A combination at SG and SF of Jackson, Piatkowski, Boki, and Adrian Griffin should should work out just fine as the type of role players JVG is looking to put around Steve and Yao.
I chose option 2. I'd love a Tyrone Hill or Kevin Willis off the bench but I like Cato as our starting power forward. It'll be interesting to see if Braggs can continue to play as well in a larger role coming in earlier in the games when the players are still fresh.
The most blocks Cato has ever averaged in a season is 1.9 per game in his first season with the rockets.
I like the Ratliff idea our lineup will be solid and remember defense wins championships.I feel that they should throw in Dickau. Ming Ratliff Nachbar Jackson Francis Bench: Cato Pike A. Griffin Dickau
You want to trade Mobes for an oft injured and over paid tweener? We've got Cato, we just need a big body for rebounds.
If he weren't hurt a lot, he'd be putting up 12-15 ppg, 10 rebs, 3-4 blks, and no way on earth could you get him for Mobley.
its supid **** like this that keeps us from being an elite team. do you think anybody on the spurs gets suspended indefinitly for missing practice 3 times in a week? or for getting caught twice in a drug test? what about the lakers or kings or nets or mavs?\ its time to trade these guys...even if its for nothing at all. we coud use the trade exception to bring in replacements. the knicks have gone on record as saying they want to get rid of some bigmen. is time to dump these guys for cap space and bring back othella!
Since we can't sign anybody to a 10 day contract right now we are basically screwed at the 4. Trading Cat will be very bad for the team despite his weaknesses. The Rockets can't sign anyone unless someone is cut. We have to do the best we can with Cato and Braggs in my opinion.
Ratliff is probably still having nightmares of a giant chinese man dunking on his head! He'd probably whimper at the thought of joining the Rockets.
I don't think we should trade Cat. I would rather pick up Pig Miller until Mo comes back, and then during the off-season try and find somebody else. I agree with batman, the laws regarding pot are stupid, but it was irresponsible for Mo to use, knowing that he was jeopardizing the team and career by doing so. Pot is not physically addictive he should have quit. That being said I know that would probably have meant a change in his friends and social activities, but whatever it takes.
Has he ever averaged 12 to 15 points and 10 rebounds? Not that I am aware of even going back to his days in Philly. As far as I know he has always been a mediocre rebuonder and poor offensive player at best. Great shot blocker though.
