Dream and Charles

I was actually thinking the Rockets should have a "Hakeem" appreciation day. Really an unofficial retirement day, but it allows him to intend to come back and fulfill his contract next year except then we have the docs say he can't play next year. Then like with Elliot, we pay out the full contract but get cap relief. This way Hakeem gets the recognition he should (in money and fan support) and he doesn't hurt the Rockects org in terms of the cap hit. Everybody is a winner except Les in terms of his immediate pocketbook, though it is good for the org in the long run. Personally, aside from Hakeem's fall of court performance, with his heart and breathing problems over the last few years I am not sure he should be out there playing NBA bastketball any more. Not that I am a cardiologist or anything, but a lot of really tall people seem to have problems and his body doesn't seem to be holding up so well.


[This message has been edited by sir scarvajal (edited March 24, 2000).]

 

Sir S,

If you pay off Hakeem's remaining contract, then it counts against next years cap, so you won't get any cap space.

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Is there any way he could unofficially retire--in other words pretend to intend to play but not get medical clearance to play?? Didn't SA pay Elliot salary this year + get half of it back to sign Walker because of the medical condition?? Just wondering.

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You could try Sir Scarvajal but I belive the NBA is really stingy in giving out Medical Exceptions, and a lot of people were surprised when they granted one for Elliot.

If a team applies for one, the NBA board of Governers (I think)considers it and makes a decision. Since Hakeem is due to retire after next year and it is widely known, I don't think they would fall for the old "pretend retirement" Plus, Elliott epitomises why they don't like giving the exceptions out - he is back playing already, so they won't be so quick to hand out another one.

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