Guys this is from my ESPN Insider account--no link--- excuse the typos I had to retype it ..... Could Snow Fall In Houston ESPN INSIDER by Chad Ford When the Rockets acquired Tracy Mcgrady from the Orlando Magic in a multi player blockbuster last summer that sent Steve Francis East, the plan was simple The Rockets hoped to find a decent point guard in free agency, and then cross their fingers that they had enough depth around Mcgrady, and Yao Ming to succeed. Unfortunately as plans go, it had a few flaws. The team passed up chances to sign Damon James (who is lighting it up in Miami), Rafer Alston, Mike James, and Derek Fisher because each was either asking for too much money or didn't fit in Jeff Van Gundy's system. The Rockets might have been right in holding onto their cash, but now with just Charlie Ward as the only true point guard in the roster the backcourt is struggling. So what's the plan now ? Wait until the summer, and try to find a point guard and a rebounder with the same amount of cash ( the $ 4.9 million mid level exception) that they had last year? The Rockets have gotten proactive in the last week as they continue to try to make their T-Mac trade pan out in the short term. The team has traded for Jon Barry, and David Wesley-shooting guards who can play point in a pinch. In the process they have dumped Jimmy Jackson, Tyronn Lue, and Bostjan Nachbar. Lue and Nachbar weren't really contributing. However the loss of Jackson will really sting. While both Barry, and Wesley give the team some shooting, and depth in the backcourt, they still need a point guard in the worst way. Can they acquire one ?? The Rockets do have a few assets to use. They have the expiring contract of Dikembe Mutombo. In a perfect world they will find a taker for either Juwon Howard or Maurice Taylor, but so far they've come up empty in their attempts to trade either player. Who's out there that could help? There isn't much. The Rockets might be able to get Eric Snow from the Cavs. Snow has had a falling out with head coach Paul Silas recently, and has played sparingly as of late. Snow doesn't really run the team as Silas would like. However, the Rockets balked at acquiring him during the Summer, and might feel the same way now about inheriting the last five years -$ 30 million dollars on his contract. The again if the Cavs were willing to swallow the last five years $31 million dollars of Juwon Howard's contract deal in return, maybe something could be worked out. The Rockets could probably pry Gary Payton away from the Celtics if they threw in their first round pick this year. Ditto for the Bucks Mike James. The Grizzlies Jason Williams is available, though you have to believe Van Gundy would go into convulsions with Williams trying to run his conservative offense. The Bull's Frank Williams can't get off the bench in Chicago, and we know he can be had for cheap.
God, please no Snow! If we were to rid ourselves of one of our bad contracts, then maybe. But, the man can't shoot at all!
JVG will bench white chocolate after 2 quarters. JWill for some reason is playing like his old Sac days. Maybe he wants to be traded.
If the Grizz really do wana unload this guy, we can offer our first rounder plus Weatherspoon's expiering contract...
He's an asset that at worst can be parlayed into other pieces that we need. If he can be picked up on the cheap, and we fear that his worth may be devalued due to the coach, especially if this has become a pattern with regards to other players on the roster, then that's just one more reason the coach needs to be fired. JVG is just hurting this team on so many levels.
Payton for the TE + a 1st rounder IS intruiging. If we could get LaFrentz or Al Jefferson by adding Howard, I'd do it in a second. (Has it been 60 days since the Orlando trade?)
PG: Snow, Wesley, Barrett, Ward SG: Sura, Barry, Wesley, Tmac SF: Tmac, Ryan Bowen PF: MoTaylor, Spoon C: Yao, Dik What a stupid team we would have.
It has been 60 days, yes. I wouldn't mind this trade. I really don't like Payton, but he seems to have resurrected his career this season and his contract ends after this season. LaFrentz wouldn't be bad but his contract is. He is a nice shot blocker and can hit the outside shot but his health concerns me for the length of his contract. Not sure if he would help with the rebounding though. Howard would have to be in that trade to make it decent for the Rockets.
I'd do it..do they want to get rid of Payton? Payton's pretty old too but he's better than whatever we have now...and yeah his contract ends. Lafrentz wouldn't be bad either although he's ferakin soft. Snow is a good point guard but he's old too and i wouldn't give a big man for him..unless we get like kenny thomas or dalembert or skinner...:/ Snow can't shoot. Jason Williams isn't that great either and why would they trade with us...I'd love to have Posey and Swift. GASOL
The last thing I rwad about him was that Boston liked him and are happy with his play, but he has told them we will not re-sign with them after this season. So, who knows, maybe they will be looking to get something for him since he will be leaving anyway. Plus, they have some young guards who can play the point.
Al Jefferson is in Danny's 'untouchables' box. Take a peek at LaFrentz's contract and remind yourself that this is a 12 and 7 guy who's made of eggshells. Evan
