...this is all pointless. They have no idea what is going to happen from now until then. Big trades usually aren't predicted and come out of nowhere.
Based on today's information, I'd say they have it about right for the future Rockets - a mid to upper third team. Let's face it. Our team is overachieving right now based on hustle, but who's really poised to improve substantially? I guess Yao is the big question mark. Can he comeback and regain his All-Star form, and does he have any upside to be a dominant late-game winner? So far, he's never shown that. These Rockets can be competitive, but are missing the elite talent that leads to championships.
I don't have any idea what factors they're considering when they consider market. Because, for instance, they have the Lakers listed at 1 and the Clippers listed at 9. That's the same city. And cities like San Antonio, Orlando and Phoenix being ahead of us? Of the cities ahead of us, only New York and Los Angeles are actually more populated cities. And if it has to do with fan base and/or marketability - there is this little country called China that is behind our Rockets. I just don't understand.
Huh? The Thunder are winning games right NOW. IIRC they're more or less break even, which is amazing considering their core are a rookie, a sophomore and 2 3rd year players. Compared to a team like, say, Portland which is already 5 years in the making but still just an above average team they are way ahead of schedule. Thunder are ranked so high because they have Durant, Green and Westbrook, those guys are legit franchise talent, and they will have capspace either next year or next next year. If you honestly don't think the Thunder will be one of the top teams in the west in the next 3 years I don't know what to say to you.
I don't get this. If you're going by talent for the next 3 years, wouldn't you include Yao in the discussion? Even if you can justify #26 on the talent chart for the Rockets right now, it's pretty weird to assume we'd stay in this position when we have Yao AND salary cap space(even if it's not enough for max) next offseason.
