Houston has been able to pick up some nice FA's in the past, but what is everyones opinion of Houston being able to attract quality free agents.. we've been a lottery team for 4 straight years.. are we still attractive to FA's? I think players have come here for the money not the city or the players.. But if we make some serious noise in the playoffs this year we might become a whole lot more attractive.. Im trying to ask why players would want to come here? J
we have great player in the staring five and in the bench yao and steve will add some good value to the team this years to come
Houston is a considerablly cheaper place to live because of land values and no state or city income tax. The problems that most of us face (traffic etc..) would not be experienced for the most part. We have Yao, and in a few years he WILL be dominant. The easiest way to be a good team is to have a good bigguy. FAs used to come here in the past for the chance to play with Dream.
im talking about our value to free agents.. Big markets like LA, NYC and such bring FA's because of being in the limelight and possible endoresment opportunities. While other teams like NJ and SA are title contenders.. also other teams like Denver and Phoenix have tons of cap room to offer nice contracts. Houston has none of these... We do have a good team with 2 "all stars" but not the money, limelight and championship opportunities. (at least not yet) I do think people like the idea of playing with SF3 and Yao since it will open things up for them.. but is it worth moving out here? Or taking less money to play here? J
We have a $7 million dollar trade exception that we can use to sign free agents this summer. That's more then all of the teams over the cap can offer. Plus, we are a playoff team. Houston might not be the "best" team to go to, but they are one of the better ones.
You say we have no championship opportunities, but you also say Yao will be dominant. If you have a dominant big guy, and an all-star guard, I think you have a solid base. If the FA in question is another very solid guy, I think that gives you the championship opportunity. Maybe the title isn't probably, but certainly possible. I think Houston gives a good FA the chance to contribute to making this team a contender, because they have good pieces already, unlike a team like ATL that has a lot of cap room, but no players.
Houston is a very attractive free agent stop. The problem with it the last few years is San Antonio and Dallas have the same tax benefits as residing in Houston, and both teams are title contenders. Not to mention the chance to play with Duncan in SA or the chance to play with Cuban's money in Dallas make it even more attractive. Now, with Yao Ming coming in to his own, Houston will again (imo) be a top flight free agent destination. If Rudy T were still coach it would be even moreso... with Van Gundy at the helm it's really going to be a deterrent for some players. For example, will Rasheed Wallace want to play for Van Gundy? I don't know. Serious players willing to sacrifice on both ends of the floor (types like Battier, B. Wallace and Hinrich - though none will be FAs this offseason) probably would appreciate a tough disciplinarian though. I'm hoping it will be an exciting offseason since Houston will have some trade/FA tools to play with.
I know that Wallace and Bryant are free agents, what who else is on this list. I normally can keep up with this sort of thing but I have been working alot latly and am trying to plan a wedding.
I think the biggest key to luring free agents here will be making the playoffs/how we perform in the playoffs. If we play well against a team like Minnesota, Sacramento, Los Angeles etc in the playoffs and it appears we only need another piece to be the difference we'll be very attractive to free agents. One positive that hasn't been brought up is that we have some of the best player facilities in the country. Also, a whole lot of players live here in the offseason. (in Texas if not Houston)
Scores and scores of former NBA players live in greater Houston. A huge number of current players, as well. Houston is a good set-up. Good coaching, respectability with front office and ownership. There will be little problem getting the MLE used well, IMO.
well, Yao ming is enough to entice other players to join the rox. Isn't that the reason why JJ signed a 3year contract because he believes the future is Yao.
<a HREF="http://members.cox.net/lmcoon/salarycap.htm#17">17. Are there exceptions to the salary cap?</a> <i>.....TRADED PLAYER EXCEPTION -- This is a "credit" teams can use to replace the salary of a player traded to another team. <b>This credit cannot be used to sign free agents -- it is only available for trades.</b> This exception is discussed in detail in question number 68 . Also see question number 18 for more information on the availability and use of this exception........</i>
