Everyone is talking about Bonzi cloggin up the middle with Yao and is overly concerned with spacing. I see the Rockets playing Bonzi playing as a sixth man coming off the bench as he did much of the time in Memphis. Getting him to buy into the coming off the bench is another story, but if we could pull off what Hubie did in Memphis I am all for it!
If the Rockets have a chance to get Bonzi with TE, they should go for it. Bonzi is a better player than Shane Battier in all aspects: scoring, defense & rebound. At his best, Bonzi will boost the Rockets to become a real contender. Bonzi's game gets no conflict with Yao at all. Besides his post-up games, Bonzi is a good slasher and scores a lot on put backs. A team gets 2 post-up players is not too much since the Rockets' PFs dont post-up anyway. Bonzi has some attitude problems but he is a competitor. Both Spurs and Pistons were interested in Bonzi at the beginning of offseason but the price was not right then. It these two teams were willing to take a chance on Bonzi, I cant see why not for the Rockets. Talents dont come cheap without some packages anyway.
it's been reported that the Heat are also interested. someone needs to tell Pat Riley he can't sign EVERYONE!
http://www.denverpost.com/portlet/article/html/fragments/print_article.jsp?article=4340991 Article Last Updated: 9/15/2006 12:06 AM nuggets Denver takes close look at Wells for help at guard By Marc J. Spears Denver Post Staff Writer DenverPost.com The Nuggets are making a strong push to fill their veteran shooting guard void with free agent Bonzi Wells, according to two NBA sources. Although Wells is an unrestricted free agent, Denver might need a sign-and-trade to get Wells. Houston and Miami also are believed to have interest in the 6-foot-5, 210-pound swingman. Nuggets officials do not comment on free agents. Denver has two shooting guards, newcomers J.R. Smith, 21, and rookie Yakhouba Diawara. Wells would give the team a veteran presence. The eight-year NBA veteran averaged 23.2 points and 12 rebounds in the playoffs last season for Sacramento. During the regular season he averaged 13.6 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists. Wells also could fill in at small forward when Carmelo Anthony isn't in the game. The Nuggets have an excess of big men on their roster and potentially could move one of them to make a sign-and-trade deal to get Wells. The Nuggets' management team knows Wells. Vice president of basketball operations Mark Warkentien was with Portland when Wells played there. Nuggets assistant coach Tim Grgurich also worked with Wells in Portland, and assistant John Welch worked with him in Memphis. Prior to last February's trade deadline, the Nuggets inquired about making a trade with the Kings for Wells. In other personnel news, Golden State and Portland might have interest in a potential sign-and-trade for free-agent guard DerMarr Johnson, who played last season with Denver. Footnote The expansion Colorado 14ers have the top selection in the D-League Expansion Draft on Tuesday. Four expansion teams will select 10 players.
link - http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archi...ts_heat_rockets_show_interest_in_bonzi_wells/ Nuggets, Heat, Rockets Show Interest In Bonzi Wells 15th September, 2006 - 4:02 am Denver Post - The Nuggets are making a strong push to fill their veteran shooting guard void with free agent Bonzi Wells, according to two NBA sources. Although Wells is an unrestricted free agent, Denver might need a sign-and-trade to get Wells. Houston and Miami also are believed to have interest in the 6-foot-5, 210-pound swingman. Nuggets officials do not comment on free agents. Denver has two shooting guards, newcomers J.R. Smith, 21, and rookie Yakhouba Diawara. Wells would give the team a veteran presence. The eight-year NBA veteran averaged 23.2 points and 12 rebounds in the playoffs last season for Sacramento. During the regular season he averaged 13.6 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists. Wells also could fill in at small forward when Carmelo Anthony isn't in the game. The Nuggets have an excess of big men on their roster and potentially could move one of them to make a sign-and-trade deal to get Wells.
not sure about Bonzi, he would be great on the boards, but not sure who he can guard, if on the floor with TBack and Battier and more importantly how he helps the offense no call me zany but i'd roll the dice on Van Horn for a 15-20 at the PF to spread the floor for Yao
Well, if we do get Bonzi, we can kiss Head goodbye along with the $2M TE, in a 2 for 1 trade similiar to the Gaines/James & Hamilton trade IMO.
I have to take exception with you doublebogey on the comment about Bonzi being a better player than Battier. Given a choice between the two,I'll take Battier everyday of the week.
A3PO- I didnt communicate quite right. I realize Wells, is not a perimeter scorer in the sense that he is going to hit the outside shot. I meant it more as, him slashing, posting up, doing whatever, but creating offense! The Rockets are cash strapped. They need to look for bargains, and players that fall into pickles just like this, and then swoop them up. I would rather have Battier, but I do think Wells is more talented.
bonzi is a talented enough player that it's not that big of a gamble to try him out for a season. we don't have enough proven talent to worry about how perfectly he fits with whatever line-up we throw out there. i think our roster is stronger than most people, but coming off last season, you can always find room for a player like wells.
