Well, that depends. Yao now has nearly as much seniority on the Rockets as any player on the roster: Two years. It's not impossible to think that T-Mac is joining Yao's team rather than inheriting Steve's team. Personally, though, I think it's less a question of deference and more a question of cooperation. Brace yourselves for the 3rd Coast version of the Lakers' long-lasting "Who should get more shots" debate. It's gonna be nasty between we fans, but hopefully there will be no real on-court tension to match it.
The difference between the Shaq-Kobe squabble and a potential Yao-McGrady squabble is that Yao would actually prefer to be in the shadows. Yao can still improve and become an outstanding player but more in the quiet Tim Duncan mold. That bolds well for us.
My question is, if T-Mac comes to the Rox, what kind of offense do you think we'd be running? Are we gonna go to Yao every time and make T-Mac run around behind picks to get shots? Do you really think T - Mac is going to be willing to do that? Do you really think it's a good way to use T - Mac? I think T - Mac wants to come to the Rox because he wants to be Kobe to Yao. I.E. if you watch the Lakers, the center gets the ball quiet a bit, but T- Mac will be the one to take over the game at sporadic points through out the game like Kobe. I think that's what T-Mac had in mind, and I think Yao will not speak out against it (though maybe he should).
Did you guys hear the actual quote? I caught the replay on ESPN News last night. Something like: "I asked him [Van Gundy] about all the trade rumors and he said it was just speculation. He lied right to my face. I've lost all respect for him as a coach. We had a pretty good relationship last season. I mean, I listened to everything he said. I think I'm a pretty coachable kid. But, to tell me nothing is going on when I see my picture everywhere..." Jebus.
By the way, I think it is safe to say that, whatever happens with Orlando, Steve is NEVER coming back to Houston in a Rockets uniform.
Didn't he ask him about being traded in the off season right after the playoffs? Or was that during the season?
He said something to the effect that he wanted to be here but he knew that this was a business and anything could happen.
If Franics asked him a direct question, Van Gundy knew or should have known if there was truth to the rumor, speculation, or whatever you want to call it. When Van Gundy said don't worry about it, Francis probably interpreted it as being untrue and just rumors. Of course what is Van Gundy supposed to say - Yes, Steve, we're trying to trade you and we're working out the details. The problem with that is if the deal fell through, Francis's fragile ego wouldve been shattered and he'd be looking over his shoulder the entire season and beyond. Trading a star player is never easy - especially when everyone knows about it. This has run its course. Francis has to be traded. There is no turning back. The nature of the game.
In the quote Jeff put up, there is no "don' tworry" part. As I said earlier, technically, it is just"speculation" before the deal gets done. VG didn't deny there was such speculation.
I like you PG, you are the only objective SOF and Steve apologists out there. Sorry to see Steve go.....he will definitely NOT be missed on the hard court. And to all the other apologists and SOF, shut up and STOP WHINING!!! NO coach or GM I know EVER "talk straight" when it comes to trade speculations or similar issues...EVER (see Gerry Hunsicker this week - did he lie then to us?). Steve must be naive beyond belief and dumber than I thought. This whole thread and issue of "lying" is soooo ridiculous it is unbelievable. Lying? Lying?? Lying??? ....we are talking about a trade here... Can any apologist out there paint a circumstancial scenario and tell us how a player's concern over a trade rumour could be best handled.
I am pissed that this is even an issue. Steve is indeed an 1diot and a fool if he actually believed that. Common now.....you are not a rookie Steve. Oh btw, is there anything that forces the Rox front office to get a players consent or inform him of a possible trade? This is absolutely ridiculous. I hate dumb people.
He knows why his butt is getting traded. Anyway, so now Francis and Weisbrod are trying to make the Rockets look like the bad guys in this while its only been these two knuckleheads who have blathered in public.
look.. the media doesnt care about mobley and cato or any of the other players that orlando is sending to houston. can you not see this is all part of the game? the media likes to create news for the people to make it interesting. they take quotes and put them in odd places of paragraphs to make it seem more controversial, and every single one have you have gotten sucked into it. honestly, its easy to say how francis should have handled it, but in reality its alot easier said then done. he got raped worse than bill gates would get raped in the state pen. its ok though, he will get over it... woohoo, t-mac!
oh yah.. and Weisbrod didnt make the situation any better. You never let any information leak til after the deal is done. i mean the antawn jamison deal for stackhouse was so hush hush.. i think it was announce the night before the trade.. oh well, another jackass GM in the nba, welcome aboard wiseguy
I really don't doubt what Francis said about JVG. If we get T-mac and we haven't improved drastically, I will be up here posting FIRE GUNDY threads all of next post season and maybe during the season itself. I like the defence he's brought to this team but that's about it. I honestly don't think he's helped this team much the last season either. I am going to give him another chance especially since the Rockets organization is willing to do that. But if this season I do not see a large improvement in the offensive coaching schemes then I really want him out.
Why is the Orlando media so down on this trade? McGrady was a prick to the team last year pretty well abandoning the team after December -- and has stated his intention to get out. Frances and Mobes do not equal McGrady talent-wise -- but they are getting a full backcourt and a decent centre as well. Given their record last year -- this simply HAS to be an improvement. There was no way they were getting a top-5 player in exchange. Seems the best they can expect is a combo of players that make them a better team. What 'better' deal did they think they'd get given McGrady's refusal to sign a long term deal (other then with Houston). They've taken the second and third best players from Houston (did they expect Yao?). Do they not like Steve? Did they prefer a whole buncha draft picks? Trying to look at this from their end, i can see that they'd be pissed about losing McGrady -- but this deal seems the best alternative.
This deal gets more and more laughable. First Francis comes out and acknowledges that he understands that this is all a BUSINESS...and I thought, Hmm, maybe Steve gets it. But then he gets all butt-hurt that it IS a business. Sorry, Steve, the Rockets will be BETTER after this deal...I don't care how you feel about Orlando or anywhere else in the world, for that matter. One thing Steve has NEVER learned is that when you put yourself up as being available for the NBA Draft, you become an EMPLOYEE--not a boss. You don't dictate what you do or where you go. The system has been implemented so that you can control some things pertaining to personal preferences...but you remain an employee of a much larger entity, nonetheless. I don't want this guy here. I used to be torn on the issue, but still supporting it--I'm not torn anymore. This kid is just flat out immature and the world's getting sick of it.
