So we've seen the LA Clippers and the NO/OK Hornets pick up some of the biggest FA names. We've seen a few other teams offering plenty of money (i.e. Bulls) and plenty of S&T proposals (Sixers, Pacers, etc). Then most of us sit here griping, whining, and complaining that the Rockets aren't doing more in the FA market. "Man the Rockets aren't being active" "Oh great. Another FA gets away " "The Hornets are signing Bobby 'I'm a shell of my former self' Jackson!!!! " Blah Blah Blah. Realize, for once, that the Clippers, the Hornets, and the Bulls are all under the salary cap. Realize, for once, that being under the cap gives you the luxury of being players in the FA market first. Realize, for once, that our holy grail of a TE don't mean much if there are no trading partners. Realize, for once, that we lack the necessary trading chips to make any significant deal unless: 1. We take back big contracts 2. We take back a player that has an extensive police record Realize, for once, that Juwan Howard will not bring you anything worthwhile. There's a reason why he's not gone yet. So instead of crying over how the Hornets just "stole" Bobby Jackson, or how another team just "stole one of our FA targets", please just remember: 2006-2007 Rockets' committed salaries: $55,155,576 That is why we have a MLE. So, before you hear that the Pacers got Al Harrington through S&T and gripe that "we could have had him for Howard and Sura's contract", sit back and think about that. /Rant
I agree. We were never going to get Harrington, Stojakovic or Wallace. If we get Mike James, a decent 4 and a decent 2 via the MLE and TE's, I will be ecstatic.
The Lakers also made a big splash signing Radman who alot of people here were dreaming for despite bein in a worse shape financially.
Yes, thank you! Just because some players have signed, doesn't mean the Rockets are sitting on there hands. It's ONLY the second freaking day of free agency and there are still players out there to be had. Big names, borderline all-star players? No. But, quality players who could help this team. The Rockets need a PG that can play off the ball some minutes every game. (ie: Mike James), they need another quality player in the front court that can play both positions (ie: Lorenzon Wright, Melvin Ely) and one more wing player (ie: DeMarr Johnson, Rasual Butler). I think they can fill all three of those needs this offseason. Just be patient people!
Very well said. I have been realistic after the trade and I knew we were for big trouble. With the assets we have, there is no much to add to this team. Most people were thinking that we can win now by adding Battier, but the reality is that we are short of 3 to 4 players. Right now we don't have enough guys to start. Even worse on the bench. For backup center we have Mutombo who at max can give 15 min. I don't know how can we contend under those cirscunstances.
Dually noted. I thought they were under the cap by a few mil. But thanks for the correction. Thanks for that input. I forgot about Radman. Despite these CRUCIAL mistakes by myself, I hope that everyone still see that not every FA move should be a mark against the Rockets management. I'm still smarting from Draft Night myself. But when a team like ours is over the cap with no real trading assets and only supplied with the MLE and TE, there are few options.
The only way I will be disappointed will be if we don't sign Mike James. If they somehow find a way to screw that up then I'll be pissed. Why do we need Bobby Jackson if we have James? James is better. Other than that we could use one more younger backcourt player and I think we're good. Alston/James James/Head/ FA? TMac/Bogans/Bowen Battier/Howard/Novak/Hays Yao/Mutombo
Oh heck no. The guy who was cut by the INJURY-PLAGUED BOBCATS of all teams because he was a lazy slob? Good thing some of you people aren't GMs. One note about Radman: The story is that Vlade Divac had a huge role in bringing him over. Vlade works for the Lakers and Radman idolizes him being from the same counry.
