Sorry if this has already been posted. If it has, please lock this thread. I just thought this might be an indicator on the stability of our core group of players. http://www.sltrib.com/2004/Apr/04112004/sports/156118.asp Paltry night for Padgett Scott Padgett didn't even wait for a question. "I did my part to help the Jazz tonight, didn't I?" he said. Padgett, who spent his first four seasons in Utah, was scoreless in 10 minutes against his former team. During a three-minute stretch of the fourth quarter, Padgett missed three straight three-pointers, helping the Jazz to maintain the narrow lead they held throughout the second half. For Padgett, it was the end of a mini hot streak. In the Rockets' previous two games, he had scored 13 points on 5-for-9 shooting against Sacramento and Denver. "Just one of those nights," said Padgett. "I've been hitting them pretty well all year, and every one I took tonight was wide-open. I think that's why I missed them. Usually I have somebody running at me." Padgett is a free agent at the end of the season, and he's hopeful that the Rockets will offer him another contract. "I like the city, the organization and I get along well with the coach," he said. "You always want to play more, but I have been lately and, from everything I hear, they're happy with me. But you never know. Half the team could be traded this summer. So we'll see."
The point is that Padgett's comment about half the team being traded could imply that the players are hearing rumors the team could be broken up this offseason. If correct, that would be significant.
It could also mean that the Rockets only have 10 players with a 2004-05 or farther contract and only 3 (Francis, Taylor, and Cato) are high dollar. Combining this with an expansion draft and a huge trade exception, it's easy IMO to see how anyone could conclude the possibility of mass player movements.
I think they'll bring back Padgett. Hell, the rumor mill churned out Austin Croshere last February. Yes, an inexpensive 3-point-shooting white boy is perfect for this team.
his point is obvious... inthe NBA you never know what could happen over the offseason.. all he is saying is that you never know...half the team could be traded, or not...there is no real way for him to say what will happen.. but as usual, some will take what was actually quaoted and run with it to prove their points that the team should be(will be) broken up. nothing unusual to see here...move along.
ole man grumpy has successfully manipulated media insinuations. everyone, save Yoa perhaps, can expect to be moved. lotsa ex-knicks looking for work.
I could see him easily meaning it one of two ways: 1) He's seen the politics of the team and knows that the management would like to make some serious personnel changes. The 'could' coming from the fact that trades are difficult to engineer and they might not find the market they hope for. 2) He's referring to the well-traveled wisdom that trades are part of the business and you never really know where you'll be next season. Regardless of what he meant, it seems evident to me that we should expect a lot of turnover in the offseason. You can tell by Van Gundy's rotation, that he doesn't have enough guys he trusts. He obviously doesn't like the attitude of some of them. He's going to try to find guys that play his kind of ball and that he's comfortable putting on the floor. It wouldn't surprise me at all to have half the team traded. If Francis is one of the ones that go (I hope not), it'll be virtually assured -- big contract trades usually involve a lot of players to accomodate the cap rules. Padgett, however, seems like a JVG guy and I expect him to return next season.
In thinking about this, I was wondering who are the JVG-type players we've got that we can expect to stay. This is what I've got: JVG guys: Yao: maybe not really his type, but obviously his centerpiece Jim Jackson: JVG has said a number of times that he's nervous when JJ is not on the floor Mobley: No one thought he'd fit with the coach, but he's a great, hard-working player who will do what is necessary Cato: Again, maybe not just the right attitude, but it is much better than it had been 2 seasons ago. Plus, I don't think Van Gundy wants to lose the defense he brings. Padgett: Also a role-player, he'll only see a couple of minutes. But, I think JVG likes his approach and will keep him, for practice if nothing else. JVG Guys who won't be back: Mark Jackson: His kinda guy, but will be retiring again. Weatherspoon: May well remain, but it'd be foolish to not try to be rid of that big contract. Everyone else I see being shopped. Not that the 5 I listed wouldn't be traded, but I doubt they'll be offered.
