For what it's worth, I think I've been pretty quiet on this whole Dream situation. IMHO, I think that we're all jumping the gun over this situation. Dream is just going through the usual FA activities, trying to get a feel for his "worth" and so on (Now we all know how SA felt last year about Duncan and how SAC felt this year about CWebb). I still believe that the Rocks will meet any offer and Dream will retire as a Rocket, as it should be. But, writing as objectively as possible, if you were CD, Rudy & Co. and had to make some HARD decisions about who to sign, how would you rank the Rocks' FAs? (who's more vital to the team, affordability, future transactions, etc.) My rankings: 1. Dream - Besides the hole at C the Rocks would have should he leave, I get the impression that he only wants a 2 year deal at the most, which is feasible. Dream retiring in a Rocket jersey will also go a long ways toward further cementing the Rocks in our community. (How sweet would it be to have Dream play his last game in the Compaq Center's last game, as the Rockets are winning their third NBA Championship. Made for TV, BABY!!!) Plus there's nothing like having an expiring contract in the same year that some of the most attractive FAs in years are available. Win, Win, Win. 2. Moochie - If you didn't say WHOA!! with my #1 selection, then I know that you're saying WWHHOOAA!!! right now. But Mooch is the perfect backup PG in that 1) he can run a team, 2) he can score and take over if need be, 3) he loves and accepts his role, and 4) he's affordable. The Rocks have been looking for solid PGs since the days of Smith and Brooks. Well, now they have them. 3. Mo - With the selection of EG, I have to wonder what are the Rocks' plans for Mo. After he matures both physically and mentally, EG should be able to provide what Mo brings to the table and then some (rebounding, shot-blocking). But in the meantime, Mo is the best option the Rocks have at PF. But will it be for the next 8-10 years, or just a few? (If the Rocks wanted to make a deal or two in the future, and Mo is expendable, he could be very attractive) 4. Bullard - For the same reasons listed for Mooch, Bull will.....Who am I kidding? Bull is just waiting for everyone else to sign so he can sign for his usual veteran's exception. Bull's not going anywhere! 4.a. (Bull isn't a REAL FA, he just hasn't signed yet. ) Shandon - Anybody here think that Shandon will really accept coming off the bench, either this season or next? Yeah, he may start at SF (cause he's not going to beat out Cat for SG) this year, but I think he'll be fighting tooth and nail to keep a starting spot come this time next year, and I wouldn't be surprised to see one of the rooks challenge him for it this season. I have some doubts about Shandon's long-term future with the Rocks. Thoughts? (Couldn't resist!) ------------------
1. a) Moochie Norris I consider Moochie and Mo very similar in value... I don't know how to pick one over the other. Very few people seem to understand how valuable Mooch is to this team. He doesn't start. So? The 5 guys I'm worried about getting are the 5 who finish. Moochie is a fearless leader. He can handle the ball, break people down off the dribble, has court vision like no one else on this team. He always hits the big shots, always plays clutch, and always brings that different attitude and change of pace to the court that we need. 1. b) Mo Taylor This BBS is so paranoid about structure, Griffin becoming a power forward, etc. If he does, great. Mo Taylor has a versatile game, a long range shot, can handle the ball well... don't some of those things sound like the role of a 3? If Griffin turns out to be a post player, he'll be a 4 on offense and the 3 on defense, and Mo the opposite. Mo will be for a long time. 2. Dream Dream is very important to the success of this team. But while I want him back, it's time for him to go if it will jeopardize our resigning Moochie or Mo. He still has a good post game, can rebound, seems inspired, and is capable of stepping it up for a big run in the playoffs. But there is more than one season for the Rockets, and if the money he wants jeopardizes Mo and Mooch, let him go. 3. Bullard Even though we have depth now, we still need someone who can go in the frontcourt and cause matchup problems like Bullard can. Bullard doesn't care if he gets a DNP, has to go to the IR, doesn't get a lot of shots, but what he can do is stretch the defense and provide deadly 3 point shooting from that 4 spot. He knows his role, and fills it. 4. Shandon We don't need Shandon back. He has no offense, only average to above average defense, and he's going to take a lot of minutes from Moochie, Langhi, Morris, and others. Shandon doesn't do that much on the floor, and I'd prefer to give the time to younger players who definitely have a higher ceiling. ------------------ Draftsource.net-- the premier source for draft info. Profiles, rankings, mock drafts, and more! The Mo Taylor Fan Site
Moochie and Shandon are my top priorities. I know no one agrees about Shandon but I think he will be crucial when (not if) one of our guys at the 2 or 3 goes down. Our front line sucks, no matter how great Eddie's gonna become. Face it, Mo is mediocre as hell, Hakeem sucks (period.), Catois not even worth mentioning and KT is as mediocre as Mo. Bull should be important as he brings veteran experience and championship knowledge. ------------------ Mr. President. No man thinks more highly than I of three legged cows. They deserve to live. On my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of reason. Cows with three legs are good. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth : three-legged cows are better. They are better because the meat on them is better. The steaks are more tender. Three-legged cows tend not to wander as much. These cows could be the symbol of our country. The world would look upon us with great respect. They will want our cows and pay good money for them. The cows could symbolize freedom and hard work and three legs are better than four. They are meant for us; they can be meant for no other.
If money didn't matter, I think Moochie is WAY underrated and can be a GREAT PG in this league! Also, Shandon plays CONSISTANT defense! Moochie Hakeem Mo T Shandon Bullard ------------------ This is our FRANCHISE and these are the RULES - Learn it, Live it, Love it!
So Mo Taylor is an "above average" defender, and Shandon Anderson is less than that. I think I've heard it all now. We have someone on the board who thinks Mo Taylor plays better defense than Shandon Anderson. ------------------ "What have you done for me lately Hakeem Olajuwon?" --the ClutchCity.net BBS
I'd rather have a 6'9 260 Mo Taylor defending power forwards than a 6'6 and overmatched (in size) Shandon Anderson guarding small forwards. ------------------ Draftsource.net-- the premier source for draft info. Profiles, rankings, mock drafts, and more! The Mo Taylor Fan Site
