I think management's objective is to get us to being contenders. Do any of you think there is anyone we could add who'd make us a contender still this year? NO ... not Spree, not Hoiberg ... not without McGrady AND Wesley. The most important thing this season, which is HUGE, is that Yao has stepped up. That's worth a bunch of new players, and the most exciting development this year. Let him continue to try to take us on his back. Maybe it'll push him further. If he doesn't make it, he'll know he gave it his best shot. Also, if we're thinking of the future, we're better off getting McGrady healthy for the longer term. Even if we scooted him back into the lineup, we could scare some people, but we're not going to win a championship. So, why not get a top 10 pick, who can be a valuable piece, someone like a Tyrus Thomas, Sheldon Williams, or Tiago Splitter, and pick up another free agent shooter who fits with this team. We also have a second round pick from NY, that looks like it'll be the first pick, so that's almost like a first rounder, and this draft, which doesn't have hardly any superstar types, does have good role players into the second round. We could pick up the best player available who has fallen. Here's what I'd do: Play the rookies. Don't let them lose their spirit, but push them. Don't totally tank, or allow their spirit to break, but still hold their head up high. Develop their hunger for getting there next year. Use the injuries as an excuse, but not quit. We can be a great team next year. Develop everyone, especially Swift and Bogans, but keep Howard starting, to keep his trade value up. Draft a PF with first pick, such as Thomas, Sheldon Williams, or Tiago Splitter. Draft a SG with our 1st pick in the 2nd round, preferably the best player availble at any position, but especially a lights out shooting guard, such as Quincy Douby, Richard Roby, Guillermo Diaz, PJ Tucker, Steve Novak, or Damir Markota. Trade Howard and Swift, hopefully, to CHI for Chandler/Duhon. CHI would be getting a combo worth 20.3/11.6 compared to Chandler at 5.4/9.2, but Chandler would be a better fit next to Yao, with greater rebounding, intelligence and youth. CHI will probably be picking up Aldridge in the draft as their future center. CHI could also save some face, trading their #2 for another #2 in the draft, and save money. Howard is a home-town hero, who is very active in the community there, and he'd provide some veteran experience and depth to a team primarily comprised of rookies. They need the balance. Duhon would be a better fit at PG, with Alston providing depth. Sign a FA SG. Maybe that's even Wesley. But, we need to get younger, IMHO, with someone who can knock down the 3. Flip Murray might be an option, although his defense sucks, but we'd have McGrady and Bogans to balance. Bonzi Wells could be another option with stronger defense. Sign John Lucas III. I like this guy. I have a feeling he'll turn into someone we'd value, and he'd add depth. Let the rest go. We don't need Brunson or Bowen anymore. So, we could end up with something like: Yao/Deke/Lampje Chandler/Hayes/(maybe Williams) TMac/Bogans/(maybe PJ Tucker) Murray or Wells/Sura/Head Duhon/Alston/LucasIII That would add more toughness, youth, BB Intelligence, flexibility, and be stronger players to develop over the next few years next to Yao and TMac to take us to a championship, and they shouldn't get injured so much as this old team. What it doesn't give us is that hard nosed leader type player, like a Mario. Perhaps Sura will get well, and bring that back.
Welcome aboard, you are the new general manager of the Houston Rockets! Yours is one of the most intelligent proposals that I have read. You understand the true needs of this team. Essentially, the Rockets need three new starters, players who are legit NBA quality starters, whoever they may be. Your group isn't bad. With luck, the team might could do even better. But, I think I would be happy with your selections.
bah. screw next year.. screw 20/10, screw my $160+ for NBALP. I want some semblance of accomplishing something in this god awful year. Either make it to the playoffs or prevent as many teams as possible from making it if we can.
