This is Carrol Dawson's quote from the end of the Chronicle article. "I just still really think, for all he has done for the Rockets, it would be hard for me to see him playing for anyone else. I still think this will work out." I haven't seen this discussed elsewhere, and I wanted to figure out what this meant. I've been reading speculation that the Rockets will waive Hakeem soon, and I suppose I inferred it would happen based upon what Clutch and Doc Rocket said. But to me, this comment, coming in response to Hakeem's desire to do "what is best for the franchise" and coupled with the sentiments of his teammates (Mo and Cuttino) saying they don't want to see him leave, suggests that everything could still be patched up, at least through the rest of the season. Do you all think that Dawson was genuine in his statement that he thinks Hakeem will stay in Houston? Or do you think he is being less than honest when he says that? I mean, he could have just said "no comment", like Rudy basically did. ------------------ "Thirty-seven?" -Randall, Clerks www.clutchtown.com
He might be trying to show the general public (like they even care) that this is a Hakeem decision, not a Rocket decision.
This is PR. Hakeem wants out, and he is being an ass about it. There is absolutley no reason for Dream to make an announcement like that unless the Rockets are prepping the public for the inevitable. Tell me Sam: how would you work the PR if Hakeem really wants to be released. Would you just release him? Or would you prep the public? What sucks is this is a huge sign that all the trades on the table fell through. Now Dream forces us to waive him, and we have to do this PR thing and totally lose all trade value for him.
Agreed Rocketman. CD is just playing for the crowd. It´s a smokescreen. Make no mistake, Hakeem will be either moved or waived. I´m hoping for the former, miself. They are just (both dream and cd) trying to make the breakup less traumatic to the general public. ------------------ "What´s up, Doc?"
I just don't understand why the Suns would give us Hardaway and Robinson for Dream. Something very weird is going on. Maybe a 3rd team is involved. And if we got Hardaway where would he play? S.F.? ------------------ President of the Steve Francis, Jamal Crawford,Larry Hughes, and Charles Woodson fan club.
The one thing i dislike about this going public is that now it has become clear that dream WANTS out, and WILL eventually leave. That KILLS most of our trade chances, as no one will offer value if they can just claim him off waivers. Of course, that leaves ONE and ONLY one trade scenario: Getting Dream as a means of freeing up capspace and making up for losses. Vancouver, anyone? ------------------ "What´s up, Doc?"
hp, ESPN was nice enough to phrase it "if the Rockets would be helped in a trade, then he'd be all for it" vs. the ominous spin by the chronicle. Now whether or not the trades (that he'd accept) are to places w/ no helpful players, I'm not sure. The funny thing is that Dream might have overplayed his hand last night in the media. He played the gallant retiring player. Now I wonder if he'd honor his word in Van.. Dream: For the sake of the team, I should be traded elsewhere. CD: Well, if you're going to twist our arm... *sniff*. OK, Van will take you. Dream: I, uhhh... CD: I'm sorry, what'd you say? ------------------ We're going to stay together until something happens, if something happens. - Sidney Lowe on Shareef's career in Vancouver.
Bingo. Come on, guys. Nothing in this 'press release' was said freely. Everything was calculated beforehand. Hakeem wants to be traded or waived; and yet, he wants "whatever is best for the team." Obviously he doesn't want to come off as the Kemp or Stoudamire of past years. CD says stuff to contradict; 'I just don't know if I could do it' (stifles a sob). This was absolutely calculated to 1) inform the public as gently as possible that Hakeem does want out and 2) Create a backdoor to possible backlash by saying 'we probably won't do it anyway.' A mutual agreement has already been reached. Hakeem wants to play somewhere he fits in; somwhere he is needed. The Rockets want out from under the salary, and don't want to face the embarrassment of not re-signing him and losing him to free agency this summer. Everything is ready to go. They're just waiting for us, the fans, to digest. [This message has been edited by Nolen (edited January 17, 2001).]
HeyPee, why do you say Hakeem is being an ass about it? I saw nothing at all offensive in his statement. Obviously, the Rockets had knowledge of his feelings for awhile, because Doc gave us the scoop, and he admitted he had ambivilient feelings about the prospect of Dream leaving. This team is being rebuilt in the image of Phoenix, who ironically would like to have Dream, and can't be competitive in its current configuration. By competitive, I mean they'll look great on nights when the jumper is falling, but when it's not, they basically have no chance, just like Phoenix of the past few years. Everyone thought Hakeem was going to retire after this year anyway. The Rockets benefit from the cap space. The Rockets can make a trade if they want to, or just renounce his rights at the end of the season. I suppose they could waive him right now to let him sign with another team. They still would be in the same position as if Dream retired after this year like everyone thought. The only thing that could make this different is if they trade Dream. They could be better OR worse, depending on contracts they assume and talent they get. The question about a trade for Shariff & Country is a very tough one. Shariff would be an awesome addition and Country isn't bad, but your team would definately be set for a long time. On the other hand, cap room doesn't guarantee you squat. Look at Chicago. Look at Kenyon Martin and Stromile Swift and Marcus Fizer and the rest of the names everybody was lusting for this summer. I have no problem with Hakeem saying he wants out in a way that doesn't hurt the team. Being an ass? Give me a break. ------------------
That may be one of several reasons CD made the quote, "I just still really think, for all he has done for the Rockets, it would be hard for me to see him playing for anyone else. I still think this will work out." That quote could make someone think that you still have to get him to make the trade. Also if there is more than one team interested in him you can still play them against one another. The fact is unless a team is just trying to clear cap space or someone thinks a true center could make a difference in the run to the finals, Dream just isn't going to bring a whole lot. I'm sure that other teams are trying to dump of their salary cap problems (See Pheonix trying to unload Penny Hardaways salary or Vancouver trying to unload Big Country's salary on us) by trading for Hakeem ------------------ [This message has been edited by crash5179 (edited January 17, 2001).]
IMO, it means he thinks he can keep hak around until the end of the contract/season. it seems that the other, preferred trades have expired and if they were to move dream it would be at the expense of an albatross (hardaway, reeves, etc.) truthfully, i think they'd rather keep the cap room. so to release or not to release? it doesn't hurt us to release him. so it makes you wonder exactly how big of an ASS is hakeem being? i'd say a nell carter sized ASS. if hakeem would have shown 1/2 the hustle of ALL the other nba players at his age, he would have good trade value. but he hasn't, and he's ornery, and it's left us with the option of trading him for crap or releasing him (doing him a favor). if you were carroll dawson, would you be in the mood to do him a favor? i think not. "I still think this will work out" (rest of the quote) "so that we won't be fuqed like a tied billy goat." ------------------
Heypartner, While I agree that this is a PR move, I also believe that it's a calculated PR move between the Rockets & Dream. Doc Rocket hasn't indicated that the "hand shake deal" is dead yet, but that Cato's injury might throw a monkey wrench into the deal. I can't help but wonder if the deal is there on the table & they are just trying to prepare the public. Or, is this just wishful thinking on my part? ------------------
OK since Dream wants out, and wants to play for a team that he fits in, then what team currently play the low post in/out game? Also what value in players do they have to offer??
hottoddie, I absolutely agree. The PR could totally be the prelude to a deal. I guess I strung two thoughts together in too much proximity. Moe, What I mean by him being an ass concerns why we got to this PR thing to begin with. Hakeem wants out, and Jeff was correct all along concerning the initial complaints back in late Nov.
So everyone thinks its a PR move? If so, its a mistake. Like RM95 said, the public (judging by attendance and radio call-in shows) doesn't really care. Plus, Les already got his arena. Keep him or waive him - at this point it doesn't matter much. He's obviously not in the short-term or long-term plans and it looks like trade talks have fallen through. The last thing the franchise needs is for this deal to become long and drawn out, especially if Hakeem is using the media as a weapon to get released. ------------------ "Thirty-seven?" -Randall, Clerks www.clutchtown.com
Why, HeyPee, is he an ass for wanting out? Is Shandon an ass for wanting out of Utah? Is Steve an ass for wanting out of Vancouver? Is Mo an ass for wanting out of Clipperville? Is Tracy McGrady an ass for wanting out of Toronto? I could go on. Is everyone on this bbs an ass for wanting Webber to leave Sacremento and come to Houston? You act like these are jr. high kids. Would you be an ass for wanting to leave your employer for a better situation? Oh, you must not be a team player. ------------------
So when Hakeem gets his wish, will CC.net then be "Dream Free"? ------------------ In the end there will be no judges...only witnesses to my greatness.
Hakeem only wants out because while he was playing, bloody Matt Bullard was getting more touches than him. This is Rudy's fault, for not using Hakeem better. Hakeem could still contribute so much to THIS team, if he were used properly. The simple solution is to keep Hakeem, and give him some decent minutes. I don't care if he signs somewhere else NEXT year, I just want to see him finish his contract, and have a Rockets farewell game. God, Barkley got one, and he did nothing to help this team. For all of you who think Hakeem is an ass, put yourself in his shoes. How would you feel if you were one of the greatest players ever to play the game, but were benched behind Matt Bullard during the fourth quarter? Hakeem has been great, considering the circumstances. ------------------ "Rarely is the question asked: Is our children learning how to put food on their family while being put to death."
DAMN ZRB, it AIN'T personal, but I'LL BE DAMNED if i'll ANYONE QUESTION Chuck's heart! He may have his faults, but in the lockout shortened season, and last year NO ONE, and i do say NO ONE had a heart as big as Charles. A heart even BIGGER than his BUTT, if tha's possible! Remember game 3 in the series against the Lakers, with Dream out? Chuck is the man, he could've gone to LA (the offer was ON THE TABLE for him) last season, and WON his ring! And YET, he chose to STAY with the Rockets, despite the loss of that damn b*stard Pippen because of LOYALTY. DON'T YOU FREAKIN QUESTION THE CHUCKSTER'S HEART! NOW LOOK AT DREAM! Demanding touches! Demanding to be FED! Demanding a TRADE! Choosing and picking WHICH TEAM he wants to play with, because he CANT defer to Francis and Cuttino, and tell me if THATS what heart's supposed to be! Because if it is, THEN AND ONLY THEN Barkley had none! ------------------ "Dream another dream, this dream is over... Dream another dream, this dream is over... Dream another dream..." - from the Van Halen song, "Dream Another Dream". Fitting, isn´t it? [This message has been edited by Thanos (edited January 17, 2001).]
Thanos is my new favorite poster on this board. Seriously...very good points. ------------------ Jazzkiller
