Seeing as I’m already a blasphemer, I’ll go ahead and bring up a trade that I’d do: It probably wouldn’t work, and it surely wouldn’t work if the Spurs go on to win it all, but I’d trade Francis (‘cuz I don’t think they’d take Mobley) for Tony Parker and Bruce Bowen. A good (albeit young) point guard with some actual playoff experience who already seems to “get it” (though it’s not hard to get it when you play with Duncan), and a defensive minded small forward whose talents aren’t really getting utilized enough in the Spur’s offense (he’s only got the highest three point percentage shot in all of the league…just what the Rockets could use). I think most people would say that the Spurs got “the best man” in the trade, but Houston would really address their needs. Of course, if the Rockets could do it for Mobley instead, that’s fine too…..though the Spurs would probably want Cato to replace Robinson. I know I’ve totally ignored salaries in this scenario…..just addressing need.
Pole, sorry I usually think you are on target but the Parker/Bowen trade for Francis would be horrible IMO. Parker + Manu plus either Rose or Bowen would be a little more interesting, but no thanks. I am open to trade Francis--but the player in return should be in the Oneal, Brand, Pierce, or Gasol class, or multiple players with at least 1 being in the Marion, Peja, Jamison, Davis or Mashburn class. No combination of Parker, Manu, Rose and Bowen is at that level though all 4 for Francis might be relatively fair. Pgabriel, Christie is not a better shooter or scorer than Mobley--just look at Doug's numbers before he joined an offensive juggernuat, before he was the 5th option and wasn't always left wide open--though I'll give you his defense and passing skills are better. Also, neither Magette, Q, Penny or Person (you can add in DA too) are better players than Mobley, nor would we be better with them starting over Mobley. We might gain ht, size or a little pure shooting for Person--but we would lose bigtime in one area or another as none of them have the all around impact of Mobley on both ends. So definetely Allen, most probably Wells, and probably Christie--that is it would I think would help us by having him in there over Mobley of these guys in discussion. Honestly only Kobe, Allen and Finley are a class above Mobley as WC 2 guards, though Wells, Christie (though he is already 33), Barry (he is over 30 too), and JR (especially considering his youth) would be tempting to have instead of Mobley. Of these only JR and Wells clearly have a higher celining than Mobley as well.
Yah....I didn't expect to gain any admirers with that proposal, but I don't think its any more ridiculous than some of the Mobley comments I've heard. I just don't think anyone is going to be stepping up to give us an Oneal, Brand, Pierce, or Gasol for Francis. I just have a fear that Francis' actual value will never match his current trade value. I hope I'm wrong.
