I think Chad is mistaken on this one. I remembered a couple of our experts stated earlier that we did not get a TE from the trade, and that you don't get a TE when multiple players are involved. But, we still have our 6.99 TE, which I hope we use part of. It was nice to see a summary of what's left and available on FA's, but I have a feeling we'll do better in trade, especially with our TE. I could see us using our 1.6 mil exception, though, like with Keon Clark at backup center. I'm hoping we'll be talking with CHI and SEA on trades. I hate to see us get a PG that is not much different from Lue. I'd like to see Gaines get some playing time, to see if he's got something, and if he's buried too deep, we'll never find out. If there is a clear upgrade, then its worth it, but I really don't see anyone like that, who is attainable, except for Daniels. I really wished that we had been able to get Barry. Oh well. Of course, I'd love to see us get Hinrich and Duhon from CHI, but I doubt they'll let go of Hinrich, especially if they deal Crawford. If Dampier would be happy behind Ming, I'd love to use our TE on him, and send a draft pick GSW's way. That would certainly solidify the paint, and I'd expect him to play PF a fair amount as well. But, then we'd definitely need to move one or 2 of the PFs. With SEA getting Fortson, we are probably out of the running to move a PF there. But, I still believe that CHI is a possibility, if we don't mind losing Howard. They also are desperately trying to unload their bad contracts, who they view is Williams and Robinson. NY keeps trying to send them back big salaries in the deal. CHI is also wanting to move Chandler. There is a trade there for better fitting parts for both teams, and CHI get's 7 mil in cap room. They lose Hinrich instead of Crawford for reducing salaries, but Gordon fits better at PG anyway, and is considered the most NBA ready of any player in this year's draft. CHI would have a much improved team from last year who could win now, with a balance of veterans and up and coming youth at every position: Davis/Curry/Shirley Howard/Spoon/Austin Pippen/Nocioni/Deng Crawford/Pike/Jeffries Gordon/Pargo So, I guess my latest wish list is: 1) Sign Keon Clark to our 1.6 mil exception 2) Trade Howard/Spoon/Pike to CHI for Williams/Chandler/Hinrich/Duhon - Trade TE to CHI for E.Robinson We'd end up with: Yao/Clark(Chandler) Williams/Taylor/Chandler JJ/(Chandler)/Boki/A.Griffin/Robinson TMac/Pike/Gaines Hinrich/Lue/Duhon Williams, Taylor and Robinson would still be bad contracts for us, but they will expire as we need room for Yao and TMac. Chandler would give us depth at 3 positions, without pressure to be a starter, and the potential of greatness in the future. Hinrich, of course, is the biggest upgrade for us. We would definitely be a better team with depth, from what we have now, and a great team to grow with.
Im not sure the rockets are in the mood for another blockbuster trade and does this meet up with the cap? Id rather us go for SAR and AD.
Not only is Chad wrong about the amount of the Rockets' TE, but he even makes a mistake in his first sentence above. Unless I missed it, the Rockets have not signed anyone yet, so it's wrong to say that 30 NBA owners... I haven't done research on it(neither has Ford obviously ), but I'd be willing to bet that number of owners spending that billion is less than 29 as well. It is interesting to see what other teams have available to spend, though. On the other hand, we can't really be sure of the numbers he reports for other teams either, can we?
Actually, I start feeling sorry for Chad. Everything he said is dissected and criticized on this board (rightfully though).
One interesting name that pops out of Ford's article is Fabricio Oberto. I have always heard that Oberto prefers to stay in Europe and has no interest of coming over to the NBA. However, according to Ford things seem to have changed. If that's the case, the Rockets should make a run at him. Oberto is better than any other center that the Rockets can get at this point. He really impressed me when he played for Argentina during the world championships two years ago. At the time many argued that Oberto should be voted as the best center in that turnament instead of Yao. Oberto is 6'10" and has a strong body. He's a classic post player with a lot of good post moves, but he can knock down a jumper as well. And he's a very smart player. I think that he could help the Rockets and he shouldn't be too expensive.
I feel the some way. I think the rockets are probably waiting for 60 days to expire from the blockbuster trade. But , then again going by Dawson track record the rockets will sign Ward.
