Granted without him there is no way we even get to the finals, but he's been well compensated for that, including the fat 14.5 million he got last year (six years after the fact). I think both sides have done their fair share, now its 2001-2002 and Dream has to come to terms with his age, stamina, and most importantly his health. I believe 5 mill with a 2 mill incentive is very reasonable. What I can't understand is why we haven't had any FA (including our own) even begin working on their contracts. ------------------
I second that Hayes. For all you who were lusting over AD. AD signed for about 12 mill a year and similar numbers to Dream with lots more minutes. Dream is still one of the best centers in the league. If cato was as productive as Dream was last year (with his so called deteriorated skills), we would all throw a party. Dream is worth all the money the rockets can pay while still retaining Mo and Mooch. There is no replacement for Dream period. ------------------
hayes... wow! I first saw "Akeem" play when I was visiting the states (from Aust) many years ago (the clippers made the playoffs that year ) and have follwed both him & the Rockets religiously since then. The man is just "way cool" and it would be a huge tragedy for him to play for another team, regardless of the circumstances. That is not to say i want him signed at any cost. I go for the Rockets, with Hakeem. While I think he should stay a Rocket, you build for your future, not for your past. ------------------ "Hakeem gets a 3 with the final shot" - my second favorite moment of 95 finals [This message has been edited by harumph (edited July 14, 2001).]
Finally A bunch of people that agree that Hakeem was the key. Thats great. I just can't help but think that some of you are just kinda standing back and just agree'in with what ever is said. Some of you seem to bash Hakeem yet when the magority sides him you think he is the man. Whatever I don't like to make fun of ppl and I don't want to look like a jerk. But like I have said before Hakeem was a reason I love basketball so much. He is the ONLY reason why Houston in that 12+ span years were a basketball team. Sure you need team play in a team sport but he carried those guys on his back during those years. Why are you so rushed to get mad at Hakeem for what he is demanding. When he was great you watched and wre like yeah he is good but now you say he is in the way. Why are we so intent on getting new heros. Let this one fade first. Hakeem has got pride. When you were one of the greats it doesn't matter who you were....would you take the exception or left over pay. Make what benchwarmers make. Even if that is all he derserves now would it really make our team that better. Guys... B-ball will last a long time. We will win again. But now that we finally got a guy that brought us something lets at least give him what he wants. He will be gone soon. Lets bring him along on the team for a couple more rides. When someone in an army gets old and can't fight you still give him respect and gratitude. Let Hakeem get his. Don't you think he knows he is not what he was. Don't you think he would also get mad if and when his team has to think how low they will pay him instead of how high. When what were once his fans tell him to step aside. It was his team. Yes it isn't his n e more. But we had a hero. He will go. The dream will fade. Rockets have got new stars. We will blast off again. But in the end....what do you think is right. We don't have to rush things n e faster. Things will fall into place. Let the Dream fade on his own. And when that happens....we will have us a new team. ------------------ yeah aight whatever
I second the nomination for Post of the Year by Hayes Street! I have a feeling most of these Hakeem bashers haven't been Rockets fans for very long. If they were old-timers, they'd know about how horrible Hakeem's supporting cast was in the late 80's thru early 90's yet he'd always play unbelievable ball to carry a bunch of journeyman/scrubs to the playoffs every year and then turn his individual game up several notches during the playoffs. All they know is the post-prime Dream from 97 on. As the Freak says, if all Hakeem cared about was money (as the bashers so foolishly suggest) then what the hell stopped him from signing with Nike and earning tens of millions more in endorsements than he got from Spalding, Etonic etc. I have yet to hear any of the Hakeem bashers refute that argument or even attempt it. I guess inside they know it's the freakin truth. ------------------ Get Cato out of there...
