I think the Rockets are already offering that kind of money but Moochie wants more. The Rockets have probably offered 5 or 6 years starting $1.6 or $1.7 million. Moochie (according to the paper) looks like he wants better than $2 million. I'm guessing that starting at $2.1 or $2.2 million would get the job done, but I honestly don't know. I don't think there is ANY coincidence that Fegan is the agent in this case and the papers are saying it could be "difficult" to re-sign Norris. I'm not sure what the issue is exactly with him, but it appears obvious that something is wrong. I'm sure he wants the most he can get for his clients but I'm also betting that there is something there between him and the Rockets. I mean, this all seems a bit to coincidental to me.
Think back. Mobley wanted to stay here, he had an outside offer, and the Rockets didn't pay him a penny more than was necessary to come close enough. I think they'll do the same with Mooch. Now, if Fegan pulls his usual game of finding some other team that will pay his client more and is willing to part with something valuable in exchange for our guy, I have no problem taking it. You want $3M for your guy, Dan? Go find us a team that will pay that price and will throw in a frontcourt stud to boot.
Yep i'd be pretty upset if moochie left too. He is an intergral part of our team. how many times last year did he come in an bring a much leaded lift in those close games either by creating for others or hitting huge shot in the 4th quarter when no one else was doing anything? Moochie's iso's seemed be called up on quite a bit in the 4th. With only one pg on the team, what happens if francis tweaks that ankle again? Moochie can proly start on alot of teams and for a 2-3 million price tag, that seems like a bargain. CD or Rudy or whoever should have been more careful when they gave out those fat contracts or made trades for one.
*sigh* this is ludicrous. i have no idea why people believe moochie is INTEGRAL to the rocket's success. let me say this one more time: MOOCHIE WILL BE GONE!!! why else request kyle hill, the ncaa's 2nd leading scorer? a guy capable of playing 2 or 1, an EXCELLENT 3 point shooter, and an excellent penetrator? it wasn't for cap reasons. he's a 2nd round pick. the rockets asked for hill for 2 reasons: 1) to beat out colson, who is a HORRIBLE point guard. and 2) to tell mooch & fegan to take OUR contract offer or we'll go with hill. my prediction... MOOCHIE WILL BE GONE!!! and really, i don't think it'll make a lick of difference. i'd take a better shooter, capable of playing the 1 and 2 over moochie any day of the week. i don't give a damn whether he's a fan favorite or not. i want to WIN!
Yeah Shandn- I think the Rockets would prefer to have Moochie back, and use Hill as a 3rd PG, but if Moochie's demands are too outrageous, they'll let him go. In the end, I think Moochie will be back. He's a known component, and a necessary one, but not irreplaceable. Steve will probably do some recruiting for him. I also want to point out that the Rockets hold an advantage- the dreaded 12.5% increases. Fegan would probably want a S/T if Mooch is going to leave.
I am also with the minority to let Moochie walk, if he does not take a small minimum contract. Moochie received most of his time with Shandon on the bench. That will not happen with Rice at the SF. Besides his afro, WHY IS EVERBODY SO HIGH ON HIM? Sure he is a nice guy, but you cannot compare him to Cassel or Mobley (in the past) as our top 6th man. Griffin will take that job!!!!. Yes, he had a few good offensive games, but he had alot of bad ones as well. I rememberon many occasions, Moochie running the fast break, refusing to pass the ball (for the easy layup), then running in 3-4 circles and coughing up the ball. He never made it the first time in the NBA because of his inconsistent jumper , and he is not worth risking a long term contract on (see Cato). With Fegans sense of money, if the Rockets offer 1.5 million, than fegan will want 4.5 million. Look at anderson, he is getting 42 million to be a backup player in NY. THAT IS TOTALLY INSANE!!!! Feagan will want 5-6 years guaranteed (just like he always gets). I AM WITH WILL, if a team accepts him at 3+ million a year for a S&T, that will bring the Rockets back something in return, LETS DO IT!!!
Moochie is not a key to the Rockets success next year!!! . MoTaylor's and Cato's hustle, rebounding, and defense are essential to keys to the Rockets winning next year. I think we can replace Moohcie with Shammond Williams or Damon Jones who are available. They are both better shooters and play under control. With the addition of Tmorris, Dlanghi, and Egriffin, I don't expect to see the Rockets running the small lineup in the 4th Qtr except if Moochie is have an oustanding game. That's why the Rockets have no intention on overpaying for Moochie. His role will be reduced accordingly. $1.5 million over 4 years is very good for a 20 minute role player. CD and Rudy, don't fall for the sucker move.
If another team accepts a S/T for Mooch @ $3+ million and coughs up a big man in exchange for that contract, then you can add that team to the "Raped by the Rockets" list. That said, I wouldn't mind parting with him if it gets us some help at the 5. IMO I think that's the only circumstance where CD would seriously consider parting with him. I doubt that anyone in the league will straight up sign him for what Fegan is asking. All CD has to do is wait until Fegan realises this. CD might actually be waiting to see if Fegan can actually get them some help in a S/T...
what's wrong with him signing a one year deal for say 1.5 mil which should be about what he would get with any long term deal in its first year and wait for the salary cap to increase next summer and negociate a long term deal then for probably more than he's asking for now. similar to what Mo-Tay has just done.
Shandon, I think the addition of Kyle Hill is only serves as providing a backup guard for our IR. I don't care if your the #1 leading scorer in the nation in college, it doesn't always translate in the pro's. Example: Lee Nailon. There is a reason he was chosen #47 anyhow. I believe the Rockets see Hill as insurance and nothing more, but as a replacement, that would be a very hasty assumption. We talk about the invaluables that Shandon brought to the team, but we forget that Mooch has many invaluables of his own. Here is a guy who gells perfectly in our system. Gets along great with the guys, and hasn't in any way stained his stay here. Combine that with some clutch performances, and that most crucial thing of all that Moochie possesses: HEART. Yes other pg's are available, yes we now have Kyle Hill (what has he proven anyway?), and yes he is a client of the bloodsucking Fegan. But in the end I believe the Rockets recognize Moochie for what he provides and will find a way to bring him back on board. To not do so I believe would be a grave mistake.
Especially considering that he was the nation's #2 scorer doing so from Eastern Illinois University. I think Houston Community College has a better team than they do.
It's a bit harsh to criticize Hill when none of us have seen him play. Not to mention that Stockton went to Gonzaga(not exactly powerhouse b-ball). Under the right coaches(Rudy T and crew), Hill may become something.
I've never seen this Hill kid play, but he did shoot 43% in 3's last season, did score 32 against Arizona in the 1st rd of March Madness, and was voted Defensive Player of the year by his team his junior year. I'm just as skeptical as the next guy, but if RT's had his eye on him I would wager that this guy at least has a decent chance of sticking in the league. Problem is, for the next 2 seasons he will have no where near the experience Mooch has in running a team effectively.
as rockets' fans, NONE of us should be judging a player's abilities based upon where he was drafted!!! see: mobley, cuttino. sheesh! also, for all that you have said, none of you have been able to name what moochie brings to the court. that fact that he "fit in with the system" MEANS NOTHING! the system, as is the nba, is going to change! witness the personell moves of this offseason!!! and as for hill's ncaa #s meaning nothing, you're right. my point, however, is that it shows he has the ability to shoot, shoot the 3, and penetrate. and, maybe most importantly, HAS THE ABILITY TO PLAY BOTH GUARD POSITIONS. if he has a decent preseason, look for him to be on the roster, and for moochie to be on someone else's bench. for the system we are about to run...focused on penetrating guards and shooters from every position (save the 5), a smooth shooting combo guard is much more important than an afro-sporting, shaky shooting pure point guard. did mooch hit some big shots last year? sure. but if we are SERIOUS about becoming a championship contender now, we will be needing cat, steve, glen, motay, and/or griffin to be taking those late shots - or creating for each other. i'd venture to guess that you won't be seeing much of moochie - this year - on last second possessions. you'll be seeing steve, cat, and shooters. it was ok for last year, but that was just ok enough to miss the playoffs. that's not good enough anymore.
he was a 2 guard in college. i am ASSUMING that he can play some semblance of the 1, however. at 6'2", i'm sure he has at least handled the ball before. not to mention, i'm not a huge proponent of the "pure" point guard. ******* oh, treeman, re: mooch... i'm glad listed those qualities. it makes it even more apparent the importance of his position and how easily it can be replaced. shammond williams, anyone? damon jones, anyone? moochie norris, anyone? mahmoud abdul-rauf, anyone? kyle hill, anyone? khalid el-amin, anyone? sean colson (blech!!), nevermind
