http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=aldridge_david&id=1701518 (Charlie Ward will be cut by Phoenix by pre-arrangement, and thus free to go to either the Rockets or Clippers, whoever gets to his agent first.) Looks like he is headed to the rockets.
Ward is a quality pg. I am not sure why he has been knocked so much in the NYC Media... oh. It is because it is the NYC Media. Look at his numbers: FG% FT% 3PM REB AST STL BLK PTS .442 .762 1.7 2.7 4.9 1.3 0.2 8.7 Much better that Moochie. Nice all around numbers. A pass first but solid shooting point guard who is a good defender. Something that Moochie was not. Ward becomes our best on the ball defender. And... don't we need a point guard who looks to involve others in the offense? (Sorry, Stevie). This will be a major trade for the Rox if we manage to do it. Ward along with Weatherspoon will really bring some toughness and help improve what is an already solid defense. I'll talk later about trading Stevie and making Boki the point guard! By my saying that did I just discredit everything else?
I just read this after quoting my own (smaller) section of C Ward quotes. Nice job on finding the rankings! How could you not be excited about him joining the Rox?
avid Aldride on Nba Fastbreak said that it's between Houston and San Antonio and he would be signed today or tommorow. He said Houston "really' wants him but that S.A. could be his choice.
The Suns' release of Charlie Ward made one of Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy's favorite players a free agent on Tuesday. Ward's agent Craig McKenzie said before the season that Ward would love to play for Van Gundy again, and Van Gundy had nothing but praise for Ward on Monday. "Jeff and Charlie had really good relationship," McKenzie said then. "Charlie said Jeff is a premier coach." But if the Rockets choose to pursue Ward when he clears waivers, landing him will not be easy. The Rockets will likely have to compete with teams either under the salary cap or with mid-level exception money left, giving them a chance to offer Ward a much larger contract than the Rockets can. Other teams are likely to be considered closer to a championship with the Spurs and Mavericks expected to show interest. McKenzie said before the season, that Ward loved playing in New York and the Nets are expected to look for a backup for Jason Kidd. Van Gundy, however, offered a strong endorsement. "Charlie Ward is tough, reliable, dependable, durable, nasty, but also nice, unafraid of competition," Van Gundy said.
I hope we can land Ward with vet min. Our second unit is looking much better with him in there. Cato Motay AG Pike Ward Not bad.
WOW, looks like several teams are chasing Ward right now and his stock price will be going up high. I just wish the bidding war won't turn too crazy. If Ward asks more than 2 million, then I say pass him, he doesn't worth it. Continue playing Wilks and see what happens will be a good idea.
I AM CHOMPING AT THE BIT TO GET THIS DUDE HERE!! I cannot believe all you naysayers about Ward being our backup!!?? Does anyone check stats or care about playoff experience or VETERAN LEADERSHIP anymore?? I swear to Gawd, we are the WORST fans I have come across in a long time: everybody is a worthless to you guys, you always want something for nothing and we don't even sell the joint out enough! Geez. ANYWHO..To say Ward isn't better than Moochie and Wilks is so sad and so totally uninformed that it is in-sane. I love Moochie AND Wilks--but I watch alot of basketball--I have been having the SEASON PASS for the last three years--BUT PULEEZ, there is no comparison to what Ward will bring to this team. Because of Rudy, the Rox have been lead with inexperience, unsavvy players for too long--its stopping and I'm glad JVG realized we need maturity here. In order for us to take it to the next level, we need a MIXTURE of young and fresh and time-tested, playoff experienced, veteran leadership and know-how. Wilks couldn't lead this team across the street and god knows I like him but I am A---FRAID every time he shoots and wasn't too comfortable when Mooch shot. Instead of being the USUAL Rocket fan and hating every idea that comes along--be smart enough to see that we may have hit the a little stroke of luck. Uh, we are trying to get to the playoffs, ya know.
I agree with the whole post. Although I thought the deal would be done by the time I was getting off of work, but no deal yet!!! I really hope CD doesn't screw this one up...
Looks like everyone wants him. http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/story/152650p-134395c.html CLEVELAND - Frank Williams, the one-time point guard of the future, may soon be a thing of the past. With Stephon Marbury running the offense, it means fewer, and possibly no minutes for Williams, who was promoted into the starting lineup just two weeks ago. But with Marbury now the starter, Moochie Norris a backup and even Penny Hardaway capable of playing the point, the Knicks, according to a league official, are looking to trade Williams. Williams, selected by the Knicks in the first round of the 2002 draft, did not play in last night's 107-96 loss. Team president Isiah Thomas is not finished dealing, and there is a possibility that he will package Williams with another player, perhaps Michael Doleac or Othella Harrington. One source said the package could possibly be for Cleveland's Darius Miles. The way Thomas is going, he could probably convince the Lakers to take the package and give the Knicks Shaquille O'Neal. Thomas hasn't ruled out trying to re-sign Charlie Ward once he clears waivers. Ward, waived by the Suns yesterday, wants to sign with a team that will use him as the No. 1 backup. Ward wants to remain in the New York area, which would give the Nets an inside track. But San Antonio and Dallas are regarded as the leading candidates to sign Ward. According to Ward's agent, Craig McKenzie, the former Knick is also interested in joining the Nets, and the feeling is more than mutual. A Nets source said the team is very interested in adding Ward as the team's backup point guard. McKenzie said eight teams have called him and that Ward will talk to Thomas before making a final decision.
