Of course no one did, but when the team started off winning like they did, we expect it to continue. We've been spoiled.
We been spoiled through an injury curse when i know infact without the curse Rockets would be better off than through the deception of overachieving.
I second that if it's not the player worth taking on, then it's not the player worth the contract they'd be interested in in other words they wont be trading him just for the sake of trading him. At the very least or worst it will be a lateral move.
Another thought which had be really thinking lastnight from a different aspect giving the Rockets position. Any expiring contracts coming back for McGrady should be contracts that atleast have a gamble clause attached to it next season when they do sign and trades. Taking a guy on like Brad Miller might not be as bad as thought when he expires he could be in a sign and trade to Lakers for Artest at the very least assuming Artest is a distraction they'd have a guy to atleast be able to be a focal point of their triangle system and come off the bench behind Bynum and Gasol. Even McGrady is a gamble to a team like Chicago assuming he comes back to a return point worth a sign and trade for a guy like Rondo who can at times team beside Rose.
3 of those loses cam against contenders. the bobcats are doing well themselves. This season we've been supposedly "figured out" about 3 or 4 times, yet we picked it up again. this time i think it's just the team crashing after a tough first half. It's not as simple as , oh we got a better schedule now let's start playing well. They need to recuperate from the physical stress of 40 games and fromt he lack of practice time. Give them some time.
He's asks an excellent question at the end of his post, however, that many of us are asking ourselves. As teams adjust to our surprisingly good play (the last few games notwithstanding), can Rick Adelman counter effectively? It will be a real test in a season full of them, tests we have answered so far. I'm a big fan of Coach A, so I think he'll adjust. What none of us know is what he's going to have to work with by the deadline. Probably a majority of us assume Morey is going to make a move, that he has to make a move both for this season, and the future. Interesting days ahead, folks.
The Rockets are losing because the minutes are starting to catch up with some of the guys(Battier, Ariza, Brooks). This is really starting to affect their shooting and fast break on offense. Also, on defense their starting to lose some of their intensity because of this. I'd rather see another SG of SF come in any deal instead of Bosh. Bosh just strikes me as being kind of soft and not clutch. Whatever happened with Von Wafer? :grin:
Why would he take a reduced buy out unless he already have a really good idea of the team he will go to? He may do better by making sure he's 100%, hit free agency and sign a mle deal for 1 yr vs taking less to play now. Now maybe he really,really, wants to play and someone suffers a injury and he's needed, so be it, but its hard to give 3.5m no matter what you make. I'm pretty sure if they don't trade him that will be a option though.
Agree...atleast the rockets are not having any kind of turmoil or problems...this is still a good team with good players, Morey needs to play minds etc..have patience if he wants to land a good player back for Tmac or with any other players.
Are you serious? He would take the buyout so he could play somewhere and prove that he still has game? Do you really not understand that?
He wants his cake and eat it too. It would be a tough decision for him. IMO,he won't agree to leave money on the table.
Exactly what is your opinion based on? Financially, it would make more sense for him to be bought out -- that would lead to him signing with another team, showcasing his talents this year, and getting a bigger contract next season. I didn't really want to get into the specifics of the buy outs - the Rockets could very well give him the full amount or make him accept less. (I think, generally, players accept less?). But I don't think there's any question he will be bought out if he isn't traded, whether that means he takes a paycut or not. He would be risking losing a lot of potential FA money if he never plays this year, something I don't think neither he nor his agent would be willing to do. Here's the thing: If I'm a GM looking at a McGrady who wasn't traded or bought out, I think gee, here's a former all-star who hasn't played in two years, is now in his 30s with a long list of injury problems, and is coming off one of the most serious knee injuries you can get. Tim Grover inviting me to a Chicago gym to see him go 1on1 versus an overweight Bonzi Wells isn't exactly going to make me want to open up my wallet. I want to see McGrady against NBA talent, on the floor, playing at the highest level. The only way McGrady gets teams attention is if he can come back and play at a high level this year. Otherwise, he's just one of those guys you take a flier on to see what he's got left - and you don't give much money to those guys.
The longer he sits out, the less likely he gets paid what he wants this offseason... He wants to play for someone asap to earn that money.. Funny he didn't want to play last season... So... he would be open to a buy out even if it meant not getting all that he is owed. The Rockets aren't. Obviously, that might change if no trade is made by the trade deadline.
I don't think he will be able to do well enough to command a big contract. I feel he can be an MLE type player at best. He does need to show the league that he is worth big money and needs to play well without a doubt. If the Rockets give him a very large share of his expiring contract,I could see it happening but if he really isn't ready to play a big role,he may sit out.
Yes, but I wouldn't say that it's a guarantee that this team currently constructed, even with a healthy Yao is a championship conteneder. Another piece needs to be added and when that happens chemistry will change anyways :grin: .
