For those of you who have forgotten, when healthy we already have the best backcourt in the league (Francis & CM > Davis or Wesley; probably better than Cassell and Allen too). The problem is we have the worst front court in the league. I am not against drafting JW if we think the Ming deal smells like a rat, but if we do him or Francis will be traded without question. If Rudy and Carrol thought keeping JW is the better long term move that is fine(if they think JW is the better team player or that SF headaches are no small short term problems), or if trading JW is better that is fine. Regardless either Francis and JW is worth an arm and leg--we are talking about receiving a Brand-quality player and more to shore up our front line. Cuttino isn't worth as much and in fact is probably worth more to us on our team than he could return via trade. Besides Cuttino is more of a natural two guard and has better size to play opponents 2s defensively anyway. In fact I am not sure Francis and JW would be any better complementary pair of guards than Francis and CM, or JW and CM, because only 1 guy will mainly handle the rock.
NIKEstrad,were you meaning trading #1 and Moochie for Curry and Crawford so Chicago could get Ming and Williams? Although I would prefer to keep Ming but if things don't work out with the Chinese or if the Rockets think that he won't be good for us,then this trade might not be such a bad idea.
Ming plus JayWill for Jamal Crawford & Curry???? No frikkin way. Chicago would absolutely do that deal in a heartbeat.
1) Re: Rice....in what Bizzaro-World is Rice the difference between a championship contender and a no-show? Yeah, maybe the CLipps are one step away, but it's better for them if that step is forward...There's a reason why we are rumored to be willing to LOSE talent-wise on a deal in order to get rid of his contract; it's an albatros, and changing uniforms ain't gonna turn it into a swan.... 2) Mobley is worth more than the 4th pick?!?!? Really? God, I'd love to find out how much more, and do the deal in a second...Is he worth the 3rd!?!? Dare I say it, the 2nd!?!? Seriously, he's a good ( make that very good) scorer, marginal-at-best in all other areas ( floor play, defense, shot selection, rebounding, etc.), and you think that that is worth more than, say, Drew Gooden, Mike Dunleavy ( whom I don't like, but, oh well), or Caron Butler!?!
I'll clarify- Here's what I wrote: "If I were in charge, I'd trade Moochie+#1 to Chicago for Curry and Crawford (Krause gets Ming AND Crawford). " Break it down like this: Houston trades: Moochie Norris #1 pick (aka Yao Ming) Chicago trades: Eddy Curry Jamal Crawford End result: Chicago gets the #1 and #2 picks in the draft, landing Ming and Williams, and a veteran backup. Houston gets a center without as much mystery surrounding him, and a talented combo guard that makes great injury insurance or bait and ends the Fegan/TLD era. mumu-No question the Bulls benefit. In a good trade, all sides benefit. The big points about this deal: -We no longer have to deal with the issues (odds are, if the issues aren't a problem, Ming will be a Rocket). -We satisfy the center slot with a banger, which fixes our need for toughness -We get out from under Moochie's contract and replace him with a bigger playmaker, which facilitates going small easier, and ends dribbling. We'd have our hole at SF, but could fill that with KT/#15. It's possible to incorporate the Clippers and somehow work Odom in as well, but I don't think the Clippers want to participate in helping Krause get Williams.
NIKEstrad, Jerry would wet his pants! The 1st. and 2nd. picks in this deep draft? Bulls would be back on the map in a big way. Intriguing. Make them throw in a future 1st.? Unprotected? Maybe after a year or two? We could give back the 1st. they owe us to sweeten it.
Nikestrad,thanks for the clarification,that's what what I thought you meant as well. I agree that this a good trade for both teams, although I have a hunch that Krause is more likely to give up Chandler than Curry. I'ts also possible that Chicago might either trade Ming for Andre Miller if Houston doesn't pick him,or take Williams and keep him along with Curry and Chandler.
OK, you're CD & Rudy. JW comes in and puts on a show during his workout, which is noteworthy considering: 1. Francis and Mobley are already entrenched 2. All indications point to Ming as the Rocks' top choice So we're talking about a kid who comes in and works his butt off because he's what, competitive ("I'm the best player, I should go #1") , proud ("I only know one way to play, and that's hard"), talented. Maybe that's what (reportedly) makes Butler so impressive, "I know Ming is the big target, but..." Is that enough to give you pause, or is Yao still "THE MAN"? And remember, small backcourts can definitely work, so long as you have significant size up front. (i.e. BIG Forwards) Something to consider.
No Offense, you are an excellent poster, but I would never do this trade. I don't think Curry or Crawford have proved themselves. Why would you send the #1 for those two? Crawford - 6"5PG Had a decent season last year 9.3ppg, 2.4 apg Curry - 6"11F/C Not a bad rookie year 6.7ppg 3.8rpg 50%FG So we are getting to offload Moochie's contract for two young guys with potential and they get the #1 ? I don't know if it is worth it. Couldn't we get the same potential in the draft?
