Getting Okafor would make tremendous sense for the Rockets from a team standpoint, but no so much from a financial standpoint. The price tag is just too high. Even when Yao comes back, we know he's injury-prone. The Rockets need a good, and good-size backup center, more than most teams do. He could help cut Yao's minutes, keeping him fresher, and give the Rockets more options against some of the teams with size. It would take just the right three-team deal, so it's unlikely, but Okafor would be a nice addtion.
Tmac to Sac K Thomas to Hornets K Martin Okafor Nocioni to Rockets Sac adds a "star" that could sell tickets. Tmac will be healthy before K Martin does and would help a pontential playoff run for the Kings. Hornets are just trying to save money. Rockets get depth and Size. We don't need Martin right now, this team is rollng. Okafor helps us with rebounding and blocks. Nocioni gives us extra depth and versatility. He also hustles which fits the Rockets MO. Hayes Okafor Scola Landry Battier Budinger Ariza Martin (when he comes back he might be starter) Brooks Lowry Add Yao to that mix next year, and we have ourselves a squad. Our only real weakness is size, and that would now be a strength for us. This looks to have some steam behind it, and unlike past regimes, I am confident that if the Rockets could gain from this, Morey would be all over it.
trade denied due to common sense of Kings and Hornets GMs but then again stranger trades have happened
Just asked Bill Ingram what he thought of the Rockets possibly acquiring Okafor. Here's his response:
What the heck has happened to Okafor's game that we are talking about for a 2nd time trading him for expiring contracts? Has his game regressed? Has he leveled out?
Leveled out, I think. It just seems he's been the same player pretty much since the rookie year. Not only do his numbers remain unchanged, the way he puts up these numbers are also the same. The same very mechanical post moves. Also, is he much of a "intimidator" or "shot alterer"? He has a couple blks a game, but for some reason, I don't quite see the defensive impact. He seems kind of small for a center.
How would this make sense money wise for the Rocket's. We would have him tied up for five years at 10+ per, with Scola, Landry, and Brooks coming up for big raises in that time. It would tie our hands.
My favourite bit.... Yeah - sure, we'd trade for a guy who scores 25 a game with consummate ease and he might be a starter Just highlights the Disneyland nature of the post!
