With the myriad of trade threads out there, I thought I should speak up and say that the Rockets should leave things alone for this season. The team is getting better by the day. They have gotten to the point where they all know what the other is going to do. The shots are falling and the turnovers are way down. The defense is still struggling but that has always been known to happen at a slower pace than the offense. Wesley and Barry have been huge additions. Bobby Sura has been fantastic. The bench has it's moments but it seems to go as Barry and Padgett go. If someone seriously wants to take Mo Taylor, fine. I'd be willing to accept role players with expiring contracts to come off the bench or making the deal for another trade exception. Otherwise, the core (that includes Juwon Howard) should be left alone for this season. I don't think that the championship is possible this season. There simply are too many teams that are just better right now. There are no players available via trade that would be able to push the Rockets into that elite level. That said, this is a good team that might win some games and even a series in the playoffs. Some tinkering in the offseason and actually having a 1st round pick could have the Rockets becoming contenders beginning next season.
I disagree --- unless we're the Spurs or Suns, kicking butt most nights you should allways be looking to improve. I agree that we should not be desperate -- do anything stupid, but if we could get a banging PF I would not miss Juwan or Mo
IMO the Rockets still need insurance at the point. Ward's out. Sura's knees are problematic and may need time off later on. That leaves potentially Wesley, Strickland, and Barrett(who has been playing badly of late) at the position. I'm sure T-Mac can assume some ballhandling duties in a pinch, but that would not be ideal. I'm not advocating a big move. Just get a mediocre backup position that can fit the team.
I think what I was trying to say was that if a move is going to be made, it should be either to get rid of MoT or even Clarence to get back some depth, possibly a pg. As this season stands, I don't see how it would be possible to improve on Juwon Howard without a major move. There just isn't anyone available that is going to make that much of a difference. With the current chemistry, I'd just assume to leave things as they are.
I dont think we can beat a good team in the playoffs without at least another good defensive player, preferably a PF...........As it stands, we'll play Seattle, and they will repeatedly take it to the hole one us..........
I would take a bag of jelly beans and a ham sandwich for Mo ! ...and I would back off then ham sandwich if that became the sticking point
Then the question is...Who is available that would improve the Rockets without giving up another #1 pick, that wouldn't screw with the current chemistry, and could help to rid them of one of many bad contracts?
i agree with leroy, i mean it is obvious a banging pf would be great, but for now we need to allow the team to mesh. we should always look to improve, but that might not always mean to keep on trading and tinkering with the roster. sometimes you just have to give it time. it is proven that we can win without mo and if he has any trade value whatsoever, i say we trade him..for a te, expiring contract, draft picks, whatever...he is no long really needed.
I'm not saying we NEED to make a deal, but IF the right deal came along, we would have to take it. Like you said, a championship this year isn't probablethis year. IF the Rockets were able to pick up a good player while dumping contracts (MoT and even Howard) then it would be wise for the future of the Rockets. But to answer your question, a guy like Marshall would be great fit with this team and I wouldn't hesitate to give up MoT or Howard to get him.
I agree in general that they don't need a wholesale shakeup, but these adjustments would be nice: Somehow get rid of Mo Backup PG Backup 2/3 - TMac needs to play 4-5 MPG less Defensive PF There's no way the Rox can do all of this before the trade deadline of course - I'd be happy with even one of those being achieved, thrilled with two.
In that case, neither would I. I just wouldn't give up Howard and not MoT without getting an upgrade at PF in return. But that would take a wholesale shakeup to add that many new players more than halfway into the season.
