Give him a chance? Why? Let me try to walk you through this: The MOST Kevin Martin has ever played was in 06-07 when he played 80 games. The following year (07-08), he played 61 games. The next year (08-09), he played 51 games. This year, he's already missed 32 games, putting him at 50 games for the year ASSUMING HE DOESN'T GET HURT AGAIN. You don't take a chance for the sake of taking a chance on guys like him; not when there are more viable options available (Iggy, Caron, Noah, etc.). You take a chance on guys like Ariza, who you use the MLE on in hopes of him growing his game. You don't take chances on guys with bloated contracts who routinely misses 30 games a year. We've already got Yao, we don't need another huge contract buying suits on the bench. Iguodala is about as sure thing as you can get. He's missed 6 games in five full seasons - and those games were in the same season! Meaning, Iguodala has played 82 games in four out of five seasons. In the same span as Iggy (they came into the league together), Kevin Martin has YET to play a full 82 game season. To put this into perspective: Iguodala has missed 6 games in 6 years. Martin has missed 133 games in 6 years. I repeat: Iguodala over Martin and it's not even close.
Our primary needs are most likely shooting guard (athletic or Martin is probably the most expensive and require the other pieces (like Scola, Lowry, Chase, or probably Landry), even in a three or four team trade. He's great scorer, though limited on defense, and injury prone. But, will he be enough for us to stay in the playoff picture. I'd like him better, if we were stronger defensively, especially in the post, but we don't have Mutombo or Yao to cover the paint. A.I. is the best fit (long term), can score, rebound, very athletic (what we are missing), and an above average passer. Still fairly young as well. Problem is most likely contract and he isn't necessarily one of the 76ers dealing pieces. If they lose him, who else can they go after in the offseason. Next, biggest problem is taking on Dalembert's contract as well. He's good big man for the Rockets and would be good in case Yao is done for good or goes down with an injury. He'd be a great more than serviceable center for us. Though, Butler may fetch the best deal overall, his salary is up after next year I believe, we'd only be given up T-Mac (and possibly Dorsey or Cook), and he will probably come with other players in a prospective combo of Foye, McVale, Miller, Oberto, James, and possibly Haywood. Which would give us even more depth and players who are good situation, some of whom, are pretty athletic and could work the Rockets' system. But most of all, every player I just name would off the books after the season, except McVale who are off the books after next summer. Another thing is if these players really help us out we might can keep one or two of them for a decent price. Also, I think those guys (guards and wings) might be more capable of doing what Ariza was supposed to be doing (Young and Foye). Both have played really well this month and are shooting better (for the entire season) than Ariza. Combos - McGee, Miller, and Butler Foye, Miller, and Butler Haywood, Miller, and Butler Haywood, Foye, and Butler Mcgee, Foye, and Butler Young, Haywood, and Butler Young, Butler, and Oberto Young, McGee, Butler, and Haywood a few more odd combinations. Washington deal is much more favorable, less pieces involved and it would be a short term deal (with so many expiring contracts). While, they are in very much fire sale mode with all the recent controversies. Yet, the Rockets can remain competitive for this season (and possibly next season) without spending alot of money or making a long term commitment to an above average shooting guard (who isn't really a franchise player, Martin and A.I.) I don't see how we could get worse by acquiring fairly decent players (and a borderline all star for Butler) from Washington for T-Mac (and possibly Dorsey or Cook). The only problem I see is it may disrupt team chemistry from the influx of players and the minute distributions. But, it seems like our team is lacking athleticism and efficient scoring at times, which is what the Washington guys might be able to make up for. I think we can survive this season with Landry and Brooks as 4th quarter guys, maybe not long term, but for this year...I think both are more than capable enough to do that.
But what if Martin agreed to dress up like shanaynay? Would that change your vote? Daaaammmnnn Giiiiinnnnaaa!!!!
Martin, yes. Butler, not quite, since the 06-07 season, the first season where he started missing more time, he's still played 79 % of games since; not great, but not frightening, as you put it.
I agree... Martin is injury prone and has missed more games than Iggy. The OP is asking which one of those guys will be a better fit for the Rox to be contenders. Not who will be healthier. Based on talent IMO Martin is a better overall fit for this team to be contenders.
If they can get the clippers involved, then maybe something like this: Iggy and Camby to the rockets Dalembert to the clippers Tracy to the 76ers Someone might have to throw a pick at the clippers, but camby expires after this season and is still having a good year and the rockets still get their guy.
Wow, how is Iggy so high in the polls? I actually put him at #3 among these myself. We don't need another "do it all" guy. This team needs a wing who can shoot efficiently. I would say Martin is a no-brainer if it weren't for his injuries. And even with injuries, I like him provided our doctors fully checked him out.
Honestly, the Rockets need a playmaker, a shot-creator for other players. No that player does not need to do that job the entire game. But the Rockets tends to go through slumps where they cannot score, and they still cannot close games very well. AI is the only player of those three (and probably feasibily attainable) with the ability or potential ability (depending on how you view him). Then on top of that, if you really want a shooter, then sign Mike Miller in the off season.
Disagree, Iggy along with Dalembert makes us contenders right now. We would have 3 people to throw at scorers like Kobe, Lebron, Wade, Melo, Nash, etc... I love the options of Ariza, Shane, and Iggy. Minny scored 31 points in the 2nd period. We need more D less O. Iggy and Dalembert gives that to us.
