I think T-Mac stays now. The only reason why he wants a trade is so he can go play with a legit big man (Yao,Amare,Duncan,Shaq) well he has a chance to play with one in Emeka Okafur I know he will be a rookie but he can develope into a TIM DUNCAN but younger. This Lottery just screwed up our chances to get T-Mac (it might be a blessing in deskys<<<<spelling.)
First, my quote was 'I am in awe of his skills. He just isn't likable.' Second, if you cannot understand the lack of correlation with your original comparison then no argument will hold water with you. I don't believe you meant it harmfully the way so many see it, but believe me that it is not apples or even oranges.
The Hitler comparison was purposely provocative in order to hammer home a point. I don't think it suggested that Kobe is the equivalent of Hitler; rather, the comparison intentionally used a controversial figure who elicits clear emotions to highlight the idea that skill alone shouldn't make you want someone on your team. That said, I'm surprised by some of the posts suggesting that Kobe's skills are not awe-worthy. Regardless of what one thinks of Kobe's character, I think it's fair to say that his basketball skills are impressive, arguably as impressive as anyone in the game right now. (If Kobe's skills aren't impressive, then whose are?) The Hitler reference only makes sense to me if it's based on the assumption that Kobe has as much skill on a basketball court as Hitler did in drawing millions of followers. Otherwise, isn't it an apples to oranges reference? Whatever the case, I'd be perfectly content with T-Mac over Kobe. But getting T-Mac still seems too good to be true, so I'm not going to hold my breath.
Okafur is 6'9" TD is 7'. Besides them both being bad FT shooters I really don't see the similarities. NBAdraft.net says this about him as well "Comparison: Ben Wallace (more offense, less nastiness)"
As I said earlier, Bare Bryant is a great player, one of the top five in the NBA. However, I personally have no respect for his character and do not wish to see him on the Rockets. Why do I not have the right to that opinion? Phil Jackson will not return if Bryant does. None of the Lakers like him. Shaquille O[Neal does not like him. He is arrogant beyond belief. He is on trial accused of rape. So why should I want him on the Rockets, especially over a player like Tracy McGrady?
I think if Okafor is drafted, McGrady may actually stay. I don't think it's that big of a deal because I wasn't all pumped up in aquiring TMac anyways, though it would have been great.
Did I not change the reference from Hitler to Dracula, which keeps the analogy in a similar vein, i.e. a character the vast majority of people loathe but some hold in "awe" because of "supernatural" powers? Tell me, would you want Karl Malone on the Rockets? Personally, I would not. There are just certain players, albeit great players (who would deny Malone will be in the HOF?), for whom you just can't cheer. For me, Bryant is one of those players, regardless of his on-court abilities.
Points taken. Thank you for changing the reference. I agree, no Pippen no Malone and no push for Kobe. As I said, 'I am in awe of his skills. He just isn't likable.' I don't like Kobe either, but I doubt he's the same character issue as some and believe I could find myself in his corner as a Rocket (after all is finished in Colorado, if he is still eligible for NBA).
Well now that the draft order is set, we know a few more players will become available. Orlando takes Okafor, that means one of either Howard or Gooden are available. Clips pick next, assuming they take Howard, they can give up Brand or Wilcox. Heck, Chicago's picking 3 and depthwise I think Livingston is projected to go there. Maybe we could get Chandler or Heinrich. Francis for Chandler and Livingston/Heinrich?
Why does this assure Orlando that they have magically retained TMac? They already had the most PP balls, so odds were theirs going into the night.
I'm not so sure Mcgrady is going to want to wait around for Okafur to develop. I'm really not sold on Mcgrady coming to the Rockets. Sure he's a offensive monster, but his D and motivation is very suspect. Still, I'd take him over Francis, although I'm not sure how much of an improvement we'll make.
What are you talking about?!!? This team had top five defense in the league last year. The offense was supposed to be so great, but could never really click. With an 'offensive monster' this team would improve dramatically. I have 2 other issues though. First I'm sure has been stated: What if TMac pulls a Randy Johnson on the Rockets? Second, how bout trading for Okafor instead?
