http://bbs.clutchfans.com/showpost.php?p=4139132&postcount=39 Is this what's happening in the next two weeks?
Dallas, Portland and Phoenix look vulnerable this year. I think the Rockets have a fighting chance against any of those teams with or without McGrady. And in terms of going deep in the playoffs, it would be nice to get past the second round but realistically I'd consider advancing past the first round to be a success. As for the Marbury thing he doesn't need to play. The only reason you trade for him is to get T-Mac's salary off the books in 2009 rather than in 2010. Then the Rockets can pursue free agents a year before everybody and their dog goes crazy chasing LeBron, Bosh and Wade. You ever notice how when people talk about the superstars who are going to be free agents in 2010 that nobody ever mentions T-Mac?
So your telling me your deep playoff run is a second round exit. Thanks, but I'll take my chances with having McGrady on the squad. I mean listen man, in all honesty, I am frustrated with this season as well, but you don't hit the panic button until you have absolutely have to. We can still right the ship, and after going through so much I wonder why people are not willing to endure just a little more. What's the worst that happens? McGrady will be gone one way or another as everyone on here says, so why not see just how much we can squeeze out of him and this team? It's times like these that I thank goodness for Morey being the GM.
The trick is that you get rid of McGrady early and you're basically guaranteed the cream of the free agent class of 2009. Everybody else is going to be holding out until 2010 so the Rockets would have a) lots of salary room and b) no competition. And I'm not hitting the panic button. The cold blooded truth is that the Rockets aren't going anywhere this year with or without McGrady. I'm looking at a first round playoff win as a success. If there's no chance of getting the ring why not set yourself up for next year?
Hate to break it to you, but 2009s free agents are not that impressive. Iverson and Wallace would headline the list, and after that there really is noone worth paying big bucks for. We have our own in house priorities such as Ron and Von to worry about. It's funny what some perceive to be the truth. This team, as is stands right now, could definately win it all. JVG knows it, as do a lot of other high ranking basketball officials. You do not. What does that tell us?
Your post based on the assumption that the managerment is still thinking winning championship or making some noise in the playoff is still their first priority this year. To me it isn't, based on Morey's disappointing tone in his interview a few days ago. I think management is well and truly given up the biggest hope they have coming into the season to win a trophy this year. If this is no longer their priority. Trading Tmac might be more realistic than you think. What has Tmac done for us in the previous playoffs? Yes, he elevates his game into the post season but it doesn't translate into wins in terms of series. Trading Tmac for Marbury might sound stupid, but if getting rid of Tmac is management's priority now then this trade doesn't look as bone-headed. Why? As far as I know, Marbury's salary comes off the book this year. ( correct me if I am wrong ). And McGrady's comes off in 2010.
Talent wise the Rockets could contend. The problem is that they have to clear too many hurdles. 1) Health, obviously. 2) The chemistry issues. There's a very good chance something's going on in the locker room. 3) T-Mac's problems with the offense. He's not a good fit with Adelman's motion offense. He doesn't move well without the ball. He hangs onto it too long. He never just catches and shoots. There's just too many "if's" there. Any one of those is bad enough. When you talk about needing a perfect storm to contend, forget it. And don't forget that while JvG and Kenny liked the Rockets there are a whole bunch more talking heads who don't give Houston a chance.
That's exactly what I'm saying. If contending is no longer your goal then getting stronger has to be.
I actually think T-mac fits into the offense far better than Yao does. Yao is most effective in a slow down, let him get great position, throw it into him, he kicks it out if he's doubled offense. Anything else either neutralizes him (high post), or simply drains him of energy and is a low effecient use of his strengths. The main problem with the Rockets as constructed is that they don't have enough pure shooters to run this offense to its max effeciency. Honestly, who would you trust to hit the open 15-20 foot jump shot that Peja, Bibby, and back in the day, Terry Porter, could knock down with ease?
Rockets would still have to pay Marbury. Knicks don't have the draft picks to make it worthwhile. They also don't have enough young talent. Lee's their best young asset, but he's a half season rental, until he gets a big pay check from someone.
My big problem with T-Mac is that he's a black hole when he gets the ball. So far as shooters go I think Wafer, Brooks and Brent Barry are pretty good.
Hi all, As some of you may have read, I’m going to shut it down for 2 weeks to try and give my knee more rest. We’ve tried playing through the pain and playing part-time, and this is the next option in trying to get me back to 100%. The training staff, Coach Adelman, and I have all put our heads together and think that this is the best option. I’ll be out of the lineup for 2 weeks, but will be doing a number of strengthening workouts during that time. Because I had the surgery in May, I wasn’t able to begin my off-season strength and conditioning routine that I do every year on time. I’ve never felt 100% out there this year, and I think not being able to go through that routine was a reason why. Getting this time to focus on strengthening, and getting a break from the wear the knee takes during the course of the season will hopefully get me back on track. I’m determined to get back and go full throttle when I get out there. I know it’s frustrating for Rockets fans to see me out of the lineup but believe me, it’s no fun on the sidelines. My teammates have been very supportive though, and just want to see me healthy when I get back on the court with them. We’re in the 6 spot out West now and I have all the faith in the world in these guys to carry us while I’m out. For now we are relying on Yao and the rest of the guys to get it done without me. The game plan is to rejoin the team when the knee is back at full strength so we can challenge for home court in the playoffs and make a deep run for the title. I also wanted to say thanks to all my fans out there for their continuous support. This year has been incredibly frustrating for me, and knowing that I have the backing and support of my fans worldwide makes me that much more determined to come back better than ever. -Tracy Source from t-mac.com
^ absolutely if I was in houston I would boo him every time he touched the ball. heck I've heard the lakers get boo'ed at the staples center when they weren't playing well this season...it comes with the territory. he should take the boos as motivation and work hard but instead he sits the entire two weeks when by his own standards he could have played. I just hope he really is using these two weeks at home to really rehab his knee and his mind right for the stretch after the all-star break
lol make up your minds guys. Folks said that Mac should sit instead of this in and out stuff, well he's sitting. Now he gets flamed for doing what fans are crying for. I feel really bad for you guys. T-Mac must have your stress levels through the roof. Its ok, its only a basketball game. Remember, you don't have to take it that serious.
Bibby, Kidd, Gordon, Marion, Wallace, Iverson, and Boozer are about all the big contracts coming to an end this summer. Not much to choose from but there are some decent guys in that list.
