Yeah i'm wrong on this. This is the same logic that some people used when we traded for Lowry. That he won't work out because he could barely start for the Grizz. I'd take Jaric, just because there's a chance to see Lima in a Rockets jersey thats enough.
Right, but we're talking about two separate things as far as I see it. You're saying Artest has an advantage when he plays at SG, and I'm saying he's more suited (body size, skill set, etc.) for the SF position. My main gripe is that he should be a spot up and post up SF rather than a creating SG. His dribbling is wretched.
I'm totally against getting only Rubio,but getting an experienced front court player plus him eg Antwan though not ideal for McGrady and Brooks is not a bad idea. I know we have Luis and Landry but we might end up losing the former if someone overpays him when he becomes a FA. Brooks is no longer a rookie,but he is a scorer who has a long way to go as a backup PG. I'm concerned with Rubio's physique,and his outside shot but he will be able to play as a 1 quicker than Aaron. We also have Lowry as a cushion. I don't want to lose Scola and getting equal value for his contract is next to impossible,however the point I'm trying to make is that we need to get the best available trade value for McGrady.
Battier played SF in 67 of his 72 games. He played PF in the other 5. When Artest and Battier started together, Artest was the SG every time. http://www.hoopsstats.com/basketbal...rockets/players/shane-battier/stats/09/10/136 Ideally he would, but he didn't. See above. Agreed. Does the franchise expect him to return? Nobody knows for sure, so I'm just asking for your opinion. James White is less relevant now than Andre Barrett ever was. That says something.
Wouldn't you say that Battier usually guarded the quicker wing player rather than Artest (or McGrady)? The only way in which he was less a "guard" than those two is that he didn't handle the ball much on offense. If he ended up traded to the Cavs, and they decided to start him, I could see him being listed as their "SG", with LeBron as the "SF". But I think the designation is sort of arbitrary.
Yeah, but these two can play both positions. For Battier, as long as there is someone on the court he can guard, then we can play him. For the most part, most SGs are too quick laterally for Artest to guard. Battier is the guy who guards the best SGs in the NBA for us, and Artest was the one who guarded elite SFs most of the time. My whole thing was that if we're trading Brooks it's more likely we draft Rubio than Harden since we have Battier-Artest-Tmac-Wafer...well, two of these guys still have to sign so maybe... I have no idea. I'd like to think he's working his butt off to get back in shape in come back. What matters is what the franchise thinks of him, the only way we'll know is if they trade him. But as long as he's on the team, I believe the Rockets have faith in him. Just wait until All-star weekend...he'll prove his worth. If he's still on this team and not in the dunk contest it'll be a huge disappointment. Wouldn't be too surprised though, They only let the stars who can dunk in the contest nowadays. Lebron James v Dwight v James White though...that would be sick.
If Artest has an advantage when he plays SG doesn't that make him more suited at SG(body size, skill set etc)? Artest is just an average small forward, but he's a mismatch at the SG position, basically the same thing with Marion at the PF and Amare at the C. The main difference is that unlike those guys, Artest doesn't get abused on the defensive end because due to his unique blend of power, intimidation, reputation and bullying tactics, Artest can defend practically anyone in the league fairly well to some degree. Look at his performance. One reason why the Artest/Tmac combo never really clicked was because Tmac played SG and Artest played SF. When Tmac sat out Artest shifted to SG and Battier started at SF.
It's not a bad deal for the rockets. I would do it! http://bleacherreport.com/articles/195632-the-ricky-rubio-bidding-war-begins The Ricky Rubio Bidding War Begins The NBA Draft rumor mill is certainly picking up. After the Clippers select Blake Griffin with the top pick in this years draft, the Grizzlies will be officially on the clock, but in essence, they already are. Reports are coming in, according to the Memphis Commercial Appeal, that Memphis has been approached by the Knicks, Rockets, and Celtics about their 2nd pick. LayupDrill.com has obtained some details regarding the offers of two of those teams. Rockets The Rockets would have to be willing to move playoff sensation Aaron Brooks, Chuck Hayes, and a future pick for the rights to the 2nd pick overall. Knicks The Knicks would be offering up the 8th pick overall, as well as potentially David Lee in a sign and trade for the 2nd pick and Darko Millicic. Celtics There is no clear cut offer that has surfaced for Boston, however most would feel that the Celtics would have to give up Rajon Rondo as well as Tony Allen. The thoughts of trading Ray Allen for the 2nd pick don’t make sense for Memphis, who already have O.J Mayo playing the shooting guard spot.
I really don't care about this, what ever happens I trust Daryl Morey. Just remember Daryl Morey is smarter than you and if he thinks Rubio is the way to go then he must know something you don't know. Either way I'm torn between Brooks and Rubio so whatever Morey decides, I'd back it up 100%. The dude has yet to let me down.
Artest can not guard SG's anymore he is too slow... Rubio is special a once in 10 years type of PG... DD
I agree. I think the Rockets really want Rubio and are in a franchise and financial situation to take him. With Memphis holding the #2 in this years draft with the current economic situation, the #2 can probably be had for a lot less than we all think. I can't wait for draft night!!
He's definitely a sensational passer, but the guy sure is skinny as hell. Trading our starting point, and arguably our most versatile bench player (with a rediculously cheap contract), along with a future first is a steep price to pay. I'd think long and hard about it.
There's an article on ESPN Insider about the "Knicks long shot to get No. 2 pick". Which is great news for the Rockets because I highly doubt Boston would give up Rondo.
I understand where you're coming from, but I still can't agree 100%. You're saying that Ron has the (offensive) advantage because he can overpower the opposing SG. This is true, but how often did he utilize it? How many times did we see Ron down on the block making the smaller defender pay as opposed to the times we saw him floating on the perimeter where he's not fast enough or skilled enough to get off a good shot against those same players? How often did his "overpowering" of these weaker guards simply result in a "bull in a China shop" plod to the basket for a missed layup? He can play shooting guard, but I would rather have him at SF. I want him as a play finisher, not a play starter (or whatever you call it when he puts his head down and dribbles out the clock). And let's face it, he's still going to be at a strength advantage in just about every SF match up as well, and speed wouldn't be nearly the issue it is at SG. I would also be careful just comparing his SG and SF numbers from this season. Looking at his last year in Sacramento you can see that he was extremely good in the SF position playing next to a true SG in Kevin Martin. http://www.hoopsstats.com/basketball/fantasy/nba/sacramento-kings/players/ron-artest/stats/08/25/354
DD, you think Rubio is that good ? Can he hang with CP3 and Deron Williams ? I'm not sure about that but I could be wrong .......
If he's getting this much attention then he must be. I don't recally CP3 or Deron Williams getting much attention, but then again I have bad memory
He's about 3 inches taller than Brooks, and about 30lbs heavier. So wouldn't worry about this. I kinda hope we get the deal done though. I agree in that I feel he's going to be a star. I don't think Griffin would be such a surefire #1 if the Clips didn't have so much invested in Baron and if they weren't in such a mess. I think he can help us out right away also. Not saying he could be a all-star right away...but 10ppg, 4apg. I can see that for his rookie season, he's also very active in the lanes like CP3 and I feel he can be a better defender than Brooks.
Nevermind I just Youtubed him and he is completely sick ! I mean he is a splitting image of Pistol Pete ! I mean I was laughing so hard at how amazing and accurate his passes are. Plus he seems to block a lot of shots and has that Scola toughness. Damn DD was right he's a one in every 10 year type of guy