I don't think Lee Nailon really meets your criteria, does he? He seems to be more of an offensive player.
With the Rockets track record of rewarding wink wink players (maloney, shanderson, taylor), I would think we could swing a wink wink that has a kicker when Rice's deal expires. 5mil for 2 years, then 9 (or even more, as a bird-rights player w/ 3 years). That's not so bad, even appropriate for players that want or have market options for the big contract on potential, but haven't proven their worth with allstar performance, yet. Also, I will admit I was kicking the antbed with the Wally talk. There is a perverse pleasure in watching all the angry stingers come rushing out. I beg your pardon. No need to send the guard-loving soldier ants up my pants leg.
No argument - he would be classed as more of an offensive player. But he is tall (6'9"), athletic (candidate for the MIP Award, has postup moves), & court-smart (Hornets are a playoff team). This is why I also mentioned the need for "other changes" with Nailon or McCarty (who is a PF). If KT is moved, McCarty's skills complement MoT and EG. Say the Rockets also sign Jerome James at Center, draft Stoudamire and Collier is part of a trade which moves Rice. The Center position is as follows: 5) Cato, James, Stoudamire These changes mean Nailon does not have to be as good a defender as some of those who have much higher contracts. Nailon currently makes less than half a million per year.
