GATER ...something is telling me that guys like Jerome James aren't worth the jerseys they are wearing... (see Calvin Booth, Marc Jackson, Doleac and any other free agent center that gets a contract because they are tall)...If we keep our pick at 15, I think it would be more cost effective and perhaps even better in the long run, to give a guy like Borchardt, Amare, Ely or Marcus a 3 year tryout and see what happens
exactly. we got his number. why should we offer the max? i say if CD had any balls he would tell lewis 'no more than 7 mil a year. if no, goodbye'.
I agree that Rashard is very, very soft like marshmellows. Doesn't drive to the bucket, steers away from contact. Maybe we should send him to the Wiz of Oz for a heart. Also, being in Houston would not help with his focus on the game. Too many family members involved spells trouble. I think it's the Poston's talking about a return to H-Town instead of Rashard He's Terrence Morris with a better jump shot, period. I have an idea let's acquire Him, moTaylor, Cato, Rice, and 15th for Garnett. That's right, I won't stop until we get KG's defensive and attitude on the team.
He is gonna use us just like Payton did to get more money from Seattle. Don't you remember when Payton all but announced he was gonna be a Rocket. Then Seattle got word and made him a better offer. I will take Rice and Mo-taylor anyday over Lewis
The changes that this team needs to make cannot include Mr. Lewis. If SF is our problem, we do not have cap room and we have two good picks, there is not reason to acquire Mr. Lewis. Further more, there is something about his attitude I do not like. In fact when he earlier in the season started talking about testing the market and possibly going home, I posted a strong warning to him. At the time I found him immature without the appreciation for how quickly things can adversely change. He spoke like he was superman and I cautioned him that life was so fickle, and that you could be out with an injury in a second. I felt he should have kept his month shut. Now he is injured. Not career threatening but I hope he learns a little from this experience and understands he is never in full control. What if he was more seriously injured? What if Seattle then say well you did not have us in your plans, see what the Rockets can do for you. He is a special talent but so is Wood and Stoudamire.
Ditto. He's dropping the Rockets' name just because its his hometown and as such is the only competitor for his services that he can sell to Seattle to get a max deal. "Give me the max, or I will take less to go home." Seattle knows he won't go to the Clips, who have a cheap owner, three SFs, and a lot of their own contracts coming due. He certainly would not go to work for Krause and the Bulls. Why go to the Wizards, when Mike will only be around at most one more year? The Rockets are the only team he can use as leverage.
NJR - I generally agree with you except that I think Jerome James has a solid work ethic and easily more range on his jump shot than Cato. I don't want to get too far of topic (Rashard) but I personally have no problem with Borchardt, Amare, Ely or Marcus. It's just that I don't see any of them at #15. In fact, I'd prefer keeping 15 and trying to get James via MCE. The main selling point for me is not necessarily Rashard, but any opportunity to package Rice and/or improve the Center position. In other words, if it's Odom plus Rice or Rashard without Rice, I guess I lean towards Rashard.
Actually yes I have everyone of them since I have been season ticket holder. Have not missed one yet. Sorry but people are right his attitude would not fit with this team. Let him stay in Seattle, if he has any sense he will stay where he can be the man once Payton leaves or retires.
Jerome James is a much better athlete that Cato and is not clumsy and awkward at all. His numbers are better that Catos and he is bigger.
Hmm... I'd rather not take another hit with a huge salary with Lewis. I think the kid has some serious game, but with our 2 good 1st round picks, we need to grab someone there and not get whipped by the cap. I hated the Glen Rice trade, and I hate it even more now. Francis is gonna want some cash, and rightfully so. We can't lose him. Grab Butler and Wilcox/Amare, and I would be the happiest Rocket around. It's a no brainer really. I think Cato will improve over the summer. How much? Enough.
I am not that much in love with Lewis. If we are trading the fifth pick I hope its for Odom or hopefully McDyess.
I stopped reading when I came to this post on the thread...great post!!! If you need a SF, you can certainly address that with draft picks for a heck of a lot cheaper than you could with Rashard.
I'm totally with the 'keep the picks, get your SF there' people. This is a great draft for SFs, a perfect opportunity to find a cheaper candidate with as much or more upside than Rashard. I still think that this is a moot issue, and Seattle will resign him even if it means over-paying. He will be a big part of their future, and even admitted that Seattle is his #1 option.
If this thread was a vote, I'd have to say..........No Rashard. Get Odom or draft a three. I would take Rashard if he would sign for our middle class exception (4.5) but Com'on Rashard a MAX player plezzzzzzzz.
I don't really like the idea of the #5 and Rice for Lewis. I feel bad enough about the Rocks making the 2 mistakes (i.e. trading for Rice and passing Lewis) in the first place. However, it would only add insult to injury by throwing away our highest draft pick in years, just to correct our own pass misjudgements!
Live, As you may know, free agents always say their current team is their first option. Because it is. Until you get away, you don't get away. If we get Rashard w/o giving him the max, and manage to rid ourselves of Rice in the process, I'm all for it. If not, there are more versatile 3's I would prefer. Quintel Woods. Caron Butler. Have to get the #3 pick if we want either one of these dudes. (Trade up? Sign-and-trade after the draft?) Odom. The draft picks might do it. Of course, we could just draft Maybiner Hilario at #5-8, give Memphis its obligation with the #15, and sign Lee Nailon with the exception. Options, options. Just so long as we make some smart upgrades.
i have to repectfully disagree there Roxt..to get Woods, perhaps you are right, we will need a top 3 pick....but I think Butler is there at 5 or 6 for certain
TroyBaros, Best player on the team? Maybe. The Man? No. I've never heard an argument as to why Rashard Lewis is worth anything more than $7M? That's such a high figure for what he brings. Sure, he'd fit in. That's because all we want him to do is be a spot up shooter. I wouldn't pay a dime over $7M for that. I think the Sonics would definitely accept something like this: * If Baker is traded KT MoTaylor #5 for Lewis Jerome James (at $3.5M) *If Baker is still there KT Rice #5 for Lewis Jerome James (at $3.5M) The reason I specified James' salary is because I really don't want to see us tying up money into a lpayer that will give us a limited ceiling. Odom on the other hand makes the impossible, possible.
