I have been following the NBA since the 92 season when Shaq was a rookie. I followed the 93 , 94 season where the Rockets beat the Knicks and swept the Magic in each respective finals. Although we get limited coverage of NBA games over here in Australia, I'm still able to access highlights of games off NBA websites and Rox videos off other sources. I loved Hakeem, Horry, Drex, Cassell and every one of the Rockets championship teams. They played with heart, energy and hustle. This year and last year, I have followed the Rockets closer than ever before and to be honest, the reason is because they drafted Yao and since then, the spotlight has been on them to reach higher levels and strive for greater things. Before you guys pass judgement and think this is another one of those typical trade ideas, please read. This is not a trade idea, I'm just outlining some facts and information for you guys to read. Since I joined the BBS, I've never before posted trade ideas. Now that the Rox have reached the playoffs, I especially think this is the wrong time to post it in this forum. However, after the Seattle game, it is interesting to note that this article about Brent Barry was posted. --------- Barry ponders future 'I have no idea,' he says when asked if he'll remain a Sonic By JANNY HU SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER As Brent Barry left for KeyArena yesterday afternoon, he wondered whether he would be playing his final home game as a Sonic. He didn't overanalyze or worry about it. He simply allowed himself the thought. "Then I started my car, drove to the arena and played," Barry said after the game. His tone was matter-of-fact, offering neither a hint of wanting to return to -- nor depart -- the city he has played in for the past five seasons. But actions can deafen words. And just minutes earlier, after Barry had finished dressing at his locker, he tore his name tag off his stall and flung it into a nearby trash bin. The gesture likely was precipitated by the Sonics' disheartening loss to a depleted Rockets team last night. Yet, as the soon-to-be free agent continued to answer questions about his status with the Sonics, he sounded more and more like a player who wanted to return to Seattle, provided some changes are made in the off-season. "Obviously, we've had great support and there's a great fan base here," Barry said. "I just wish we gave them a little more to cheer about, especially playing against a team tonight that was shorthanded, without their two guys. There's no reason for us to lose a game like this. "But (the fans have) been there for us all year, and we certainly appreciate their support. I hope they make some things happen for this franchise come this summer to give these people a little more reason to come out." The question is whether Barry will be a part of that future. Sonics coach Nate McMillan has called him the glue that holds the team together, and All-Star Ray Allen, who will be in the final year of his contract next season, has made it clear that the Sonics' No. 1 priority this off-season should be signing Barry to a long-term deal. General manager Rick Sund has said the team hopes to re-sign Barry, but won't comment on the negotiations. For his part, Barry said he has no idea if he would be back next season, adding that he wouldn't use the word confident. <b>When asked how close the Sonics were to being a team with the right pieces, Barry pointed toward yesterday's loss. The Sonics were so preoccupied with defending 7-6 center Yao Ming of the Rockets, he said, they left the perimeter open.</b> The Rockets went on to make 14-of-27 3-point attempts, and that was with a second-string lineup. Starters Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley, the Rockets' top scorers, sat out last night's game. The Sonics have the shooters to be among the Western Conference contenders. They don't have the inside presence. "I don't think we're too far off," said Barry, who finished with 10 points and nine assists in 38 minutes. <b>"If we were able to find somebody in the power forward position that could command some double-teams, or at the center position, this team would be really deadly because you would have so many shooters available."</b> Will he be one of them? Said Barry: "I have no idea." -------------------- Trust me, I love every single player on this Rox team. I bought a Yao signature rookie card the other day for US$90 and I nearly won the bidding for a Steve Francis rookie auto #/500, but unfortunately the bidding went a little too high for what I can afford (US$130). I have memoribilia of most other players as well, or am in the process of searching out for some (especially Boki, MoT and Cat). Anyway, what I'm saying is I would love for this team to stick together for years to come, but ONLY if we can show improvement. So far this season, our defense has been outstanding (although a little shaky of late) but our play and our players have been far from consistent. If Brent thought about it long enough, he would see the Rockets as the best place to be. He's already said in the highlighted statements above that if he and other shooters were on a team with an effective low post presence which commands doubles, they'd be dangerous. Both would be able to shoot the lights out from the perimeter given the doubles that would go into the paint. He could talk to Rashard Lewis or Ray Allen (who are two of the best perimeter shooters on the team) and try to get them to push for a trade. In a deal we would get Brent Barry (who'll be our primary ball handler) and Rashard Lewis (who can shoot the lights out but does not have to put up big numbers to be effective. Oh yea, he's from Houston too!) or Ray Allen. I'd prefer Shard to be honest. This way we'd have scorers who can get their shots off from spot up positions, drive/slash and dish or create their own shots. Hey, these guys are multi-dimensional. Brent is 31 (ok he may be aging a little) but Rashard is only 25 with 6 years of NBA experience. Brent's contract is up , so Seattle would have to re-sign him and package a deal with Shard. Anyway, I know a lot of posters on this board has mentioned they'd like to see Shard or Barry in a Rockets uniform, so I'm just regurgitating their ideas. I'm not sure what trade scenario can happen for us to get these guys or if it is even allowable under the current salary trade rules, but if we did get them and we were to lose players, I would feel bad for some of the guys we lost but we'll get to love our new team. WAITTTTTTT, before you kill me off, just keep in mind that I will wait until AFTER the playoffs to pass judgement. If the Rockets are competitive in the 7 game series or gets past the first round, I'd like to see the core of this team together. If they lose 0-4, perhaps it's time for changes. Now, if we have Barry, Shard & Yao, all we need is our front court. Getting Elton Brand, now that's another story.
Like you said, Rashard is only 25, why would they deal him. And why people these days HAVE TO post an "intro" in their post, something goes like: " I was Rockets fan since xxx" "I watched xxx game" "I also love Francis and xxx, xxx " xxxxxxxx It reminds of the old confession letters in communist China. "I was a poor peasant since xxx" "I joined the revolution since xxx" WTF is this ? I know it's kind of cool if you followed the team for 100 years, but enough is enough. OK that's my rant. Sorry to go off topic vunny, the article about barry is interesting, appreciate it. Would love to have the guy.
I know these regular confessions are mostly to prove they are not YOF or at least not pure YOF, so it's more "convenient" to be on this board and receive less personal attacks. But I think that's just sad.
Rashard can be had for the right package, the Seattle fans are fed up with him. They think he makes too much money (which he does for his impact in Seattle) and that he's not much better than Radomanovic. In our system, I think he'd be well worth the money. I would love to have a 3-way with Indiana and the Sonics. Mobley + part of TE to Indiana, Harrington + throw in to Seattle, Rashard to Houston? Move JJ to the 2, and you've got a nice team. Seattle would probably be willing to part with Rashard for Harrington, since Harrington is more of an inside player, and they already have tremendous shooters in Allen and Barry. Harrington rebounds very well and as I said plays inside very much. I think he'd fit in very nicely in Seattle, he could probably back up the 4 for them as well. For us, we bring JJ back to his original position and get some experience in the backcourt, while getting one of the best shooters in the league to be a second option to Yao. Rashard's shooting could be the difference between Yao being one of the best or one of the rest. Indiana do this because Reggie is getting old, and they have 2 other people to backup the 3 spot (Croshere, Bender), so they get Mobley who can easily replace Harrington as their sixth man (and future starter) while evening out their roster a bit better. Thoughts
B. Barry is a free agent, no need to trade for him. Hopefully he will salivate at the thought of getting so many <b>wide </b> open 3s that we got against the Sonics......Also, he would help a dead fast break......but no need to trade for him, we have the MLE to give him...... R. Lewis, here is the thing. Are you sure he is a better small forward than Cuttino is a shooting guard? If not, then why would we trade Cat for Lewis? He is extremely inconsistant and very shoot first type of player. I still think he would be helpful, but no way I trade any of the big 3 for him. TE, hell yes, but Cat, <b> No Way </b>.
It's because anytime something is posted about Yao, certain people on this board makes assumptions that they're YOFs who hopped on the bandwagon. Its almost sad that it has come to this.
Brent Barry's name has been discussed many times before. Most of us agree he would be a good fit for this Rox team for a couple of years
I've been trying to make a case for Lewis lately and I'm pretty sure the Rox could get him for a nice deal. They are so desperate for a PF that they are talking about Chandler and Kwame Brown!! Anyone know how much R. Lewis is making, I know he is signed for the next 5 years, but for how much?
max14, Did you get off the wrong side of the bed today? Don't jump to conclusions and label everybody a YOF. I'm posting an article which people might find an interesting read, with some ideas thrown in. This is what this board is all about isn't it? Sharing thoughts and ideas. Take a chill pill bro.
Sane, You have some valid points and ideas in your post. Like I said before, I'd hate to see anyone on the Rox roster leave, especially the core players. I did not label any names in my posts, but if it has to be done for this franchise to get ahead, then I'm all for it. It's going to be bittersweet. Anyway, let's see how we go in the postseason and we can all make our statements thereafter. Ultimately, like it or not, changes will be made in the offseason. Let's not sit on our butts and wait for something to happen, let's make something happen.
To be honest i think it's just a matter of time until we get Rashard. Prob. Mo Taylor and Boki for him thats all i think it would take but the only thing with that is we would be left with only Spoon,Cato as big men after Yao, but the sonics have been trying to give us Rashard for 3years now remember Eddie Griffin for Rashard( ) and Seatle was really trying to sign Mo Taylor a couple of years ago and they need a scoring Power Forward. We need a scoring Small Forward with some athletic ability. It sounds like a great deal to me.
Mobley + part of the T.E. for Rashard Lewis? Sign me up! Lewis has been pretty inconsistant this year but I would make that move nonetheless. Not sure the Pacers would part with Harrington just for Mobley though. And in the West I am not sure Harrington is an idea full time PF that the Sonics would want. He can play there in spurts but a lot of his game is facing the basket as well.
According to usatoday.com Rashard Lewis has a 7-year/65 million contract that expires after the 2006/07 season. This season he makes $ 7,012,000. (link: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/salaries/teamdetail.aspx?team=26&year=2003-04)
oh man... LOL. that was really funny, whether you intended it or not... you know it's all because of the people who throw around "YOF" for fun. Like YOFs don't know the first thing about basketball.
max14 actually has nothing against your post. if you read it carefully enough... he's pissed off that people are jumping to conclusions and labeling everyone a YOF. just like you are.
