according to realgm those are our only options left. "An unexpected byproduct of the Warriors signing of Derek Fisher is that the Rockets, who were also courting Fisher, remain without a quality point guard. This leaves the very available Nick Van Exel an option to join the Rockets, becoming a viable third scoring option. Van Exel resides in Texas and has made it clear that he would welcome playing for any of the three Texas teams. Other point guards being considered by the Rockets are Antonio Daniels and Kevin Ollie [Houston Chronicle ] "
The thought of Van Exel as our PG makes me sick to my stomach. He jacks up bad shots, he's not pass-first, he needs the ball in his hands, he's old, he's overpaid, and I'm not even mentioning the fact that he shoots free-throws from half-court. Okay, so I did mention that. I suppose he's still a good free-throw shooter. But still. Aw, hell, I'm just irritated. Van Exel will annoy us for EXACTLY the same reasons that Stevie did, upon occasion, only he doesn't bring the same athleticism, heart, or upside. Boo.
u do know that stuff is metioned in the chronicle and real gm is just trying to make it look like we are prusing them.
I dont mind NVE at all. He will show YM and TMac how to win. And all this stuff about him needing the ball in his hands........he didnt do too bad in Dallas in catch and shoot situations at all. And guaranteed second round in the playoffs with NVE. And if he doesnt fit too well......just imagine how much his expiring contract will be worth in February
I think we can get by with our current pg's maybe add Ward. The backup center position is critical and we need someone who can spell Yao for 20min a game. We can't get by without a backup 5 in the West period.
I would love Daniels. At this point though, it will be difficult. Ridnour just went down with an injury. I would love to make this swap: MoT + Lue for Booth + Daniels Then we offer the full MLE to Stromile Swift, and if we don't get anyone, then try and acquire someone with the TE. I can't believe we still can't get a deal done with Damon Jones.
If we want a headcase, can't we just sign Rod Strickland? He'd be a lot cheaper and will pass the ball more...
Big selling point for Van Exel is he only has one more guarenteed year on his contract. I think he brings some leadership experience and was the heart and soul of the Dallas Mavericks. He's not a long term solution at the point, but then again, there's nobody out there that's a long term solution. I wouldn't mind renting him for the year. I would like to see his "no fear" attitude rub off on Yao and Mcgrady.
Maybe I'm being overly optomistic about Yao's development, and T-Mac's, for that matter, but I view Van Exel's "leadership experience" as a downside. This is Yao's team, or T-Mac's team, or the "Big McRush Hour Dynasties" or whatever we vote to call them. Point is, I'd rather have someone come in with a clear role-player mentality who knows he has four jobs: 1) Pass the ball to Yao 2) Play solid D 3) Nail the open J 4) Pass the ball to Yao (Sorry, I just saw Dodgeball). True, Van Exel was a role player in Dallas, but, if memory serves, it wasn't until he got more aggressive offensively (in the playoffs, with the ball in his hands) that he really made much of a contribution. Before that, his minutes were limited. I thought that shoot-first play was exactly the kind of profile we did NOT want in our point guard.
I agree that a backup big man is more crucial than a PG right now. The worst scenario at the PG position is Lue starting with Gaines backing up. That not very good but can get by. Without a defensive-rebounding guy who can backup Yao and maybe the PF position, we won't go anywhere.
NVE doesnt really fit, and he is overqualified for this job. however, his contract ends much earlier than mo's. if we can get rid of mo and pike for nick then i think we do it.
The Rockets tried that last year with Steve, Cat, Van Gundy and pretty much every player on the team screaming at Yao to be more aggressive and carry the team. At this point, I still feel Yao needs that vocal leader to tell Yao to stop playing like a pansy and get his ass in the paint to do some dirty work. If Van Exel can provide that type of leadership as well show the team how to play during crunch time of a big game, then I do see what's wrong with getting him.
van exel is perfect remember everyone raving about him when he was with dallas. Sacrificing shots and playing time. He has matured a lot. He can create off the dribble, pass and shoot. And who is better than him outside of kobe and reggie miller in the clutch. He makes big shots cuz he is a big time player. Ask Dallas what happened to their team when he left.
I think Dallas will offer Walker and another player for Van Exel and a scrub. Dallas will be desperate for a PG. This move will also calm the fans that are upset over not getting Shaq. NVE is a very good offensive player. However, there are a couple things against him: 1. Salary = He is making way too much for where he is at in his career. 2. Trade = We will give up too much to get him. We would have to offer the TE and Mo T. We still need Taylor off the bench. Mullin is not that stupid to take Spoon. 3. Age = He is getting up there. 4. Cliq = He is good friends with Francis. I am not sure if he wants to be his "replacement" since he is good friends with Francis and Cassell. 5. Chemistry: Can NVE mesh into the Rockets Team?
Definitely would love Van Exel. This guy is CLUTCH. Yeah he's not a "pass first" PG, but neither is Sam Cassell and people kill to have Sam on this team. He fit in perfectly in Dallas, didn't cause any trouble, and was willing to play less minutes or less of a role. He would be great at the point.
Nick has that winning spirit. It's what I loved about Mobley and Steve. Nick is not a dumb player, regardless of what anyone says. He has been known to take a circus shot or two, but he plays the role that's given to him. He can take care of the ball, play solid d, and make them pay when they double team Yao. I think he would be a great addition. Jim Jackson and Nick the quick would provide the kind of vet. winning attitude, and leadership we need.
[sigh] I hope you guys are right. He's just never struck me as a chemistry guy, but, to your point, the whole Dallas thing looked rosy. [Fingers crossed]
I agree with New Jack.. I see some merit in bringing in someone like NVE to 1. provide leadership - not only on the court, but during timeouts and in the locker room. 2. is a catch and shoot PG who can light it when hot. I think he would be a great tutor to Gaines. 3. Fire - we need someone that can provide fire on this team an intensity we will miss without SF3 and Cat. Yao and Tmac are both kind of easy going and may need someone to help them keep motivated during the season. J 4. his contract is short 1 year or 2 is not bad considering that is when we need to reup Yao.
