Why not ytry to bring this veteran with poise and a steady hand next season? he can play the Scott Padgett role better. Apparently the bulls are after him but the Rockets represent a far better option in this stage of his career, what do you guys think?
If he was healthy, he would be an excellent backup (very cheap one at that) for T-MAc). The guy has a very high b-ball IQ ever since I watched him play with the Bulls. He makes the right decision on the court, he is a solid experienced veteran, and it is not like he will be demanding playing time or anything like that. Obviously he would have to be healthy, but believe me: this guy would be the ideal player to fill in those 8-10 minutes a night (if needed) to relieve T-Mac a bit. I watched Kukoc for a loong time, and this guy is as smart/skilled as they get, despite his old age. He would be a JVG-type guy who would bring a lot of intangibles to the team. Isn't a cheap swingman what we have been wanting on this team? I would happily take him for the vet minumum.
at first i saw this thread i was like hell no lol but um look at what we said about mutumbo .........
But if any position has become faster and more athletic over the last few years it's the forward position. As for Deke, once someone attacks the lane he can plant his feet and doesn't need to move laterally much.
I'd do veteran's minimum for Kukoc. He's serviceable for limited PT. C'mon guys, nobody is saying he'll be more than the 8-9th man off the bench.
Only vet's minimum, but I doubt he would bite that and people still think he has some value in this league, so ...
If we can get him for the vet's minimum I would gladly take him to play 8-10 mins a game behind T-mac. I have always been a big fan of Toni Kukoc and he is the kind of player (very unselfish) who would fit in with the guys on our bench. Obviously his defense is below average but thats not a big deal when you look at what he can provide for 8-10 minutes a game (good offense, great passing, and decent rebounding). If anything he is an upgrade over what we have now at that spot which is NO ONE. One more positive that he brings to the Rockets is Championship experience. He has 3 rings with the Bulls and could be very valuable in the playoffs.
I suppose I would take him for the vet. minimum. He's a lot like Robert Horry in this stage of his career so if we got him & used him like the Spurs use Big Shot Bob, it wouldn't be a bad move.
Man, with two key pieces we have, it's really easy to fill up the pieces. You look at Spurs roster, everybody says what an unbelievable roster that is. But it certainly makes Spurs GM job easier when they have Ducan and Parker in the first place. I am glad we are on the right track.
He's so old! But man if he were a couple of years younger, he would have been a great backup or starter! He can shoot the 3..pass..entry passes to Yao! He's tall..long arms..he woulda bee nnice..like Lamar Odom. But now he's too old! DOn't really want him. I would rather get some young athletic guys who have good fundamentals and good attitudes who can be great here complementing Yao and TMac. Right now..I'm hoping Spanoulis and Badiane can come as 3rd stringer. I hope we draft someone like Warrick or Granger. And then I hope we get Donyell Marshall or another power forward. And I hope we can get Antonio Daniels.
Unless we do a sign and trade for Marshall or Daniels we wont be able to sign both of them with the MLE. I agree that the Rockets should try to get younger and more athletic (neither of which is Toni Kukoc) but if we could bring him in here for a year for the vet's minimum then next season we could go out and get the SF/SG of the future. Besides like you said he brings alot of experience and intangibles to the table.
Exactly, I've always felt that Kukoc was an underrated passer, but I am telling you, we could REALLY use another guy (besides T-Mac and Barry) that can actually make the entry pass to Yao, and get it to him in the right place. Not only that, the fact that he is very tall and can shoot the three is a major bonus. Basically, we are talking about a guy playing minimal minutes here, really no more than 15 min/game on any given night, and his length/versatility and most importantly experience would be the perfect compliment off the bench to T-Mac. I really and honestly don't think he will be having major health problems playing these kinds of minutes. Again though, it will all depend on his asking price as well as whether or not we have addressed some of our other more overriding concerns. I just have an affinity for smart players who know how to play the game the right way. Deke is old, but in limited minutes, in the right situation for him this late in his career, he flourished. I am confident in the right situation, with the right role, a player like Kukoc would be similarily helpful to our team's limited need at the SF position.
I think if you watch milwaukee, you'll find that Kukoc is one of the best defender/ and post player on that team.. he is a Very good help defender. Great passer.. but he'll probably retire or at most stay in mil/chi area... so it's just one of those offseason possibility thing
Toni Kukoc for the vet minimum would be an absolute steal. He's older and slower but still plays the passing lanes better than most. Besides, we need someone else with some rings in the locker room besides Mike James.
