Desert Scar: Do you really think that... 1) Spree would be ok coming of the bench as a 6th man behind Wesley? 2) He would sign to a 2 year deal worth less than 4 million? I think he has too much pride (and a really big ego as well) to be ok with coming off the bench behind David Wesley. Additionally I feel there is going to be a team out there that will give him more than a 3.3 million contract for 2 yrs.
I don't mind taking Spree at a low cost...either as a 6th man (he wouldn't do it though), or replacing Wesley I guess.. he had a shot once. I think I'd only do it IF we had a point who could shoot the 3 with regularity though...which I doubt we will. On the chemistry issues...yeah, we had an ideal team in those terms this year. But guys, let's not forget the early 90's teams even. Vernon was a key piece to the first championship team (and the team that did well in '93)...and yet we all knew he was a semi-loose cannon sometimes (see Portland incident in stands, for one). But he fit in well here, and made it work. All guys who have different "issues" aren't necessarily bad for the team... they could fit in the right atmosphere. With a lot of good guys around, I think Spree could potentially, at least, fit in.
Please, just whatever you guys do, don't EVER mention DW and "3 point shooter" in the same sentence. The guy is a huge liability at the 3 pt line, he is so inconsistent there (and has cost us a few games with his streaky shooting I might add) that I don't think he can be legitimately considered as a 3 pt threat. DW should be no more than a bench player, and we do need a starting 2-guard is we don't want our butts kicked again by the likes of Dallas, San Antonio, and Pheonix. I still maintain my fav 2-guard in the FA market now is Raja Bell, he would be #1 on my list as a "realistic" sign by the Rockets. I love his defense, his speed, and his hard-nosed style out there.
I agree, but damn I hate Bell after watching him all year on the Jazz. Also, I don't like him and Sura starting together. Bring at least 1 off the bench...if not both? Bell seems ideal for a 6th man role. But then you're bumping Barry, which I don't like. Tough call
Raja Bell is someone who does interest me. He would be great coming off the bench behind Wesley as an energy guy who can run and play solid defense. I have no idea what the market is looking like to get him but if the Rockets can get a PF through a S&T or draft then I wouldnt mind taking a look at Bell for the MLE.
Spree is unrestricted so he calls his shots. He also has respect for JVG and has made plenty of money. 3.3 mil for 2 years is not nothing, and understandable (best we can do and still get the PF we may need), if Spree is looking for the best chance for a ring. Based on his competitive instincts, I would not be entirely surprised if Spree becomes the 6th man for us or Miami. The man is going to be 35 soon, doesn't have much left but a chance to win a ring (see Karl Malone). Plus, isn't it a great litmus test? If Spree takes 3.3 exemption and nothing guaranted other than 6th man role it shows where his committment is. Plus, you don't eliminate the possibility of him starting over Wesley if the team plays better with him and Tmac sharing 2/3 roles, that should be enough for someone with lots of competitive instincts and self-confidence. All this makes a lot of sense to me, no? BTW-I provide the same offer to Bell early in FA. 2 years, 3.3mil, with a player option. 6th man role and oppertunity to fight for a starting job. That is some security, more than Bell has been making at Utah, and he will be 29 (not a young player with lots of upside or better vet starter most teams use the MLE for). I see it as less likely for Bell however, because this is Bell's one chance to make his NBA money, there is still a chance this is in the ballpark for the best offer Bell will get however. The reason early in FA we can't offer more (2/3.3 mil) to a guy like Bell or Spree (swingman or guard) is any more than that we have to break into the MLE, and we need to save all of it until our PF spot is settled. If we acquire a 4 some other way (draft/trade) then late in the FA season we can go bargain hunting with like half of MLE if needed (Bell at 3 years/6 mil?), but early on 2 years 3.3 mil is all we can offer.
I am not convinced Spreewell would be worth getting unless he is an absolute bargain. Anything that requires an investment would be a tragic development towards serious building around Yao and TMac. I would not do it unless we can get im super cheap and for a short time...and I doubt that would happen
Pretty much a lock that Latrell Sprewell was not returning to Minnesota anyhow, but I think this would pretty much seal that fate: Ric Bucher is saying P.J. Carlesimo is the frontrunner for the Timberwolves coaching job. Uh, yikes. Talk about rolling out the welcome-back wagon. BTW, I want to thank everyone for the positive comments about the profiles. They have been fun. I enjoy writing them and doing the Photoshop work on the players ... I've gotten a lot of positive feedback on that. Something you may find interesting in the Donyell Marshall pic is he's wearing a jersey chopped off of Yao and in the background blended in is T-Mac after he made the winning shot in Game 2. You can only see from above his knee down though.
one thing has to be settled before discussing him seriously: who was most at fault for the Timberwolves downfall? if it's Spree, then no thanks. but i would like to see numbers if possible.
Did you now there are team's in the NBA that shoots only a couple of 3-ptrs during an entire game. IMO the 3-pointer is much overrated. Shooting the mid-range jumper consistly is just as devestating to the opposition. I like 3-ptrs all right, but it's not the only way.
That's exactly right. Detroit killed the Lakers with the mid-range shooting by Hamilton, Billups, and Sheed.
The issue of who submarined a good Minnesota team this year seems critical to me. Sam And Spree crybabying about long term money seem the likely candidates. And of course Spree has the well documented history with PJ. On the other hand, PJ is apparently pretty much of an ass (from what I have heard, never met the man myself). Spree is definately a competitor. I suspect that his biggest problem is that he does not suffer fools well. All that being said, I saw the wolves visit the Rockets this year. When the Rockets coaches came out, Spree broke away from the warmups and stretching and came to the Rox bench. He shook the hand of every single coach and talked to each individually. JVG was not there yet, but when he did come out, Spree came back over and hugged JVG. Then they spoke for several minutes. I am sure they could work together. Other than that, franchise23 pretty much said everything I feel...
If the Rockets wound up getting Spree, I would find it *very hard* to be a Rockets fan. He makes me physically sick.
Another great profile. I wouldn't mind having an old tema for a year if ew can get Jason Kidd and Sprewell..and a guy like Antonio or Dale Davis.....lol..very ancient team once again..but these guys can still play imo. They are still quite good. I'd rather think about the future though..so I'd go for developing Spanoulis..bringing in Antonio Daniels and Donyell Marshall..and drafting 2/3/4 Hakim Warrick and bringing in Malick Badman to develop.
Based on what Spree said earlier in the season about feeding his family or kids I doubt that a year later he suddenly doesn’t care about making money and wants to win a title. I am not disputing that he is a very competitive guy but I also think he wants one last pay day before he retires. Obviously no one will give him more than the MLE but I have a feeling that some team out there will give him more than 3.3 million for 2 yrs. This team had such good chemistry this season and I want them to build upon it next season. Bringing in a guy like Spree might disrupt that chemistry. He may very well fit into the grand scheme of things but there is a very good chance that he might not. It’s a chance that the Rockets just shouldn’t take.
I think this is the wrong time (if ever there were a good time - maybe as the final pice just before the trading deadline if it looked like we might win it all) to bring in Sprewell. While this team neeeds some changes and fine tuning; one thing they DO NOT need is someone who would mess up the nice chemistry the team has going for it. Surely there are other options that would not bring along the tic-tic-ticking of a bomb ready to go off at any time.
As long as he gets paid, he'll keep his mouth shut and be a model worker like he was when VG coached him. He knows he's old and his peak is long before him.
