REALISTIC players the Rockets can get this year or next.

I see, you're one of those fans who ignores talent past 30

Some of the best players the game has seen were still kicking ass well into their 30s. Again, it's would be a final attempt at winning now, and there's no doubt that team is considerably better than what we have now.

 

And if he does then lets throw money at Ibaka. They're both going to expect big contracts and they won't be able to sign both.

 

Eric Gordon: Restricted, no chance.
Jamaal Crawford: KMart-type as in talent
Tracy Mcgrady: Is JVG, or Yao coming too?

Realistically, the Rockets got bulldozed by stronger frontline teams. Primary focus should be an offensive C/PF, anything less is tanking this offseason.

 

BOSHHHHH he's so undervalued right now.

Obviously if we can get howard we do it.

If there is anyway in hell we can get harden we do it. ANY WAY. I mean I'd trade anyone for him. both first rounders + future first rounder + budinger + ppat + motie... and whatever else they want.

Depending on how philly does, go for iguodala.

Paul Milsap.

Pekovic. Asik. Illysova. Udoh. Alrich.

Julyan Stone out of Denver.

Taj Gibson. James Singleton.

Honestly we just need to get rid of scola, ppat, martin, and let lee walk.

 

Not likely, Harden has superstar talent & OKC doesen't even start him.

 

If Miami doesn't make it to the Championship, Bosh will be available.

 

Why are people so high on Austin Rivers? Did any of you guys watch Duke games this season or did you just watch Sportscenter and find his mixes on Youtube?

 

ray allen , kg , eric gordon , harden , ilyasova , jamal

 

FAs:

Spencer Hawes: Definitely could get a player like that.

Brook Lopez: Injury prone, restricted free agent though. Still, the Nets could let him go, if they want to go in another direction.

Kris Humphries: It's a possiblity, especially if we lose Scola or Patterson in a trade, and are unable to draft starting power forward. Alot of posters are counting on Motiejunas to be an immediate starter, when it's a big question mark to know if he is NBA-ready, yet. He might need a year or so off the bench, especially if he struggles early on.

Anthony Randolph

Chris Kaman

Nick Young

JR Smith


Eric Gordon or James Harden: Might be pricey.

Jose Calderon: If we somehow trade Lowry, yet failed to resign Dragic could want to explore his options (it happens quite often, especially if a team throws a boatload of money at him). Which leads to this next choice.

Deron Williams: If Dragic becomes to pricey, while Lowry also wants out or is traded. Houston might as well enter the name into the Williams sweepstakes.

Jeremy Lin: That situation will be interesting. He's also an unrestricted free agent. He may get some offers that dwarfs Dragic's offers. Personally, I think Lin would thrive better, outside of New York or a team without Melo and Amare.

 

Rookies (pick 2):


Jeremy Lamb
Meyers Leonard
Damian Lilliard
Moe Harkless
Tyler Zeller
Austin Rivers
Jared Sullinger
Perry Jones III
Arnett Moultrie
Terrence Ross
Terrence Jones
John Henson
Royce White
Tony Wroten

 

Realistically there are three options.

A. Trade for an All-Star (pipe dream)
B. Continue the Course
C. Strip pieces to further build around youth & Draft

Notice free agent signings aren't in the main options, but rather A.1, or B.2. Also minor trades could be A.2. or B.1. So lets go through each scenario and see what type of players would fit in that scenario, and some names we can throw in the mix.


A.- Star Trade- We are looking at trading for a Dwight Howard, or someone similar. Low probability, and all free agent signings, and secondary trades come after the fact. You dont know who the right fit is around that player because you dont know who that player is going to be.

If you do get a superstar to trade for, you have to feel good about the surrounding pieces the Rockets would have left with the depth of role players already on this team. They would more than likely be better options then picking up a Jamal Crawford, or a Nick Young.

B.- Combo of building through draft/Youth & staying competitive. What do the Rockets need to win? Low post scoring, and a backup PG for whichever PG is left this Summer between Lowry/Dragic

Low Post Options-
-Pau Gasol(trade)
-trading for either Millsap or Jefferson(trade)
-Kaman(free agent)
-Brooks Lopez (RFA)

Those are the best 4 situations that fit what the Rockets need to help McHale's system work, and in theory make the surrounding young pieces better because they will have these players to play off of.

Backup PG Options-

-Kirk Hinrich (UFA)
-DJ Augustin (RFA)


C.- Building through Youth & Draft- Here your really just looking at high potential pickups either through the draft or free agency. IMO, there really isn't alot of options to go after in free agency that really have that "breakout star" potential outside of -

Eric Gordon - (RFA) - new ownership will most likely match any offer up to possibly the max.

In this scenario, you are better off swining for the fences through the draft rather than signing any free agent that isnt really going to help your overall goal or stump the growth of your youth. Throwing a vet in the mix can do wonders for player development, but it has to be the right vet at the right point in his career.


These to me, are the shortlist of players that actually make sense to make a play for in any situation. Low scoring options should be priority in all three categories, but most likely situation B. which is to stay the course to continue to build through youth while staying competetive. The backup PG position will be something they most likely have to address unless they bring back both Lowry & Dragic which is highly unlikely.

 

Brian Cook!!!

 

We should go strong after Josh Smith.

 

I'm looking at Sacramento sitting at 4 where Drummond is slotted. Cousins is obviously blossoming. Something's gotta give there......Howard, Gasol, etc....

IMO - Kyle, Kevin, and our picks are moving out for a stud 5.

 

Based on how we address our other needs, I'm still interested in getting Nene. Ideally, we'd move Scola and give Nene the starting spot. He can play next to Camby or play center next to any PF.

Yeah, he's injury prone and on a giant contract, but I'm tired of having no center on the floor in the fourth quarter. I'm also tired of seeing no low post options. Nene addresses both issues and I think he's available.

 

Greg Monroe from Detroit. It would take a draft pick or two and taking on a contract like Ben Gordon or Charlie Villanueva.

 

We're all tired of having no post options, but right now it would be prudent to be patient. You've already mentioned two big reasons(monster salary,injuries) as to why NeNe wouldn't be our best choice. Also, I've always thought he was soft on the boards... and while he might be efficient on the offensive end, Nene's lacking on D, something I really believe we need. Yes, he's a good position defender, but we need that shotblocker/eraser. I've always seen him as overrated and now, ridiculously overpaid...plus I want youth anyway.

In fact, this is exactly the kind of move that I fear. One that would help make us perpetually good without any chance of winning anything. Les improves attendance and we get a few more W's, with the illusion of contender status.

 

Till the day we see Josh Smith out of a Hawks uni I say we trade Lowry and Scola + filler for Smith, Teague, and Hinrich.

Tracy could be used in place of Hinrich but no thanks OP, I'm sure morey will have the same objection.

 

I agree with you on all points. I didn't mean that we should get Nene just to marginally improve our team. He would only be useful if we 1) acquire a franchise player at another position and 2) comes cheaply. If we decide to build via the draft, forget him.

 

I'm on board with being the team that signs past-their-prime superstars as a trend. That's the only way we can both justify the uneasiness of an in-season star injury and finally get refs on our side. Reach out to the baby boomers, Les. They have a lot of disposable income.