At least I am realistic. Too many posters here are totally unrealistic (i.e. let's trade Cato and Drew and the #9 to the Clippers for the #3, etc.) The truth is that Vancouver currently has a better young core to build around then we do, however that doesn't always equal success (remember Dallas in the mid-90's?). I hate ignorant posts, hence my last couple posts are addressing ignorance. I understand this is a Rockets forum, but I prefer much more realistic talk, and the realistic talk is should we draft Miller, Moiso, etc. [This message has been edited by Sky Pilot (edited May 29, 2000).]
I think when you look at Vancouver's future on paper there are four particular pieces of 'paper' you must look at. 1. That goofy looking thing with the picture of some old chick on it which they call a dollar. 2. The stubs from players checks, clearly showing a larger witholding for taxes than one would find in the US. 3. The back page of USA Today, around Jan. 15 clearly showing that Vancouver is both colder than (insert your favorite simile) and located well away from any major American city with which any players would be familiar with. 4. The Vancouver TV Guide, showing Canadians prefrence for Hockey Night In Canada over the NBA, as well as the complete lack of coverage on TNT, TBS, or NBC. No matter how good the lineup may appear, they are simply disadvantaged with regards to the NBA. The Rockets, on the other hand, have many things in their favor, most notably the successfull, stable front office & coaching staff which has been in place for quite a while. To put it in perspective, remember, not too long ago, the year the Lakers were in the lottery? Think back and remember, also, that the Clippers of that year had a talented team loaded with young players. But I really doubt that anyone thought that the Clippers would stay good, or the Lakers stay bad for long. Why? History, Tradition, and the quality of the front office as well as the ownership. ------------------
Ottomaton, I agree with most of what you say above except: Vancouver has a maritime climate so it is warmer than most NBA cities during the NBA season. On Jan. 15, Portland, Boston, Chicago, Charlotte, Cleveland, Denver, Detroit, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, E. Rutherford, New York, Philadelphia, Salt Lake City, Toronto, and Washington are all colder then Vancouver and Atlanta and Seattle both have the same average high temperature in January as Vancouver. The money situation is the big downside of Toronto and Vancouver but it hasn't stopped players from signing there as FA or players from signing extensions. I wonder how many NBA players know that Texas doesn't have a state income tax? Maybe we should get some money together through a clutchcity.net bake sale and send a flier out to all the players in the NBA showing how much money they could save playing in Texas. [This message has been edited by Sky Pilot (edited May 29, 2000).]
Please do not use the word "we" when refering to the Rockets, when it's obvious they are not your home team, and especially if you think "Vancouver has a better team on paper". ------------------
Don't insult me. I said that Vancouver has a better young core to build around on paper. Let me guess, you think the Rockets are a better team on paper than the Lakers or Blazers. THINK WITH YOUR HEAD AND NOT YOUR HEART! It would help make you a more creditable poster. ------------------
Don't use the word "we" when refering to the Rockets? Huh? What? As if being a Rocket fan were some elite club.... Why must people here crucify those with differing opinions from their own? I think this place could use a dissident (sp?) or two -- this whole eternal optimist/we're getting Swift schtick is getting old, fast. That being said, I'm gonna go pre-order my Swift Rocket's jersey now, peace. ------------------
Vancouver is an incredible city. It is located on the coast and surrounded by mountains. It has great weather and the city is clean and beautiful. Don't forget, it was the Dream himself who considered ending his career in Vancouver. I think most of these players, in particular Francis, have no idea what Vancouver is like and what a truly great city it is. They just assume they won't like it because it is far away. Obviously, Vancouver doesn't have the exposure that the American cities have, but it is still a great city nonetheless. I love the Rockets and could easily cheer for them from Canada. One thing I just thought of: Do NBA players in Canada get paid in Canadian or American? I assume American, but geez, if they get paid in Canadian, they're really getting hosed (higher taxes + poor exchange rate). ------------------
Players in Canada get paid in American currency. The exchange rate now is ridiculously low so right now these NBA players are probably doing just fine in Canada despite the ridiculously high taxes. Any answer to my income tax question? I am curious if any players has mentioned that before? Also what other states lack income taxes? I know of Florida, Nevada, and Washington, any others? ------------------
I am NOT ignorant. Nor are my posts. I would be excited if the Rockets landed Miller, Moiso, or Miles. Im happy though that there is a tiny hope of getting Swift. I still think there is little chance, but at least there is some talk of it. ------------------ I have a special purpose. [This message has been edited by CriscoKidd (edited May 29, 2000).]
Sky Pilot: If that last statement insulted you, I apoligize, I had no idea you were so sensitive. C'mon man think about what your saying here. You call people ignorant for writing posts that are disagreeable to you; Then you say we need to do this cause it's more realistic; realistic for you maybe. Look some of the trade scenarios are pretty ridiculous, but it's also obvious your opinoins are a little bias, so don't act like your looking out for the Rockets best interests, by saying "we". That being said I like to read your opions about the Rockets, but please edit your profile saying your hometown is Vancouver or wherever; So that way, when next time you insist that Vancouver has brighter future than the Rockets, I won't laugh so hard as to have 7-up streaming out my nose. ------------------ [This message has been edited by ROCKETBOOSTER (edited May 29, 2000).]
That being said I like to read your opions about the Rockets; but please edit your profile saying your hometown is Vancouver or wherever; So that way, when next time you insist that Vancouver has brighter future than the Rockets, I won't laugh so hard as to have 7-up streaming out my nose. I said they have a better young core to build around then we do, which they most certainly do. They have Abdur-Rahim, Bibby, Dickerson, and the #2 pick. ------------------
How many NBA players know that Texas has no state income tax? Every one of them with an agent with a functioning brain. ------------------
So you finally accept reality. Good for you. It would of been too easy of an argument for me to win if we were to debate who had a better young core to build around. ------------------
Look, this is originally posted by ROCKETBOOSTER: "No, I just wanted to see if you would quote me again." ------------------ [This message has been edited by ROCKETBOOSTER (edited May 29, 2000).]
And that means... ? I am trying to be realistic, if you can't face the truth or reality, that is your prerogative and you can continue to dream about trading for the #3 pick straight up for Drew and us landing Duncan and Jones this offseason. ------------------
I just want to say that I dont know how the Grizz can continue to suck with their core of young players. I, for one, do think it could have a lot of potential. Bibby is a SOLID (not spectacular) PG, Dickerson had a breakout year, on Othella's good days he can really hoop, and Shareef is obviously one of, if not the best basketball player nobody knows of. IT is ridiculous how they can continually suck so bad--reminiscent of the Clips. Anyway, I think the whole Shareef thing might be onbe reason why players dont want to go to Canada. The coverage is ridiculous. Granted, it is possible to be recognized (Vince Carter), but not as easy. Shareef is REALLY good, and if he was playing for an American team, more people interested in basketball would realize this. Plus, the endorsements would probably be also rolling in. He reminds me a lot of Grant Hill really, and we all know Grant rakes it in with those Sprite commercials. ------------------ Don't sweat the petty things, and don't pet the sweaty things!
Thanks for not quoting me again, I know it was hard for you. It's apparent to me your not paying attention, because not once have I mentioned such a wild trade scenerio. Also I assume you reside in Vancouver, but correct me if I'm wrong. You know, I myself don't pay any attention to some of the trade scenarios some of these kids may write, but it does get my attention when someone gets really really defensive about them, like yourself. ------------------ [This message has been edited by ROCKETBOOSTER (edited May 29, 2000).] [This message has been edited by ROCKETBOOSTER (edited May 29, 2000).]
I am not from Vancouver, I am from Friendswood and have been a Rockets fan since moving down from Kansas in the early 90's. Just because I have a sane view on the Rockets doesn't mean that I am not a Rocket fan. Your witch hunt has grown tiresome. Learn to respect a difference of opinion. ------------------
Let's get ready to RUMBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ------------------ CUT Tino Isn't it amazing how quickly everyone did a Cat Backflip!!!!!
