OK, if we wound up with like the 2nd or 3rd pick and Ming was gone but Jason Williams was still there what would you guys do? I know I'm a bit wacky, but why not try the permanent 3 gaurd offense (actually it would just be starting the game with a 3 gaurd lineup, but with rests and whatnot we would probably only have 2 of our 3 gaurds on the floor 50% of the time so we could put some size at the 3 if we wanted to). If we can't workout a good trade then it seems to at least be something worth trying. Other than the fact that Willaims is a PG (definitely a huge hurdle since our best 2 players are under 6'5") what would he not give us? He can handle the ball (we've said we want a 3rd guy who could handle the rock), he can stroke it from outside (though his FT shooting definitely needs work....ala Baron Davis), he's a decent rebounder for his size, and he is probably the most ready to come in and start of any player in the draft. The fact that he can come in and start right away is the most appelling thing to me, because our management has public stated that they want a solid team on the floor going into the new stadium and the best way to do that is to draft a guy that's ready to come in and play right out of the gate. Obviously this team would have weaknesses (rebounding and defense against bigger teams), but they would also have huge advantages (speed, ballhandling). If we could get the 3 gaurds to learn how to play effective team defense and institute a solid zone then we could make up for some shortcomings on the defensive end. Obviously this would require that Griffin grow by leaps in bounds in putting on some bulk so he can bang with the big PF's in the West. I do know this, that team would be fun to watch out on the open floor!
trade JAMISON for MOBLEY & RICE and pick Butler at #5 and trade Cato & #15 (& 2nd round pick?) for KANDI PG: Francis SG: Butler (Like Paul Pierce at SG, hopefully) SF: Jamison PF: Griffin C: Olowokandi or trade #5 & RICE for ODOM and trade Cato & #15 (& 2nd round pick?) for KANDI PG: Francis SG: Mobley SF: Odom PF: Griffin C: Olowokandi or trade #5 & RICE for LEWIS & 2nd round pick and trade Cato & #15 (& 2nd round pick?) for KANDI PG: Francis SG: Mobley SF: Lewis PF: Griffin C: Olowokandi or Pick Woods at #5 and trade Cato & #15 (& 2nd round pick?) for KANDI PG: Francis SG: Mobley SF: Woods PF: Griffin C: Olowokandi
JW would be a serious upgrade to Moochie. Drafting him would not be the end of the world. A three guard line of Steve, Cat, and JW would not s*ck. Moochie would see zero minutes. To get more minutes for the three, Rudy would have to commit to 10+ min / game of small ball (with Cat at the 3). With this three guard lineup, the Rocks would never go deep into the playoffs, but would field one of the most exciting teams in the NBA to watch. The Rocks really need a low post presence. The better move might be to trade the pick for the other team's first round pick for this year and next, unconditionally. Stoudamire looks to me to be the only wide body worth drafting. I suspect that he can be had with a 8-12th pick. Washington may be looking to move Kwane Brown. The Rock's 2nd/3rd pick plus Collier/KT and filler for Wiz's Brown and their 11th pick. The Rocks could then use the 11th pick to pickup a 3, like Jared Jeffries, or to take a flier on Stoudamire.
Hold it for ransom. I think there are lots of teams that would really love to have Williams. If we had an option to pick him I would not have a problem with that. But if we did take him then I think something would have to give. We don't have room in a 3 guard lineup for 3 players that want to shoot the ball. I seriously could see the Rockets taking Williams as Stevie insurance,in case he decides to leave, or as a replacement making Cat expendable. In all seriousness though if it were me and I had to make a choice I would trade the pick for a more established player. With the demand for J-Will 2 i would package the pick plus one of my bad salaries for a 3 or 5 plus future picks. CK
Any pick in the top 3 we use to rob other teams blind or take the stiff from China. At least he can rebound and block more shots than Cato and MoTaylor have in their entire careers. Also he could clog up the lane when the other teams guards blow by ours.
I'm really not the speculative type, but what the hell... I'm sure someone has mentioned this idea before (memory ain't so good), but why not draft Jason Williams to be our PG? Let's try Stevie as our 2 and see how he does. Perhaps we could package Cat and KT in a trade for Odom. Granted, Steve would throw a major hissy fit, but cheap-ass Sterling might just bite on 2 low salary-high impact players like Cat and KT. Then, we could draft a big man with our #15 pick and perhaps trade up to the first round with our 2 #2s to get Juan Dixon. Our roster would look pretty damn solid after that...
VesyceySux, while not wild for you scenario - I appreciate a realistic trade scenario. By the way, with a point guard, and Francis going to the two, I think Odom is an all around upgrade over Mobley. I do have aproblem "tossing in" kt. Maybe we throw in our 15 and they throw in their (what is it) 10. RE a Frances hissy fit. Take your chances. Webber screwed over two teams getting his players and frinds, then left both. I hope Steve is of a higher moral fibre than Cwebb ("I'll punish the Rockets for not pursuing me" - after I left them off of my acceptable list) but this is a business and what is best for the team is best for Steve. Draft the best player, it always works out. Actually, the more I think about the Vesycey sux scenario, the more I like it.
