http://www.nola.com/sports/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-24/1151734140140970.xml&coll=1 Hornets eager to keep Claxton, Butler Team hopeful as discussions with free agents begin today Saturday, July 01, 2006 By John Reid Within the next 11 days, Speedy Claxton expects to know if he will remain with the Hornets or sign with another team. Claxton, who becomes an unrestricted free agent today, has instructed his agent, Bill Duffy, to start negotiations with the Hornets to determine their interest before pursuing other offers. Teams cannot begin signing free agents until July 12. "I'm going to give them the first crack at it," Claxton said. "I guess if I don't like what I'm hearing from them, I'll have to move on. But I hope with the kind of season I had, they will reward me. I definitely want to be paid my value, and right now I think my value is pretty high, and I think they know that." Advertisement Claxton was the Hornets' top reserve last season and averaged 12.3 points and 4.8 assists. Even though he's a point guard, Claxton was at times paired in the backcourt with starting point guard Chris Paul. Claxton shifted to shooting guard, and Coach Byron Scott considered the lineup one of his most effective because it made the team quicker and Claxton was effective at driving or pulling up to shoot. Claxton, 5 feet 11, is a six-year veteran who played on the San Antonio Spurs' 2004 championship team. He is seeking a four- to six-year deal that could pay him between $4 million to $6 million a year. He made $3.6 million last season. Claxton was obtained by the Hornets during the 2004-05 season from the Golden State Warriors in exchange for point guard Baron Davis. Besides Claxton, Hornets small forward Rasual Butler is an unrestricted free agent who can sign with any team. Butler was obtained in a trade with the Miami Heat before the start of last season. He played in 79 games and averaged 8.7 points for the Hornets. "At this point, I'm going into my fifth year, and it's about stability and being part of somebody's core," Butler said. "It's time for me to step up and have my role solidified." Scott said Claxton and Butler are priorities to be re-signed, and the team also plans to pursue signing a veteran shooter who can play small forward or shooting guard. Claxton also is expected to be wooed by the Los Angeles Lakers, Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks and Houston Rockets.
Mike James is the Rockets 1st choice with the MLE. But Claxton makes sense too if the MJ deal falls through. The Rockets need speed at the PG position, and someone that can break down the defense. Claxton can do that. Bobby Jackson would be another PG the Rockets would be interested in.
I like Claxton. He can hit the outside jumper, he;s quick. I thought he played very well for the Spurs in 2003.
Claxton is contrary to everything their looking for - shooting and size. He may be able to get his own shot, but he can't hit it. JVG said they need someone who can step up when Rafer is having an off shooting night. Speedy hit 27% of this 3's last year, which brings his career percentage to 18.9%. But then again, JVG doesn't get involved in these personnel decisions...
What about Spanoulis?? I think we should give him a chance instead. If possible i would love to see this lineup: Yao/Mutombo/Lampe Howard/Hayes/Eliyahu Battier/Novak Tmac/James/Frahm/Head Alston/Spanoulis/Sura Thats 15 players.
yes, shooting is priority #1, but perimeter defense is #2. we need more than one PG on the roster, and if MJ doesn't work out, he is the next best PG on the market.
Please let the dead wood rest in peace!! They deserve it!! Hoven't we had enough if it for the last two years?
Please forget Spanpoulis, he is playing well in Europe and is being paid for it. He won't be coming to the Rockets without a big contract. The only purpose that he can serve is to be use as a part of a trade. Also forget SURA he is dead meat and won't play again!!!!!!!!!!!!
You 're right! Trade Sura and Alston! With Claxton and MJ you have two outstanding PG 's and we could sign Darius Washington too. That makes two PG 's and James as combo guard, nailing down 3pt. That would be great!
