I'm so on the same level with GATER it's sick. There is only one thing I am hoping is not as cut-n-dry as it seems: the Landry/MLE comment. We all know Landry played well for a short stint, but that does not make him worth MLE money.....not yet anyway. I think most other teams are on board with this as well. What I'm getting at is maybe he's putting this out there as a way of saying "don't even think of offering our guy 'this much money' cuz we will match". That's the most positive spin I can put on the comment.
Believe me I do my share of bad trade bashing and Morey defending, but that's half the fun. I also have put my share of bone-headed comments (not really, but I have to play humble).
I believe you are right,however it's quite possible that some team might offer him part of the MLE which will force the Rockets to choice whether to match it or not.If management does decide to match such an offer it will render the rest of the MLE almost worthless.
I remember a quote by Don Nelson on the radio several years ago here in Dallas when he said that this was the time of year that if his lips were moving he was probably lying. I was funny to here him say it but it was also very true. Most GM's don't want to tip their hand on what their true intentions are for the off season.
More or less I also think that it makes more sense to focus improvement on next 1-2 years for getting out of first round first, and win-it-all is only a realistic goal after that. It is rare that a team can win it all (or even win east/west conference final) right at the first time they pass first round. You may want to say that this year's Lakers is a counter-example. I agree. However, they have KB, who is their # 1 option and who has a lot of playoff/champaignship experience, and they also have Fisher, who also have a lot of champaignship experience. It is too hard for a team without any really playoff experience to win-it-all. Bulls, Dream's Rockets, Shaq/KB's Lakers, they have all went through tough losses deep in playoff before they finally won-it-all. No major players in Rockets have much playoff experience. First round is really just some minimum playoff experience, even if you have played 5 or 10 first rounds (with loss).
Man, I agree with you Guys!! I've been saying for the longest that our team is too short and that the Battier trade was KEY to us not getting past the first round. He does not offer much past his defense!! We need a legit 3rd scorer w/ size. Morey messed up big time on that trade. His recent comments really has me perplexed about which direction the team is headed. Because if any trades are going to be made, it's best to do it during the summer so the team has time to jell, since RA's system is so difficult to pickup!!
Landry can ask for and get at least the Rookie max of 2 million a year. He will likely be looking for compensation at least in the difference between the 2 million and the $400,000 he got last year. That means, he's wanting at least $2.6 million dollars. After that, then well, here come the intangibles. What is a top 10 rookie finish worth? What is one of the highest PER's in the league worth? What is his ability to finish at the rim worth? What is his potential upside worth? Estimate for Landry 3-5 million dollars. $3 mil if you're lucky.
you are overestimating Landry's value...here are a few reasons why: Scola is going to be making a little over 3.1 next year. A comparable situation (as well as player) is the one the Pistons were in with Amir Johnson last year. Although Landry has more polish at this point...there was coniserably more buzz about Amir than there is for Landry at the moment. Ultimately Amir got 3.6 for the next 3 years (a constant rate, with no increase). Which is right around your first estimate. With thisgiven, I would agree his contract could be negotiated somewhere around 3 mil give or take, but to put it in the right context. If he were to make anything more than 3 mil next year, that would be more than either Kevin Durant or Greg Oden...def. a good argument on the Rox part... One aspect of Landry's contract that hasn't been discussed. Due to the fact he is a free agent, his terms could actually work in the Rockets favor... A front loaded contract similar to Heinrich's or a straight-line contract similar to Johnson's would definitely benefit the organization longer term, and would provide Landry with more money up front.
Music to my ears. Wonder boy will pull the rabbit out of his hat again for us. I am counting on it. Bjax+head+2nd round pick for M.Miller
So tell us what those moves are. That's the problem. What we have will probably not be very attractive to teams in the summer. They might be worth more at the deadline. Morey did a good job getting Scola and with the draft. Most everybody was thrilled that James, Bonzi and SF were signed and looked to be contributors before the season started. This team was very good and maybe could have been great with a healthy Yao. Morey couldn't control that and he can't control the salary cap hell the prior regime left him in. The Gay/Battier thing had JVG written all over it, not Morey. Morey has improved our position by getting rid of James' albatross contract, so maybe he can add a piece or two somewhere down the line. Morey hasn't said in public anything that any dumbass GM didn't already know. Mainly that we don't have any FA money to speak of and anything we get will probably be thru trade or draft. Wow, what a scoop? How did he ever let that get out of the bag! Other teams won't take our crap for their stars. Either you trade Yao, Scola, or McGrady or you try to pawn your expirings and that usually means a trade deadline move.
You are underestimating Landry's value. Here are a few reasons why: Amir Johnson and Carl Landry are not comparable situations (not even close). Johnson got his contract while only playing 11 games in two years for his entire career and it was totally based on potential. Johnson was not a key rotational player during a record breaking 22 game win streak, wasn't on an all rookie team and one of most effecient offensive players in the entire league. Landry will get the money he deserves and it won't be the entire MLE.
Anyone thinking an MLE signing is going to put us over the top is kidding themselves. Unless that signing is Arenas, Maggette, Artest, or Jamison we aren't improving talent-wise. And none of those guys are taking the MLE. Pietrus? Give me a break, he's the seventh man on the warriors. He's so boneheaded it's not even funny. It'd be Stromile Swift all over again. Notice how elite teams don't rely on low-IQ guys like Pietrus, Swift, Darius Miles, or Ricky Davis. Draft the best player available, hope one of our expendable assets (Head, Brooks, Landry, rookie) increases thier trade value over the season, push for a trade for a veteran mid-season, and go for one last shot at the title. If it doesn't work out we'll rebuild. If Yao were healthy this season and it didn't work out, I would've said we should rebuild now. But I want one last chance to see what they can do. We looked damn good before he went down. And don't freak out if the draft pick isn't the perfect player, physically. GATER said he freaked out about Luther's size, which is funny considering the best player take after Luther was Monta Ellis, who's the exact same size. And Monta ain't no PG, either.
I, too, think this forum is underestimating Landry's value. I think he really showcased himself during the streak. He has a nice shot and great hops and work ethic. I bet he gets most, if not all, the mle. Even if he gets half, the Rockets won't have enough left over to get any kind of a difference maker. Our only hope is to package our expirings and maybe a draft pick or two at the deadline. Unless, of course, you are willing to trade something of value (T-Mac, Yao, Scola).
did you actually make a point in there? Carl had a great run during our streak, but sat out half the season with DNPs and injury. he also has an injury history involving knee problems...not good for a player who relies on his explosion near the rim. Johnson didn't play a key part in any historical runs, but he dominated the NBDL at 6'11" with 19 pts, 10 rebs and 3 blocks a game at 20 years of age. Did I mention Landry is already 24 and 2 inches shorter? both have limited NBA experience. both put up monster numbers for a limited stretch of time. both play the same position...both are getting paid based upon potential and not a finished product...and both raise some serious questions whether they be health or their game... so what is your point again?
