http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/story.hts/sports/bk/bkn/994624 <i>Rockets' attention shifts to Anderson By JONATHAN FEIGEN Copyright 2001 Houston Chronicle The Rockets' next step might not fall into place as swiftly as the last one, but all indications on Monday were that signing Shandon Anderson could go almost as smoothly. With negotiations to re-sign forward Maurice Taylor wrapped up and a contract in place to sign as soon as today -- pending the formality of creating cap room necessary to formally offer a deal -- the Rockets began their most serious discussions about retaining Anderson. Both sides reported progress and spoke far more optimistically about Anderson's return than they ever could during negotiations to keep Hakeem Olajuwon. "I feel like we're making progress," Rockets general manager Carroll Dawson said. "It's going along rather nicely so far." Dawson, citing team policy, would not discuss details of the negotiations. The team settled with Taylor on a six-year, $48 million deal, sources said. Excluding cap space used to retain the rights to Matt Bullard, Moochie Norris and Eddie Griffin and to sign Taylor, the Rockets could have as much as approximately $6.5 million of cap room for Anderson and any other additions to the roster. "They're moving along," Anderson's agent, Dan Fegan, said of negotiations with the team. "Everything should be fine. From everything I've heard, we're right on track. I think we're fine." Until signed or renounced, Bullard occupies $2.9 million of cap space. The Rockets' offer to Olajuwon, along with the space needed for Taylor and Anderson, would have forced the team to renounce its rights to Bullard and then try to sign him for the minimum, $1 million for a 10-year veteran. Instead, the team could avoid renouncing Bullard and attempt to sign him with available cap room or go over the cap with his full "Bird" rights, particularly with few signs that it would attempt to bring in another free-agent center to replace Olajuwon. "I'm waiting my turn," Bullard said. "I have my Larry Bird rights. I can sign over the cap. Mo Taylor's (deal) was great news." </i>
Sorry Jeff, you were 30 seconds faster than me. I still do not understand why Anderson is worth 4-6 million?
No problem. I don't think they are suggesting he is worth $6 million, but I would assume an early Bird contract is appropriate here - about $4 million to start. He won't get more than Mobley.
*sigh* the sky is falling. please don't let him sign for more than $3 mil. we should just trade for stacey augmn. same player, cheaper tag. knows his role. oh that's right. we already did that. *sigh* damnit, shandn. if only you would shoot 500 EXTRA jumper per day. maybe you'd be a more than just a liability on the court.
I'm sure this has been addressed already, but ... if we use up our remaining cap space to sign Shandon, would it be possible to get Marc Jackson or Jelani McCoy? Will we have a mid-level exception? Can we chop the exception up and only use part of it if, for example, we sign McCoy? Or does a 6 million dollar Shandon rule out any other free agent acquisitions?
But, the question is what position will he play. He was not an effective 3, and needs to take his place behind Mobley at 2. BUT WILL HE DEMAND A STARTING ROLE? Then why would you pay over 4 million to a backup NON SHOOTING - shooting guard? I HAVE PREACHED before that Griffin needs to start at the 3. He needs the same grooming that Rudy gave Franics. Francis took the starting PG position from Mobley, and Mobley had a breakout year as 6th man. We cannot take a chance on grooming Griffin, like the Pacers have done with Jonathan Bender!!!! If he plays 30 minutes a night, why not give the kid a little confidence in the starting lineup? Locking Anderson up for a 5-6 year contract worth 30-40 MILLION, is just as bad as Cato's contract. Then remember Feagan wants a multiyear deal starting at 4 million for Moochie? God, I hope CD is not that stupid!!!!!
Signing Shandon above Early Bird and not renouncing Bullard means that attempts to lure a significant center this year have most likely failed. writhe-skim through my thread for the answers to your questions. I'm very anxious about Shandon's contract. It's probably the one that most determines our wiggle-room this year and next. If no center can be found this year, the Rockets MUST save up cap for next year to get a center.
Anderson is a defensive stopper who gives the Rockets a solid back up 2 and insurance at the 3 spot while Griffin is learning. It also allows them to go small when they want. I'm not thrilled with giving him a ton of $$$, but near what Mobley got is not out of line for him.
I wonder if the Shandon situation is similar to the Gary Payton deal in San Antonio? Where Tim Duncan was vocal about not sending his friends away for Payton. Friendship or team chemistry prevailed!! Didn't somebody report that Anderson, Mobley & Francis were working out together this offseason. I also remember something about Francis and/or Mobley upset that the Rockets were ignoring Anderson? I might be mistaken? I think that same story also mentioned that Francis and/or Mobley did not want Walt traded either?
I hadn't heard that about Anderson but definitely Walt. This team is VERY close. They want the chance to grow up and learn together. In some ways, they are like college roommates. I don't know how close they are with Anderson, but Taylor, Francis, Mobley, Moochie, Walt, Thomas and now Griffin and Morris are all pretty tight.
I know around here he's pretty much hated, period...but how is Cato's relationship with his teammates? Do Steve and Cuttino dislike Kelvin as much as us, or is he pretty tight with the players?
I think SamCassell mentioned it in another thread, but you have to look at is as if we've really signed him to a 6 year 20-22 million dollar deal, which is a bargain, and he does deserve this money for taking the paycut he did and risking his future in the process. However, I don't like the fact that this may limit our maneuverability in getting a center, but at this point, I'd be happy to get Jelani McCoy. I do NOT want Jahidi White btw. He is hopeless on the offensive end, is NOT a shotblocker, and I think his "presence" in the paint is overrated. Not to mention he's foul prone from what I've seen of him. McCoy is cheaper and fits in better with our core group of players . There's the few times a year that we'll have to face a legit center, and that's where Collier/Cato and their 6 fouls come into play, but otherwise, we can get by with Cato and McCoy as 1-2 on the depth chart.
He averaged 1.63 blocks a game in JUST 23.7 MINUTES! Those are pretty damn good block numbers, that would be a little over 3.26 blocks in 48 minutes. I don't know about his offense. He would average about 18 points in 48 minutes, but that's with the Wizards...His 7.7 rebounds in half of a game isn't too shabby either. Although I love McCoy's game as well. Getting either one would be fine with me.
Jeez!, We have 13 players on our team and 6 of them are small forwards. Of course, this pretty much commits Langhi and SA to the 2 position and EG to the back-up 4 position. Who is the starting small forward??? SF CM ????(SA is my guess) Mo T Cato God, I hope this is a set-up for a big S&T deal or a 12/15 trade.
If we could get rid of Walt's contract in the process, not likely considering his strong ties with the team, then I'd be all for it.
You know that Francis is not hot on Cato!!!! Do you remember that interview when asked about Hakeem? He stated that he sure hopes Hakeem returns, especially since Cato hasn't developed enough for Center!!!!. that was a classic!!!!
