Well if they wanted to drive up their value, they should be looking at teams like Atlanta and New Orleans, who have cap space. Visiting Houston isn't going to help their value any because we can only give them the MLE, which is an amount that 20+ other teams can give them. More likely they are talking to Houston in case we can work out a Sign and Trade or just in case their market value is less than they think.
We're over the cap. How could we possibly drive up value? We can only offer MLE just like most other teams.
Since Spanoulis isn't participating in the summer games, does that mean that he won't at training camp in October?
Spanoulis injured his ankle playing beach volleyball after the season. He didn't realize it was hurt for a few days and kept working out. His doctor said to rest for only one week and it will be OK. Here's the link but it's in Greek: http://www.sportime.gr/xst/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3290&Itemid=29 This article also says he is one of the most coveted free agents in Europe.
I hope we don't get Swift. Maybe he'll be great, but that's far from a guarantee. And for the dollars and years he commands, he isn't worth the risk. SAR, Walker, and Marshall are known and good commodities we have some sort of shot at getting (cheaper than Swift too). I'll take the guarantee of a good player over gambling on Swift (though still a bit hesitant on Walker).
From Chad Ford's chat on Sportsnation: Michele (Houston) Stromile Swift is in Houston today. What are the Rockets chances if he leaves w/o a contract? CHAD FORD The Rockets are one of several teams (Nets, Knicks, Hornets are others) who are pushing hard for Stro. With the exception of the Hornets, they're all offering the mid-level. Obviously Stro wants more. Don't see the Grizzlies re-signing him. They really need to cut down the cap.
No. His work ethic has been questioned. He is totally unproven. Juwan Howard averaged 13-7 in the last two months he played, and he could actually give Yao space. He was consistent, Swift is not. Swift should not see one minute at center since we have Deke, who happens to outrebound and nearly outblock Swift in 15mpg. At least Walker would be a viable third scoring option and space out the floor. He also rebounds better, which is more important to this team than an extra block or two.
Deja Vu..... The second coming of Cato. A player with a lot of potential.... But has not proved it yet and looking for the big payday.
Bullfan and I saw Cato in Vegas at the Wynn Casino. I'm waiting for Bullfan to post the picture. Cato was wearing Jordan high tops, jean shorts, a white tshirt, and a Louis Vutton baseball cap. Plus he was cheap cause he was in the same cab line as us.
Pretty much, except for the fact that Swift doesn't hang out all the time behind the three point line, and actually shoots a good percentage. But defensively, they are pretty similar.
A very good comparison. However, how many would want Cato on this team right now? I would rather have someone else, but Swift would be a good addition as long as we don't go crazy on the contract.
Sure he has a lot of potential, and he's going to be playing under JVG. You better believe JVG is going to use his length and athleticism to bring out a solid defensive player out of him Look how much Cato improved under JVG for one season. That season was his season where he actually had to work hard and he ended up producing well. You think Rudy was developing his talent? Swift under JVG is going to show immediate improvements this upcoming season and will develop into his potential eventually, as long he's willing to work at it.
Any new News on Swift meeting with the Rockets? Like what have they offerred or who is demanding what?
1. Can't sign anybody until July 22. 2. Swift's agent said this is a prelim meeting and other teams are still interested. I suspect we won't hear anything.
The truth is we should be happy if we can sign Swift, Walker or SAR (or Simmons)--the main things if finding out which one we can convince to sign with us for the MLE or put pressure on their current teams to do modest S&T with us or lose them for nothing. Each of the PFs have their +/-, but AW and SAR are for sure better than JH, and Swift at worst is about equal as a total player. Even if the less proven Swift comes in to split the PT with JH (via starter or sub) and gives us the lowest reasonable production expected based on multiple years past performance--10 & 6 and about 2 block--that still helps us a lot (note Swift consistently has a decent Fg% and excellent FT% for a big, he is no Cato offensively). Our PF spot would be much stronger with any of them, and get us a servicable player for many years. DM is a solid 4th choice, would fill in fine for a couple years, but is 32. Simmons is actually the longest shot to be a Rocket--though I don't think he would be a "major risk" either (at the MLE money or a little more). I don't think he came alive just because of a contract year, he is steadly progressing as a maturing NBA player who had a greater role last year (with Q going to Phx too). However with Allen staying in Seattle, Redd settled between Clev and Milw, and the Suns surely to match offers for Johnson, Simmons is the top free agent shooter available who should peak during his contract (Finley and Mobley have more end of contract risk). Also, consider the Clips want him back. They don't have to agree to a S&T, they would just keep him at that contract rather than taking pittance (expiring contract, late 1st rounder) in return. Swift, IS going to sign with someone else than Memphis for sure. Also, the vets off big deals (AW/SAR) can make a convincing case there favored destination is most important to them and they will leave for an MLE if their current teams don't cooperate. Thus those players' current teams are much more likely for sign and trades where the new team doesn't have to offer the farm. Those things are not true for Simmons as the Clips do want him, he is on OK terms with them, and he is looking to cash in. Sounds like Spanoulis is out of the picture another year at least.
