Minor injuries don't last for 4 months, which is the length of time Okafor's had back trouble this season. I don't think that it's unreasonable to think that his back is a cause for some concern about his durability.
I would not deal Yao, for anybody, plain and simple. That being said, I would deal anybody else for Okafor. Okafor and Yao would make great teammates down low. They are both unselfish players who play to win. They could share the post. In fact, I think a low post Okafor with a high post Yao would be a very interesting combo to have to defend. By the way, I love Steve Francis. I just don't feel that his talents will be ultimately exploited in this system and it would be a crying shame for him and the NBA for him to be stuck on a team that isn't able to maximize his talent. He needs to go to an Iverson type team where he can dominate offensively. He will dominate offensively too. So, we might as well face facts. We can't have both. We can't have Yao putting up 18 shots and 26 ppg and Steve putting up 20 shots and 25-30 ppg. And it makes no sense to pay a guy max money to throw the ball to Yao and spot up at the 3 point line. I think Chcago and Orlando would both be interested in a Francis deal.
The truth is, Okafur can come in next year and give us basically what Yao is giving us - 18 and 8. He can do it without having to have the entire offense focused around him. He will not be a liability on the break or with our defensive rotations. Add to that TMac and Gooden and I don't see how any rational person could say that the Rockets would not be MUCH better with that deal. You would be getting an MVP caliber player and a decent young forward and a potential all-star PF for a 18 and 8 guy and an above average SG while freeing yourself of a huge salary. Like I said. In a NEW YORK second...
You just don't trade Yao. Unless it is a sign and trade after Yao refuses to play again for Houston. Barring that miracle, Yao should get his max extension ASAP. The biggest problem the Rockets have is not SF or the PG position, it is limiting Yao offseason playing. Until that happens, you guys are rolling the dice on him getting a fatigue injury.
Okefor's downside = Elton Brand Okefor's upside = Tim Duncan Okefor's probability = Kenyon Martin (w/out the attitude)
They're nearly identical in every statistical category (except scoring... 20 vs. 18 ppg), but Martin is a much tougher defender than Brand, and maybe more versatile. Your thoughts?
Kmart v. Brand is not a bad comparison, although I'd take Brand. Brand v. Okafor is a great comparison. I think Okafor, if healthy, will be every bit the player that Brand is, although his offense might be a lil bit behind at this point. BTW, ESPN.com has their mock draft up and they have Orlando taking Okafor @ #1. Who wants to bet me that if Orlando is in a position to take Okafor, that they keep the pick and draft him, no matter what McGrady wants to do???????
Stupid thread. Okafar is not gonna play for the Rockets, and he's not the savior that everyone believes. He will be a borderline all star but will never be a great player. He is just not that good.
He could come in and get 18 and 8. And there are certain 18 and 8 players that lots of people think ARE saviours...
Okafor for Clips Summer dreams - Clips win Lotto, select Okafor; swap matching contracts of Brand and Stevie. Works for me, and I am a Stevie man (tough as that is these days).
One thing is correct about your dreams -- we have to wait until the draft order is determined before any dream trading can be attempted.
Good point. We can only hope a team that already has a good PF to get the pick. They are more likely to trade it. And having a stupid management won't hurt. The Clippers fit the bill perfectly.
Getting Okafor would be awesome. The guy is both athletic and talented. Hope his injuries won't be chronic though. I don't know if he'll be a Hakeem. He's not as tall, not as agile, and doesn't have the footwork, at least, not yet. The young Hakeem was incredible. As far as his attitude goes, this is a guy that will never whine. He plays hard and listens well. In terms of maturity, I think he's already way ahead of Stevie. I went to high school and middle school with him, same graduating class. I'm sure you've heard about what a great student and great person he is. I remember him always staying late after Calculus BC to make sure he got everything down. He won't be a baby around the refs like Steve often is. Of course, it's just wishful thinking that he'll be on the Rockets next year. He also blocked my layup attempt in 7th grade and jammed my thumb. (Sorry, I had to get that bit of random fact in to make myself feel more significant. =) )
It saddens me to see how many people would drop Francis like he was nothing after all the great years he's given us because of one bad year, and for a player that has never played an NBA game in his life. What if he was another supposedly-bound-to-be-a-star flop? What would we look like then? Besides, the last 25 games or so, IMO, Francis has played much more under-control and efficiently. I'd take him if there was a way to get him without giving up Yao or Francis. Also how tall is Okafor? Depending on that, I'd maybe like to get him if there was a way to get him without giving up Francis.
IF the Clips were to get Okafor THEN Brand for Stevie. That's a deal which makes sense because of needs and salaries. But, it is a summer dream unless and until Clips get #1 or #2 pick (with Atlanta getting #1/Howard).
