SG/SF combos - What do we want from these positions?

In my opinion, all we need is a SG who can create his own shot, hit an open three, with average defense.

 

If our goal is to win a championship, we NEED a "SUPA star" surrounded by good role players (similar to the ones we have). Now if we want to be a great team but never win a championship (second/third round), then we can settle.

BTW, your suggestion for SG are superstar-type numbers.

 

Don't we have that that in mcgrady?

 

yeah and unfortunately thats the opposite of what ariza offers.

 

One of the reasons I dont see morey trading mcgrady for bad contracts, because letting him expire makes it easier to resign those guys.

 

Houston just wants a legit SG, ie JJ.

 

He said "average defense"...

 

It would be nice to fill one of those spots with a good to great outside shooter. Someone who can put up a lot of open shots and still shoot over 40%. It's less of a premium this year, but with Yao back next year it will be even more crucial. We need someone who can make teams pay for double teaming Yao in the post and helping when Brooks and Lowry get in the lane.

5 years ago, Mike Miller would've been a great candidate, but he's now on the downside of his career. Not second guessing the Artest deal, but I kind of wonder how well Donte Greene would've fit in that role.

I'm not as down on Ariza as most people. He'll be much more effective if the Rockets can add a quality 2 guard to take some of the pressure off of him to produce. He's much better suited to play off of a star than to be a featured player, and the Rockets knew this when they got him. Despite his trouble finishing, he's very active on offense, cutting to the basket and moving. And even though he's not finished drives very well this year, his penetration still leads to some easy put backs for Landry and Scola.

 

Bah, dont get me started. I have always in been in the McGrady camp on this issue, but the argument is played out at this point.

Management has already made it clear, he is not an option, so theres no point in dwelling on it anymore. Hes done, hes gone, lets talk future SG, not past ones.

Current attainable options: Michael Redd, John Salmons or Jason Richardson
Current maybes: Andre Iguodala, Caron Butler

 

IMHO the Ron Artest deal is a gamble you have to make. You don't second guess that deal because at the time, it was definitely a chance to role the dice esp.when all we really gave up for that chance was just Donte Greene. Even in his rookie year C-bud is already what people in Sac are hoping Donte Greene will be.

 

Michael Redd is overrated, not to mention injury prone and a poor defensive player. I'm not familiar with Salmons' game, but J-Rich or AI would fit this team perfectly. Butler IMHO is another forward and we don't really need that.

 

Preach on preacher, that is exactly what we need.

Hello Chase Budinger.......

Having 2 defensive wings is a complete waste.

DD

 

I agree Redd is overated, but personally if we could swing Redd, Kurt Thomas and a Mil #1 pick for Tracy, I would make that deal, even if we had to pay Redd next year. I think that gets us under the luxury tax and gives us an above average stop gap at SG without giving anything up.

As for defense, Redd is bad, but he is improving in that area. We have two elite wing defenders, so if there is something he can't handle, we have options in that area.

Also, he gives us another huge expiring to play with next year, in case Paul eventually demands that trade, which is a plus.

Im with you on Salmons, dont know much about him, but I can see how low his FG% is so I am guessing I wouldnt like his game. Ive seen Suns fans mention a Barbosa/Richardson deal which would be a great trade imo. Iggy is ideal of course, but unlikely, and Caron I dont particularly care for.

Budinger isnt a 2 though and he cant create his own shot.

 

when have you seen budinger create his own shot?
Sorry DD, budginer is good, but he's not going to be what you're hoping for.\

I think we're fine at SF with a two man combo of bud/ariza/shane. We have enough variation there for a three

the two guard however, must be able to handle the ball overall and in scoring situations, good shooting range, and solid D. We dont really need someone to create anything, the offense itself can create opportunities, we just need guys with necessary skills to finish those opportunities.

 

We also need somebody that can that can play without a doctor and a stretcher on call.

McGrady's on a downward spiral of games played.

07-08 66 gms
08-09 35 gms
09-10 6 gms

 

Actually now that I think about it, forget Caron Butler, Mike Miller is exactly what we need.

 

So Chase Budinger?

 

Chase is fine as a creator, he just needs a little more time to show it, and he is only 21 years old.

Think of this team like the Sacremento Kings.....

Bibby - AB
Webber - Landry/Scola
Divac - Yao
Peja - Budinger
Christie - Battier/Trevor

We are RIGHT there.

DD

 

Really, the position is interchangeable. What you knida want is 2 guys that can do the same things. When that happens, you don't have to worry about switching those two spots on picks and post up. The problem most complain about with Battiza is both are very limited in what they can do offensively. Neither can create a shot, neaither are decision makers, neither can shot off the bounce. I actually think chase is the best wing the rockets have. I think he's good enough in enough areas to play that spot effectively. I don't think he will be a all star anytime soon, but i think given the minutes he could be a 15ppg scorer and solid starter on this team. If the rockets don't make the trade for butler or iggy, i would like to see chase get 30 mins ither as a starter or off the bench. He can play well enough in the offense that he'll be effecient in it. His all around game still makes him a good player even if he's not shooting the ball well because he scorer, not a shooter.