I admit, I didn't want to lose Dream. Somewhere in my hopes and Dreams, I fantasized that this year or next, we might be able to go all the way to the Western Conference finals with a healthy Dream, and do it all over again, and at least have Akeem go out in the style he deserves, with all the young bucks knowing how to go there from here on out. But, all in all, I am glad we didn't give away the future of the franchise to keep Akeem happy. We bent and made a good offer, but didn't get stupid. I know, now that its gone this way, many will say we should have done the deal with Toronto a couple years ago. We could have Shawn Marion, Wally Szczerbiak, Doug Christie and Kevin Willis for the last 2 years instead of an injured Olajuwan, and have a better team right now. But we treated Dream with class, and that has a lot to do with players like Francis, Mobely, Taylor, Anderson, and Norris wanting to stay with our team, and able to attract other players. It would have been a PR nightmare anyway, and perhaps we wouldn't have gotten the new arena. There are many factors that make that a right decision, even in hindsight. So, we got caproom, a trade exception, a couple draft choices, and honorable feelings all around. I think the Rockets handled themselves pretty well on this one. The risk is too high for Dream to get injured. Our future is bright, and we didn't give it away, or lose the fans in the process, while Dream moved on. WELL DONE, ROCKETS! Too bad we didn't get Keon Clark out of the deal, or even Mamadou. But, now its time for CD to pull another rabbit out of his hat, and solve the center position for the future (using the exception, Cato, Williams, Thomas, Anderson, draft choices, cap room). Mark Jackson could be one of them, but I don't see him as the long term starter. (Don't we all think it'd be a hoot if Cato lit fire with playing time? oh, well, foolish dreams...) Maybe something will happen later in the season using the trade exception, but I'm intrigued how we will solve that piece of the puzzle. Is there anything to the Curry rumors? Any chance at LaFrentz? I think we've got wonderful potential with: ? / ? / ? Taylor/Griffin/Thomas Morris/Langhi Mobely/Anderson Francis/Norris Thats a solid group to build on... we might even make the playoffs this year
