I liked Van Gundy's comments about Mooch a week or so ago, and also his "terrible" comment today in the Chron. I didn't see either the Portland or Seattle game (and glad I didn't) but I agree the thing to do is work his butt off. He was never very talented, but he isn't playing anywhere his 2000-2001 level. Performance-wise and fitness-wise this guy has really cheated the Rox the past two years. It sounds like he realizes it, and Van Gundy's statement last week about him having "still a long way to go" might land him on the IR, but you don't cut the guy. It sounds like Wilks is someone we can use. I'm very glad about that - we need someone. But because we're so invested we need to give Van Gundy a chance to dog him. Go back to last summer (or earlier) and relive our thoughts about Cato. He not only redeemed himself last year (nice stats in Portland btw) he's even made his contract valuable to the right team (potentially). If Cato can do it, it's possible for anyone. At least Mooch sounds more determined than Cato ever has, so I say we have Van Gundy test that commitment.
Moochie is playing terribly, no question. But I would not cut him. He is not a "team cancer;" he gives good effort. Should he be replaced by Wilks? Perhaps. But I would not cut Moochie. His salary is on the books and it just does not make sense to cut him and keep paying him. If you want to put him on IR and go with Wilks as the back up, then fine, but I would not cut Moochie.
Gotcha, GATER. Thanks for the clarification. Question: How far below the predicted tax threshold are the Rox? B/c while the Rockets would likely waive Mooch outright, if they could negotiate a buyout and save 1-2 mil. on the 2004 and 2005 caps, I would think it would be a factor in taking on salary w/ the trade exception. My understanding is that triggering the tax costs you much more than just double the overage - you lose the shared revenues collected from the taxed teams ( = millions). Know what? Nevermind. Mooch's agent is Fegan, right? There's no way they settle for less than 100% of the contract value. I could see Fegan getting even more. "See here CD, by buying us out at 110%, you're really getting a good deal here. (And those pictures will never see the light of day)"
Can you tell me exactly what he said? He probably spends most of his offseason in D.C. because that's where his grandmother lives. If you just signed a 86M contract, whats the difference in buying another house, not much. Unless Francis comes out and says he's not happy, I think he will stay. WINNING CURES EVERYTHING (hopefully).
I wonder if Feigen is as unclear as the rest of us. http://bbs.clutchcity.net/php3/showthread.php?s=&threadid=65935
i love Steve's game. He's got it all except for the most important ingredient..... mental toughness (IMO). Putting his basketball acumen aside (or lack of), our star is a baby. He cried when he wasn't happy w/the Grizz, has failed to show he is a great leader (by not being more exigent of his teammates). Now that we have a tough-minded coach we'll see if Stevie has matured.
CB4ever - Remember that trade of Rice to Utah? Not only did we get a ~$7m trade exception, we reduced our payroll by the same amount. My best guess is that the Rox current payroll is about $50.5m (this includes JJax and Cornell) plus whatever small amounts Wilks and/or Scales would cost if signed. IMVHO, if you are talking about the LTax for the 2003-04 season it is a non-issue as far as the Rox are concerned. With or with Mooch.
Moochie needs to go. They won't ditch him because of the money and the excuse will be the "renewed work ethic". Carroll Dawson doesn't like to admit mistakes, and I don't even think he knows when he makes them. Nice guy, though and so is Moochie. He needs to go; this team needs to moove forward and Moochie at his best is still no offensive threat in the NBA. Burning up minutes? Sure.
Moochie sucks horribly. I wouldn't cut him though..he is a wonderful cheerleader. JVG should not let him play at all. He is making like 3.6 million a year...I wouldn't cut him...but just don't let him play. I would cut him in order to sign Wilks, Cornell, Scales, and Muoneke though.
I think Mooch should be stuck on the end of the bench or on the DL .... IMO I think its more important that the Rox get rid of Amaechi first. He is NOT a good player, and it sounds like he had an attitude problem in Utah. The last thing the Rockets need is another cancerous attitude problem on the team.
You are right ... meech was not a "cancer" in utah because they had dedicated professional players on the team that didnt allow his bad attitude to influence them ... The Jazz coaches had to continually question his work ethic there leading to constant problems between him and the coaches there. On the Rockets with many of the players we have ... I think he certainly can become a cancer
Could be. According to Patricia's site, Mooch has 4 more seasons... including this one... which would be the 6 years (grrrrr...). Maybe Feigen has heard that the Rocks can get out of the last year. I was hoping it might be sooner. It's weird how some of this stuff is kept under wraps.
But damnit, I don't want to change my user name to like Mr. Brit or Mr. Pike. I knew I should've registered Mr. Overpaid-Underachieving-Overrated Playa. Maybe someone will give me a non-basketball 'Mr.'
Reality check. Many players don't live in the city they play in year round. Kevin Garnett lives in Chicago (where he is from). Lots of players live in Houston that don't play here. Just because Steve Francis bought a home in his hometown area doesn't mean he doesn't intend to remain with the Rockets. I think you're jumping the gun here. Besides, even if he doesn't want to stay here, it's out of his hands for another five years or so anyway.
That's my understanding, also. For 2003-04, the team is well below the possible tax threshold, Mooch's $$ makes no difference. My suggestion was that if the Rox decide to use the trade exception to bring on a Big Contract (eg Abdur-Rahim) either mid-season of next off-season, they would potentially be flirting with the tax threshold. Then a few million saved on the 2004-05 and 2005-06 caps with a buyout may factor in ducking the threshold IF the tax is ever brought down. In which case that would save millions in lost revenues. Then I nixed myself - Fegan is Mooch's agent - he'll never settle for less $$. Mooch doesn't have the same positive signability as a Mutumbo. But you know what? I'm not gonna waste my time trying to save Les money anymore. I'm off to rail in the Rockets=Ticketmaster-Devil thread.
i would trade him for any of the nuggets pgs, they all had pretty good games tonight, especially boykins.
