In the latest of out of town reporters doing more reporting on the Rockets than the Chronicle, we come away with this "gem" from Sam Smith in Chicago. Van Gundy's new job: There's been much talk that new Houston coach Jeff Van Gundy will try to bring in some former New York Knicks he coached, especially to spread his gospel in the locker room. Several young Rockets players have been calling friends around the NBA because of concern about Van Gundy's reputation as a control-oriented, slow-down coach. Said Van Gundy: "I had some guys with the Knicks that played a huge part in any sort of success that we may have had, so I'm going to try to bring some guys here that have been so good and so much a part of any success we had in New York. I'd like to bring them here." Much speculation has centered on Latrell Sprewell, whom the Knicks long have tried to deal. But one of the reasons Van Gundy supposedly walked out on the Knicks two years ago was that Sprewell told him off and tuned him out. The Rockets have several big men they would like to deal, including Kelvin Cato and Maurice Taylor. It's likely Van Gundy will try to get Allan Houston and the Knicks could be enticed, especially with questions about Antonio McDyess. It could happen if the Rockets included Eddie Griffin, who played one year at Seton Hall in South Orange, N. J. You have to register to read the whole article, but it's free. The rest of the article is more speculation on moves (Memphis may be looking to deal, and the classic Riley doesn't want a rookie). If you're bored of the offseason/interested in draft movers and shakers, it's worth a read. Anyhow, loved the "young players" calling friends around the league line. As far as Allan Houston...there are really 100 million reasons not to trade for him. In all fairness, he's the perfect offensive complement to Yao- a lights out shooter, but that's about all he does. So far, we're 2 for 2 in out of towners calling for the Rockets to make use of Eddie's trade value.
The Rockets would be morons to take on Houston's contract which means that they would probably do it. Plus, Houston is just like a Mobley clone so I don't see this happening unless Mobley gets the boot.
I would absolutely love to get Allan Houston on this team. This guy can single handedly destroy a team's zone defense. However, like other have pointed out their are a 100 MILLION reasons not to trade for him.
Van Grundy wants to bring Knicks players to Houston??? what an ass he should just go back and coach for the knicks then! He is seriously gunna stuff the Rockets up. Bring back Rudy.
You have to be kidding me with this statement. Allan Houston and Cuttino Mobley have entirely different games. The only similarity between the two is that they are both good shooters. However, mobley is a lot more of a one-on-one player than Houston is. They are nowhere close to being clones of each other.
Mobley and Houston have very different games. Houston is a good jump shooter and Mobley is a slasher and not a good perimeter shooter. Houston would be a more valuable player especially with Yao demanding double teams, A. Houston would be open for perimeter shots, which is his forte. However, Houston’s contract is ridiculous. I would be very weary about this trade. However, I would entertain the idea if we were getting rid of Taylor and Mooch.
Taylor+Cato for Houston+first round pick. I would do it but Knicks won't. Rox has to think ahead. They need money to keep Yao in three years.
The reporter took that quote out of context. I'd bet my mother that JVG was referring to his coaching staff, not the players.
If the Rockets get Houston and his contract, they will never win a championship because they will not have any money to play with. Houston is overpaid and not good enough to take the Rockets to the next level. Sprewell is a more well rounded player. I'd rather have him. they better not do this.....
Houston is way too expensive. His contract is rediculous. I can't see (i'm hoping) the rockets spend that much money on one player like him, which would not leave much more money to work with on other players.
I agree, JVG was talking about a coaching staff... I've heard about this reporter. Someone told me that he comes up with bogus stuff and unreal trades. Believing him is about as smart as trusting a known liar.
Can someone get the exact details of Houston's contract? How many years..I think it's abotu 13M, but can we confirm? I'd be very willing to do an altered form of the trade: Allan Houston Kurt Thomas #9 pick for Kelvin Cato Mo Taylor Cuttino Mobley
check hoopshype for his salary. i think he has 5 years left, but his salary increases to 20 mil at the end.
Thats the only reason I would do that deal. The Knicks gave him 100mill for 6 yrs and he's not that kind of player. Although I'm sure he could really,really help the Rockets, the price tag is just too steep for a 32yrs old. Its conceiveable that he like Miller started getting better after 30 and that makes it real intersting. A combination of Houston and Harrignton for Taylor,Cat,and Cato would be better for this team. A veteran can be given the mle for a backup center spot or Othella can fill that spot. With the offense going inside out next yr, it will be a premium for players to hit the outside shot.
Yes. He comes up with trades like a BBS poster, but he has a column in a big city daily. Perhaps he was referring to a trade of Larry Smith for Patrick Ewing?
Just say no to Allan houston . That contract is ridiculous I'll throw my lot with Nachbar before i do this trade Kurt Thomas. . and maybe Othello are about the only knicks I want on this team well . . maybe spreewell but these rest can just stay there Rocket River
20M? Count me out. I'd rather go for Quentin Richardson and see if he pans out as a shooter. He was pretty good before they traded Darius Miles. 20M is proposterous. I'd love to have Micheal Redd or Ray Allen though. Cutino Mobley, Eddie Griffin, Bostjan Nachbar, and Kelvin Cato for Ray Allen, Brent Barry, Calvin Booth, and Jerome James? I don't know, but I know there are 100 million better options out there.
