Greek press reports today that the Rockets are not planning to let Span go anywhere and that Billy himself hasn't told them ANYTHING about wanting to leave other than that he was disappointed and slightly concerned about his PT last season... Morey is quoted as saying: "Rick (adelman) contacted Billy twice. One was introductory while the second was more about his plans. He told him he considers him an important piece in the team he is building and really appreciates his abilities in defense and attacking." He apparently also added that Peja Stojakovic contacted billy as well at Adelman's request: "Coach Adelman called Peja to ask him his opinion on Billy and also to ask him to talk to him. As far as we know, Peja and Billy met and talked in Greece at Billy's request Morey finishes saying that no European teams contacted them about Billy but a lot of NBA teams did and they made it clear that they're not planning on trading him... Also adds that Billy never said to them he wants to go back to Europe and that his only concern were his chances and PT.. Take this with a grain of salt until confirmed....
This all made sense to me a month ago, especially since Billy already said the same thing. If Span wanted to stay with the Rockets, he would have made himself unattractive for trade (unclear about returning) in the most trade-oriented phase of the season - which is the post-season up until the draft. Aaron Brooks was simply the best player available. Guys, there are few people who can better create their own shot in this draft, plus he has NBA three-point range - a rarity. I've watched him in a few games, and he'll definitely give defenses fits, to a lesser degree but similar to how Chris Paul was a nightmare for us. I do expect us to trade Rafer and Head, mainly because they can't create their own shot (plus Rafer can't shoot, a pretty crippling combination) and have the greatest amount of trade value, and they do indeed plan on making Billy a key part of the rotation.
It certainly starts to seem that way....with all the facts we have up till now, if the above is true and Span stays, i believe that The Rox have a lot of faith in him and Rafer + Head are out....If the above is false ,Span+ Head are out.... I can't see JLIII having much trade value so I doubt he would be a major piece in a trade....
I almost had a panic attack when we passed on Tiago; but this is great news. It's great to see that everyone keeps calling billy and encouraging him, there is no doubt he will make the correct decision.
Charlotte need another PG. Rockets could send Alston for Herrmann. Including their second round pick Bobcats will have eight players on contract that play either PF or C. Send Sura + Snyder to the Cavs for Drew Gooden. After waiving Sura & Wesley they'll be under the LT threshhold even after re-sgning Varejao and possibly Pavlovic. Trade Lucas for a second round pick to make room for Deke. Rockets suddenly get taller. James Spanoulis Brooks McGrady Bonzi Head Battier Herrmann Reed Gooden Landry Novak Yao Hayes Deke
Why is this great news when our greatest weakness is at the 4 and the plethora of guards keep adding up like a pile of ****.
Yeah, that is what I thought was happening. I think V-Span will be the backup PG to either Alston on James this year. DD
Hey hey wait a sec...i am a little confussed here... i'm reading an article at spor24.gr(at this moment) saying that V-span is closer to Panathinaikos than ever..Houston Cronicle's writer Fran Blinebury is mentioned there...To sum up, it says that after the draft, Houston took another small guard named Aaron Brooks. It's well cleared that Houston filled the PG position more..they brought back James and still have Alston,Lucas and now Brooks. The end of Greek article is interesting: "It doesn't seem possible to have Spanoulis playing for us next year" and they say that Fran actually wrote this
On the contrary, I think Spanoulis will get no minutes or is completely gone next year. Mike James and now Brooks have now completely taken away his role, and nobody will convince me that he will beat out Rafer in anything. I can't see the front office choosing him over Rafer; that would be a terrible mistake.
I will say this, Rick Adelman is a tremendous talent evaluator. Jeff Van Gundy is not, never has been. I know Spanoulis gets smashed endlessly on this forum, but the kid has serious talent. I am not even going to get into the argument because so many people simply refuse to accept what their eyes show them and simply want to say catchy things like, "turnover machine," or "Euro trash white stiff." But based on playing abilities, Spanoulis would easily have a roster spot over Luther Head, John Lucas III, Kirk Snyder, and Rafer Alston. In fact, he would have one over Aaron Brooks (supposedly Adelman's pick) and Mike James as well. Luther Head, Lucas, and Alston should all be traded to make room for Spanoulis based on actual ability to play the game at the one spot. But for some reason there is something about Spanoulis that ticks people off, Van Gundy didn't like him, many fans don't like him. They absolutely refuse to see what is there. He can make a play in 2 minutes of garbage time that Rafer Alston or Luther Head could not make in their entire NBA career, yet make one turnover or miss one shot and he is forever labeled "trash." While the highlight reel assist or basket is labeled as simply, "luck."
Rafer Alston is absolutely terrible. Why so many fans like his game is beyond me. He does nothing for the Rockets team.
All right, we accept that Rick Adelman is a fine talent evaluator, then WHY did he authorize the trade to bring in Mike James, and now make what seems to be a personal pick in Aaron Brooks, the combination of which will take Spanoulis's role away completely? CLEARLY he does not think much of Spanoulis. The new guys will get PT over any holdovers. Spanoulis will get no minutes this year. He's probably gone. You're crazy to state that Spanoulis is better than Head, Snyder or Alston. Head can shoot, Snyder can leap, Alston can run an offense efficiently while Spanoulis can do.... none of the above. He has no plus skills, his only skill is turning it over and playing out of control.
I hope Houston will make up their minds soon enough, because Panathinaikos can't wait forever to know what will happen with Spanoulis. One day "he stays", the next day "he's gone". If Span won't come back, Pana will have to settle with Rudy Fernandez...
Oh, if they can package him for a decent PF, that's fine with me. But posters here are suggesting that Spanoulis is better than he is... this is ludicrous. The only reason that Rafer will be gone is because he has trade value and can actually fetch something while Spanoulis.... can't.
