Just would like to point out that BBSes are likely no more representative of Magic fans than they are of Rockets fans. The Chronicle did a survey (a scientific one, not an online one) that found Francis to be far and away the most popular athlete in Houston last season. Meanwhile, posters here thought he should give up his All-Star spot to Trenton Hassell. The internet BBS is a distinct subculture of fandom that has its own biases. It isn't indicative of the mood of the greater whole.
To understand mfclark's postiion, just think how you'd feel if Yao said I want out and all of a sudden you were being offered talented players, but much less than Yao's value. I guess that's why he wants the "best" deal possible, which, for him, is rebuild and get back CMaggs, who they shouldn't have given up in the first place. Besides, LAC and PHO really aren't that bad as ya'll are making them out to be. LA is LA, and TMac will get his media loving there. Who knows, Sterling might actually loosen the pursestrings if he has a contender on his hands. PHO has Amare; he may not be dominant, but he's athletic as hell, and it'd be fun to watch Amare and Tmac flying around the court. Let's just face the facts: our deal isn't horrendous, but it might not be the best deal on the table. I've accepted it. If we get Tmac, great. If not, we can focus our attentions on getting a legit PF and building our frontcourt. Another thing that might influence TMac's decision: Houston fans turned on Steve pretty hard and pretty fast...maybe he doesn't want to be under that kind of scrutiny?
On another note, I'm still ambivalent about this whole McGrady thing. It's not just because I'm unsure he's what we need (especially considering what we give up), but it's also because I'm very concerned how Steve's psyche will hold up if the trade doesn't go through and he has to stick around Houston. How will Cat and Steve feel knowing that they're only here because TWO TEAMS didn't want them...? This coming from a guy who's favorite non-Rocket player is McGrady (in a tie with Duncan).
In the eyes of the media and fans of other teams Steve is damaged good. If you ask fans of other teams whether they'd want Stevie on their teams, I bet that 80% of them would say no. For the first time in years the Rockets have been on the national TV for a ton last season, and those apperances destroyed Francis' reputation. Rather than only seeing the highlight reels on sportscenter, people got to see the entire package of francis and it ain't pretty. Cap flexibility is very important in today's NBA. Both Steve and Cato has long, expensive contracts. This is a big minus in the Rockets' offer. A rebuilding team like the Magic will be very reluctant to take on huge contracts, especially after what happened with Grant Hill.
I think this is what might happen, after reading Doc Rocket's post. SF3, Cat, Cato - Clippers Maggette, Wilcox, picks - Orlando Mcgrady, Brand - Houston
Orlando would be stupid not to take the Houston offer. Think about it like this. Houston has owned the East the past couple of years and they would be getting three of the players from that team! If they do this deal, they end up with an all-star backcourt and a center who would probably be the 3rd best center in their conference. And for what? A single player who's probably going to leave anyway? If they field a starting lineup of Francis, Mobley, Cato, Gooden and Okafur, they should win at least 45 games in the East.
Thanks, Castor. Makes more sense if he's a Magic fan and just doesn't like the trade. What confused me was he seemed to be arguing against the likelihood of it even more than the deal itself. mfclark: You've probably mentioned this elsewhere, but will you still be a Magic fan if this goes down? Could you learn to love Steve and Cat?
If the Magic were to draft Okafor and Howard, the team would likely miss the playoffs for up to four years. Could the Magic wait so long for the kids to develop? More to the point, would Weisbrod be able to hang onto his job for that long? Weisbrod would be nuts to reject Houston's offer, because as others have noted here the trio of Francis/Mobley/Cato would be more than enough (in the East) to turn Orlando into a playoff team.
No way. Clips would NEVER do that. Doc Rocket wasn't providing any info (that I know). He was merely saying he'd be fine taking Brand. I don't think Brand is going to be traded at all though.
Breakdown I think Steve , Cat, Cato salary = Mcgrady, Brand salary. Mcgrady = Maggette, Wilcox, picks Just my opinion
Deuce, I've said it before. Steve F. is unpopular only with nerdy white kids with thick glasses who waste all their time typing on message boards. SF3 has been voted 3 times to the All-Star team by the FANS. He was also voted most popular athlete in Houston. SF is huge.
The Hotlist just reported that the deal for McGrady could be completed today. The Rockets and Magic are said to be working quickly on the deal.
