What do I think? That Lee was our 2009 free agent pick up, because that's how it works out. That Shane has more lives than a cat. That the Rockets swapped one overpaid role player for a role player on a significantly smaller contract. That the Rockets don't have any poison contracts that will look even worse after the next CBA. That if the NBA is locked out next season the Rockets will still be a young team in 2012/2013. That the Rockets will be in a good position to rebuild if Yao breaks his foot again.
Courtney Lee!!!!!!! <object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hBe8uzI6wg8&hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hBe8uzI6wg8&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object> Welcome to the rockets!!!!
he might have made salaries match, but why would anyone want him? I guess someone wanted him (New Orleans), but that was to a desperate team looking to move a similarly bloated contract, but on a payer who absolutely gives you nothing on the court in Posey. Still, I think everyone can agree that it is a complete head scratcher from NO's perspective. But to look at Iggy as just an example. Would the Sixers want Ariza back? I doubt it. He's getting $6-$7 million for another 5 years. They'd rather take back Jeffries + Battier + a young (Hill, Patterson type) + draft picks. I've never been a Ariza hater, but the fact that Morey was able to get out of his contract the way he did, and get at least a productive player in return, and I assume a trade exception, is amazing. Ariza's defense has to be replaced, but that's when you go out and sign a Matt Barnes, Raja Bell type who certainly aren't Trevor defensively, but help fill the void there at a fraction of the cost. (and Barnes did actually have a better defensive rating than Trevor last year per basketball reference).
I for one am glad we did the trade. I also get the notion that alot of people hating on Lee haven't seen him play much. I think a lot of peeps are going to be surprised how well Lee fits in with our offense, as well has is upstanding demeanor on and off the court.
Lee! Tells us how to lose that many games. Your input will be extremely helpful to a rebuilding team like Rockets!
Based on what i've seen so far, he is a very good 3pt shooter, an athletic wing player and is a willing cutter. Sounds like a Kevin Martin type guy to me. With Yao back on the court this season, he'll get more open looks and easy buckets. He should be a better fit than ariza.
Trevor Ariza is a cool name -- manly and a little exotic. It's a pleasure to look at and pronounce. Courtney Lee is a terrible name, simultaneously generic and girly.
^this, i have 1 question though... what kind of player IS lee? i haven't really paid attention since hes been on a bad team
Hollinger thinks he's a good defender, and I concur based on his performance against the Lakers in last year's Finals. BTW, Lee shot .404 3pt% his rookie year. In contrast, Brooks shot .330 as a rookie.
<a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/dumb and dumber gif/allycat0011/Jim Carrey/ththDumbandDUmber.gif?o=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q14/allycat0011/Jim%20Carrey/ththDumbandDUmber.gif" border="0"></a> JK..........I don't even care anymore.
I think Lee is a productive player. I also think Ariza is a productive player. The major difference is salary. The only thing I'm afraid of is when Lee and Martin are on the court at the same time. Lee is a good defender but he's a little too small for some of the bigger wings.
the trade is a push in terms of helping us this year. but it's a huge coup in the long run. good trade.
