I have to say that this particular thread has been especially informative and brilliantly constructed, BimaThug. Thanks. It's difficult to make a guess at such an early stage of this season, but what would be the best use of Tracy McGrady this season, if we're talking the financial situation of the Rockets in the near future? As you've already pointed out, BimaThug, the decision on McGrady will ultimately belong to Daryl Morey, and considering the team's commitment to Yao Ming, I would see this season as more of a litmus test for the rest of the team as opposed to McGrady, performance-wise. Despite popular opinion, McGrady is an exceptional player and has proven ability. I can't pretend, personally, to know McGrady's mind or his ultimate motivation. But I would venture a guess that, even with the reserved nature of comments from both Morey and Rick Adelman, that the both of them still do hold value in McGrady's ability, and are in no need for him to "prove' himself by his play on the court, hence their desire to not rush him back. Or, of course, that could also mean, as some have suggested, that there's this cloak-and-dagger game of wits between McGrady and management, in order to move McGrady without upsetting him or ruining any business decisions (trades) involving him. My contention, as it has always been, is to field the best team possible in order to win ballgames. There's only so much any one player will be able to do to assure that ultimate success. I tend to see this season much the same way that Adelman has said he sees it...as an opportunity for some players to improve individually, and thus make the overall product better, without the pressure of winning that comes with having Yao or McGrady on the floor. I feel at this point that any type of trade for McGrady would at best be as much of a lateral move as simply letting his contract expire, BimaThug. Again, if the popular opinion is that McGrady is overpriced and overvalued (especially if you determine that based on the team's performance over the next month or so without him), how does moving him for players you don't really know or need help the Rockets? Wouldn't that be saying that the Rockets don't need Luis Scola or Carl Landry or Shane Battier or Kyle Lowry or Chuck Hayes? After they've proven that McGrady was the one who was keeping them from winning in the first place? I was going to wait for the first month or so of the season before I commented on where I thought the Rockets were as a team this season, because we just weren't going to know until the games were played, BimaThug. Outside of the effort, we just were going to have to wait and see. The economics suggest that standing pat in some fashion would be the best option for the Rockets, BimaThug. I know that the general theme of your thread has been neutral (and I respect and like that). But how likely is that? And how necessary?
I don't think Battier will be traded. He is still our best perimeter defender. He is a very important pazzle for the rockets to contend next year. Tmac is another story. If Ariza can keep playing like this or a little less and Budinger can develop to a solid wing player, I cannot see why the rockets won't trade him. He is a free agent next summer, there is no guarantee for the rockets to be able to sign him. I don't think the rockets are willing to give him a big contract. Of course, if the rockets have confidence to sign a big name next summer, they won't trade tmac, instead, they will just let his contract expired.
Two things that really bother me. 1) Peopel who talk about 'moneyball' when it is obvious they have not read the book. 2) People who talk about our cap situation when it is obvious they have not read Bima Thug's excellent and easy to understand thread.
On one hand, trading Battier makes sense. On the other hand, the indications seem to be that Morey is loathe to part with him. He 'tweeted' recently: # I sent this clip http://bit.ly/599Xa to Shane and Chuck before season.And to think, Shane sometimes actually questions my ability to inspire - about 17 hours ago from web Evidently, he views Shane and Chuck as integral pieces to this team.
I think this season is very much a litmus test for the 2009-10 version of Tracy McGrady. While I agree that Morey and Adelman think much more highly of Tracy as a player than most Rockets fans right now. They constantly praise his basketball IQ as being unbelievably good. How quickly people forget that, by the time the Rockets finally got a quality supporting cast around T-Mac, Yao Ming broke his foot. Tracy had to go to war against the Jazz without Yao and without Rafer Alston for half the series. He scored 40 points in the final game of the series. He's a gamer. Sure, he takes the occasional ill-advised 3. But he also makes his teammates better. Hopefully, he can return to form and resemble the player from 2007-08. I don't think McGrady was "keeping them from winning" by any means. I think last year's team, with a healthy McGrady would have locked up the #2 seed (remember, the Rockets were one win away from accomplishing that feat) and at least gotten to the Western Conference Finals. That said, Morey will only trade T-Mac if the package in return will benefit the Rockets. If that's another All-Star, great. If it's a promising young player or draft picks along with a crap contract, I'll defer to his judgment whether taking the crap contract is worth it. If it's for 2-3 quality (but not All Star-caliber) players, then fine. But it won't be for something blatantly short-sighted or harmful to the team. I try to stay somewhat neutral on an issue until I can compile enough facts/data to make an informed decision. At this point, I simply haven't seen anything from McGrady yet. I also haven't seen how poorly other teams will start their seasons and what they'd eventually be willing to part with for cap relief. Once T-Mac plays some and the season starts to play out, I'll be able to form an opinion.
props to BimaThug. those are some of the most unbiased sentiments regarding tracy in a while. you're easily one of the best posters in the GARM.
Bima I love your objectivity and realist approach to the team. We need more posters like you. I personally think if Yao and Tracy can come back to thier 2006-2007 level of play, with the assortment of quality role players we have now we are a legitimate championship contender for next year. Heck I think we were even contenders in 2006-2007. If we had knocked off the Jazz, the Warriors, Spurs and Cavs were all extremely favorable matchups for us. With that said, I think Morey is a predator and will try to turn some of his exception role players into a star. I think the Rockets are more than willing to spend the money, but need a way to get into the position to do so. While I am no cap expert, I feel Joe Johnson and Chris Bosh are legitimate targets considering thier circumstances. The problem is, how can we be sure they will resign with us? We can't unless, it is a sign and trade. So my question to you is...could we feasably package up some of our young guys in the offseason and pick up a legit max player while still resigning McGrady? How about Shane + Scola + filler for Bosh in a sign and trade. Is this possible?
I don't see any of our players traded next season. Morey will continue to dangle McGrady's expiring contract but I doubt he will ever get a deal where he requires enough talent without eating up too bad a contract. His trade value has nothing to do with how well he plays after his return. The biggest concern for me is whether McGrady's knee holds up through the season and how he coexists with Brooks. Brooks is getting better and better at creating the offense and honestly I'd like the ball in his hands during crunch time even when McGrady comes back and plays at a high level. Is he willing to do that for the team's sake and the youth development? Brooks served as the playmaker and McGrady as a pure scorer does nothing but good to the flow of offense imo.
with brooks' emergence, hopefully there will be less of tmac initiating his offense from the 3pt line and more from the post/high post.
It makes perfect sense to trade Shane for the right player,unless we can get a real weapon to replace Tracy. Chuck I would retain,can't get a defender at that price.
As long as we don't include Brooks in the package I'm fine with it. But mind you, Shane is 31 and Scola is 29. I doubt they have as high trade value as some of you think. Brooks is the more hyped-up guy but I would hate to let him go unless there's an elite playmaker/scorer coming back. Joe Johnson is not one of them. The guy is overrated and soon to be overpaid.
Yeah that's what I'm hoping for. More Kobe/Melo, less Lebron/Wade. I'm not saying he is as good as those guys so please don't bash me.
