Seriously, if there is a way to direct all readers to Post #323 (that is my last update that has all relevant information), it would save most posters a lot of time and energy before they make impossible assertions. I think many who start to read the OP and see Ron Artest's name immediately dismiss the rest of the post. But Post #323 is what people's attention should be directed to. Clutch (or other admin), can someone please add an [UPDATE] in the thread title to direct them to Post #323???
The Rox probably wouldn't have signed Ariza and Andersen in the first place to mess up the cap space if they thought they had a shot at those big names in 2010 free agency. It seems like there are only 3 options: a). The Rox trade McGrady for a foundation piece by the deadline. Slim chance of that happening and they may have to give up some quality role players of ours to get the deal done. b). No team is really interested in that large expiring contract and The Rox re-sign McGrady. c). Same as the above, McGrady plays through the whole season but the Rox don't re-sign him. Instead they try to find a cornerstone low in the draft. I'd be thrilled if Morey lands us someone like Danny Granger who was a No.18 pick.
Hallelujah!!! Someone has seen the light!!! (That, and the Rockets could still add a quasi-significant piece using their MLE. Just look at how they were able to add a guy like Trevor Ariza using the "MLE equivalent" injury exception.) Btw, Melechesh, I'm not referring to you previously being ignorant. I'm just glad to see people come to the realization of what the Rockets' options really are.
Bima, That reads as fairly condescending. We are all speculating, and trades change everything, as you know. I agree we are not going for the 2010 sweepstakes, and said as much more than a year ago...it has been fairly clear to most everyone that going after a big named free agent in a year in which EVERY other team is trying to do that is a losing strategy. The smart teams would fleece those other teams that are trying to get in position to go after the big names.....steal some of their talent to give them cap space. That is what I expect Morey to attempt to do... DD
There aren't many free agents worth pursuing with the MLE. Most of them are either max contract guys or vet minimum guys. Draft a wing if you don't intend to re-sign McGrady, otherwise draft a big. Re-sign Scola and Lowry. That's pretty much it. My hope for Morey to work some magic with the 23m expiring contract is still not dead though. No worries.
He will to do that,but it's easier than done. That's not a knock on DM. I'm glad you mentioned a young player plus a poison pill contract that can be moved in another year in a different thread. That's the best case scenario IMO,however if the contract is too long,DM might reject the offer and try to convince Les to the same.
You're right. It DOES read as fairly condescending. But that condescension was not directed at Melechesh. While I understand and respect everyone's right to post their opinions on the Rockets, it just gets REALLY tiring and frustrating to see people throw out options that are simply not available under any circumstances. And trades do NOT change everything. Sure, a trade of T-Mac or a trade of Battier or a trade of Yao (never going to happen) would substantially alter the Rockets' free agent plans. But no trade will enable the Rockets to keep Yao AND keep most of the rest of the rotation AND add a max (or even near-max) caliber free agent. None. It's impossible.
Yep, and I think most people understand that, you can't let a few people that don't understand how the cap works bother you. I mean it is an internet message board, not everyone is dealing with the same level of understanding. DD
FAIL! damn, its a really sweet picture of Scola, his MVP trophy, and his Argentinean hair. If Head & Shoulders is going to pick up Troy Polamalu, wouldn't Scola be the 2nd most obvious endorser?
DD, you're right that I shouldn't let people's ignorance bother me. But I don't agree that MOST people understand the Rockets' salary cap situation. In fact, I think it is a small minority. Don't worry, though. You're in that minority.
Yes but there are creative ways to get a max level free agent on this team OTHER than signing them in the offseason. I think thats what alot of people are suggesting.
No, they aren't. Sure, a few are. But the vast majority of posters talking about adding a max player are talking about a straight-up free agent signing. AND keeping guys like Scola, Battier and Lowry. Some even think the Rockets could keep T-Mac, too.
Bima, quick question...Do you believe that when the Rox make the mega trade for a Bosh/Amare type is it realistic to expect that they will go over the Luxury Tax much like SA did this year to keep Scola, Lowry or both with the understanding that the Yao window is going to probably close after 2011?
