We didn't have a good draft. We had a nearly flawless draft. Took the best center prospect since Duncan (or if you think he's a PF, then Shaq/Mourning) with the #1. Took a guy at #15 who probably shouldn'tve been there, and addresses a need (shooting). Picked up a guy with better pure point skills than Steve in the 2nd round. No stupid moves (like trading a 1st for a 2nd or drafting a college senior no matter how stiff they look). It might pay off. It might not. But the Rockets took all the right risks.
There's two things I like in a basketball team, and that's defense and depth. Defense allows you to stay in games no matter what, and depth allows you keep players fresh, which in turns helps the defense. If this bench produces, and this team plays just decent defense, it'll easily win 50+ games and challenge for a high seed in the West. It's a very young team, but if things are clicking I could easily see this team getting a #5 or #6 seed.
ROCKET!!!, Thanks for all the info, I was just wondering if you know any of the players that the Rockets are targeting this offseason, any free agents out there the Rockets really think could help this team as a role player? Thanks again.
Just got back from Spec's for a few. ROXRAN/Jaybird/Azadre, You guys are asking me questions I can not answer, at least not yet. I would love to be the guy, but T just might object to that. We will know significantly more after the summer games. If you are asking me my opinion, here it is.... Rice has to start unless he is traded. Cato has to start, Ming will have little or no experience/knowledge of our offensive or defensive schemes. Mo will start, he is getting better each day (back into form). I don't mind the little extra weight if he uses it for contact cushioning. Griff, ah well Griff, if you can't tell in all my posts by now, I really love this guy, he is SO gifted it is scary. Besides, he is just so damn nice! Seriously, he works his ass off. This guy is dedicated. As I said before... Where does Griffin play.... Anywhere he and T wants him to!!! You guys have to realize this guy IS Garnett. I laugh everytime I hear someone say we should trade for Garrnett. My response is, "Why? We already have him in a younger, more athletic and more talented version!" Griffin will play three legit positions again this year depending on match-ups - big 3, lightning/support/blocking 4 & possibly a sliding 5. Remember, 7'-0" that can play 6'-6". Ya'll's questions about TMo and KT are legit, personally I don't see where they get the pt unless we have the injury bug again (Oh ****, where is some wood to knock on! ). Hence my belief in a bit of tweeking after summer league or camp. Again, my personal belief is that we are REALLY bare at the 2. After Cuttino - zip. Torres, although a nice guy, is not the answer. We can not have Stevie sliding over to the 2 spot and playing 40 minutes a game. We will use him up and shorten his career significantly. This has been discussed at great length, but still no resolution. If we make any moves, this is where I believe we look to strengthen our roster - could be a 2/3. I know... lets get Shandon back!!!
I tell you what. I know RocketIII is right about Griffin. I just saw him at the Galleria. Lets just say he has been to the gym.
ROCKET!!!, IMO, you're right on the money with no real backup for Cat. Do you guys have any idea who you might plug in if OT doesn't(and shouldn't) return. I kinda liked Rod Grizzard and was hoping we'd take him in the 2nd round(although Tito wasn't a bad selecion) as a defensive minded 2/3 until his offenseive game came around. I like his athleticism and has a 7 foot wing span that would make it tough for opponents to shoot over. I know the Wizards took him, but now MJ is starting to look at some FA and he may be the odd man out. Also, B. Mouton of Maryland wasn't picked up and he played a vital role on that championship team. He'd also be a guy that could play some time at the 2 and wouldn't give us a major drop in talent. His strength is his defense and won't complain about PT, which is perfect for a Cuttino sub. also, how much would you say Griff has grown this summer, in both weight and height, if at all?
If TITO is a baller like u say, then he could be the backup. I mean, it's not that pressing of an issue since whoever is gonna back up Mobley will only get like 15 mins anyways. Torres is still young and has some upside, plus he's 6'6 and can d-up. We don't need a 6th man of the year at that spot, just someone who can come in and fill some minutes and not be a liability. Here's hoping that CATO is part of that tweaking. I really thought we had something special in that Portland preseason game where he put up that triple double and blocked Shawn "Blimp" Kemp like 6 times. Ever since then, I really don't like Cato. He does not appear to have that killer instinct/ mad man look as he did in that game and looks very lathargic often. Don't know if u had read my last post where I was looking for a better backup than Cato, who also would make less money. I mean sheesh, Cato is gonna make like 7-8 million to backup Ming...regardless of if at the beginning of the season Cato starts, he will eventually be replaced and that is something that needs to be addressed. In that aforementioned post, I mentioned the names of Jeff Foster, Adonal Foyle and Jamaal Magloire. Ervin Johnson would even contribute more than Cato would. So, with Cato and Kt as commodities to trade, would the Rockets be interested in obtaining any of those guys? Also, another thing I mentioned is that Croshere is on the block and we could trade our cap problem for their cap problem and we get a tweener at the 3/4 who Rudy liked a couple of years ago and we could get Foster and Indiana would get Cato to back up Brad Miller and an above avg PF in KT to backup O'Neil. With that trade, it would appear we would have a glut at SF, but in case of the injury bug, with Rice and Taylor, at least we have some extra insurance and a very capable player. What do u think ROCKET!!!? What do the Rockets think?
About Griffin: I know it's probably too early to start thinking about re-signing him, but how does Griffin feel about Houston? Does he like the city and the organization? I would hate to lose this guy...
what about larry hughes to add depth at the 2 spot?? i dont know the salary cap details, but he is a free agent with athleticism and ball handling skills and i dont think he would demand max $$ or anything.
ROCKET!!!, Appreciate the info! Are you sure OT isn't the answer to b/u 2? I mean he's big, play decent D, and get hit a shot. Doesn't he at least have as much potential as Cato to develop for us??? I'm truly excited about this team. If EG develops into a Garnet type talent, this team will rock for years. We have killer depth now, I bet many teams are envious of our situation at F. Of course G and C positions aren't in bad shape either. I think your so right about the D. Once we bring this team to the court, we'll be able to press more ad throw fresh talented guys at teams. This should be fun!
Dang that was some good info, R III. You didn't mention much about Rice and his status physically. How do you think he has progressed? i would think pretty well if the rumors about him playing in the summer league are true! I still think Oscar can fill the spot at the 2, though he fell off so bad last year on his shooting. I can see why they might want to work a deal after the summer games if he doesn't show some better shooting. Is this Tito's issue also? At 6'4" he has the size to play the 2, but I don't know anything about his shooting consistency.
With all due respect Rocket!!!, I think your first post-draft words on the BBS should start off with: "I apologize, Doc Rocket".
Clutch, Too true, too true! My humble apology Doc! Hey, the last minute resolution saved your bacon for sure. Otherwise, you were canoeing upstream without a paddle. Hahahaha, Hehehehe, Hohohoho!!! Man, you lucked out on that one! It was very touch and go. I have never seen T or CD THAT nervous. Oh well, this is a funny business. The worm turns very quickly sometimes. I just wish it wouldn't take so long!!!
tbagain, Not that we can get him, but I have always liked Ray Allen. Rudyball, I have avoided talking about Rice for a reason. 1. I have not seen him. 2. I don't know his status. Again, the summer evals will play a large part in the PF/SF rotation as well as which players remain with the club.
