To Houston: Troy Murphy To Golden State: Luther Head Dikembe Mutumbo Bob Sura 2007 1st round pick What Houston gets: Murphy is a bruising rebounder with a sweet shot who fits in perfectly with JVG's slow-down-and-dump-the-ball to Yao offense. As a bonus, Murphy also has the size/weight to take minutes at backup center. Plus, Murphy is the same age as Yao, so they can grow together. Also, we can afford to lose Head once Bonzi gets back. What Golden State gets: Mostly cap relief. They've got lots of young big men behind Murphy, who doesn't really fit Don Nelson's run-n-gun style, so they're at least interested in moving his large contract. Plus, they could use Head as a backup PG, since I don't see a legit one on their roster (which is especially troubling given Baron's history of poor health). Finally, every rebuilding team could use another 1st round pick. PG: Alston SG: McGrady SF: Battier PF: Murphy C: Yao Bench: V-Span (or Lucas), Bonzi, Hayes, Snyder, Novak, Howard, Padgett All in all, I think our main weaknesses are size at PF and consistent outside shooting. Murphy addresses both of those concerns.
Rebounding and a perimeter shooting big. His defense is sketchy, but those two attributes are still attractive. I don't see why Golden State would do this trade, honestly. It would effectively be a swap of Troy Murphy for Luther Head.
First of all.. Uh.. no. Now for a more intelligent retort. Why would you do this? 1. Mutombo and Sura are likely in their last year, which means -we- free up some cash for next year. Assuming we can drop Sura's contract next year, that frees up a total $6 million, which can be used to sign a quality player. 2. Luther Head is showing he can become a quality guard. If not a starter, definitely a worthwhile 1/2-guard sub. Our style of play depends on quality 3-pt. shooters, and Head is one of them. 3. Hayes is also showing he's got what it takes to be competitive in this league. Granted, he most likley won't be putting up the same numbers from the Grizzlies game every night, but he's a solid player now, and can be depended on. Not to mention, he does what we need from the 4 spot - collect rebounds. Murphy has averaged 8 rebounds over his career. Hayes is averaging 6 right now. A few rebounds here and there isn't going to make a difference. 4. We have no idea what Bonzi will do for us at this point. He may be awesome, or he may just be a giant blob of lard weighing down the right side of the bench. And he does not replace Head. Head and Bonzi are very different players, needed for different things. 5. You need a quality backup center in this league to get a championship. I don't care if you're the ultimate small-ball team, every championship team in recent history has had an elite big man backed up by a decent big man. Our need for a good backup center is even greater with the stamina and foul issues Yao has. Murphy cannot be counted on to start the 4 position -and- backup the 5.
Head and cap space, plus the 1st rounder. What was Steve Francis traded for? You can make these kind of deals in today's NBA. Also, I think that JVG's system can make a decent defender out of anyone who is willing to work. No, Murphy won't chase down guards to block their shots, but you can't expect us to acquire a guy who can do everything in exchange for basically Luther Head. Right now, bigger PFs can overpower Battier, Hayes, Padgett, and Howard. It'd be nice to have some size. Also, Deke looks about done, so I really like Murphy playing minutes at 5, especially in today's league, where a smaller 5 can work a lot of times.
Poor defensive stopper, makes to much dough and has no inside game! Overprice and has no spots in our roster. And with Luther Head as part of the trade. Don't think so! GO ROCKETS!
Please!!!! Stop "trading" Head We need his agressiveness and 3 pointers off the bench, he's the ONE consistant 3 point threat we have beside Shane well, on the other side, he's the only trade asset we can offer...
I wouldn't agree with this statement - Nelson was quick to make him the starting center in their system because of his outside shooting (Dirk style center). Unfortunately, his rebounding (should be at 10 per) has suffered badly. Evan
Now really, I'm all for robust and unhindered discussion in this forum. But I've got to object to this response as being juvenile, boorish, and, worst of all, pointless. I've been on this board long enough to know that the vast majority of its members aren't interest in reading this, or perhaps anything else you have to say. Accordingly, I'm going to put you on my ignore list and suggest that others do the same.
