We're all just sitting here, hoping Yao becomes a superstar. It's the only big splash we will hopefully see in the next few years...
Sam, I understand the Rocket's situation completely and I agree with what you stated. But that doesn't expalin the laid back approach towards improving this team. They already exemplified this when they lost Larry Brown, who despite their rationale, was their real first choice. And now it comes to dealing with Free Agency. If people felt that this team doesn't need to change it's roster, then fine; granted most people do believe change is warranted. The original question was "Do the Rockets still have any attraction to player's out there?" Consider the facts: 1) They dropped the options on two players from the last season's roster. 2) They still have the MLE. 3) They acquired a big name coach. 4) They have a new workout facility and arena. 5) They have two All-Star players in Francis and Yao Ming. Forget guys like Payton and Malone. Not everyone you speak of is looking for a block buster trade or acquisition. Why haven't they obtained the interests of guys that can contribute to this team and that are obtainable? It still is too early to tell what will eventually happen, but you cannot deny that FA interest in the Rockets can only be described as "slow" at best.
MLE means jack sh*te if you are not expected to be a serious contender when you are talking about elite names in the free agent market. The Rockets have to trade or sign and trade to get better. I don't see too many free agents other than Jermaine O'neal (who is not going anywhere and I sure would have rather gotten than Cato in that deal) who would really be in our best interest. A trade is a must, if not just to shake up complacency within the organization. Between that and Rudy, there should be no lack of proper motivation even though they are professionals.
I think patience is what is needed. Very rarely do you hear about what the Rockets are doing until after it's done. They run a very tight lipped organization. My buddy is the strength coach, and he has told me that he can't give out info because it could cost him his job. I don't remember hearing anything about the trade for Barkely or the sign and trade for Pippen. Info from the Stoudemire deal was leaked by Toronto's GM. There was some scuttlebut regarding Anderson, but nothing concrete. We just keep to ourselfs, and that is probably the way it should be. Additionally, if you are a player and you tell everyone "this is where I really want to be" you are probably costing yourself some jack. I am positive that they are trying to work something out to create a buzz to sell tickets. Depsite what some people here think, they are not idiots. Management knows that with out some type of splash, fans will be knocking down the door for tickets.
That's the problem, how many of these contributors are there out there that are in the Rockets price range? It is slow because the cupboard is bare. Trust me, when its news that the Rockets are looking at career backups like Eric Piatkowski and Kevin Ollie, there's really nobody out there. This year, it seems like there are only first- (Kidd, O'Neal, Malone, Payton) and third- tier players available. (Ollie) the only starter/non-all star quality guys out there are guys like James Posey (who we offered, of course) and Kennny Thomas (who we won't of course). The MLE is nice, but who really cares? Taking a contract like that by any desirable player is considered settling. If the Rockets use it on anybody, it won't likely be till later on when the FA's realize that the money train isn't coming in to the station. You just can't turn water into wine. We got nothing to offer, hence we get nothing in return. That's just life under the salary cap.
Horry is not going to be a Laker next season. They just might beat themselves. Wait until Shaq shows up out of shape and The Mailman lays into him for it!
RocketsPimp: "Horry is not going to be a Laker next season." No guarantee Kobe will be there, either. Altho I doubt he's guilty of the charges against him. Anyway, if Kidd goes to SA (a big if) I think that makes them a better team than LA.
The Laker's hoopla is better than ever!!! The suspense builds.... Kobe threatens to leave...oooooohhhhh!!! Shaq is loosing weight...aaaaaaaahhhhh!! Kobe's busted.....OOOOOOWWWW!!! Payton's coming to town...OOOOOOOHHHH!!! The mailman delivers to LA...AAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!! Arnold signs as an assistant coach. T4 - Fall of the primadonnas!!!
