Grunwald mentioned again that Hakeem would be a good addition to the team today during the press conference for Carter's contract extension. Carter agreed, mentioned that he would be actively recruiting free agents. Grunwald was optomistic that Hakeem would be signed shortly. Carter said he would sign him himself if he had to. Grunwald said they were very close. Carter also said he talked to him and asked him what he thought about Toronto and said he was all for giving Dream another chance to show his skills. Old School ------------------ So long, Hakeem "The Greed" Olajuwan
scoop-master!! could you explain further. It read somewhat confusing to me. There is a conference for Hakeem ?? Or were you reporting the conference? [This message has been edited by crispee (edited August 01, 2001).]
will hakeem be wearing the high white socks and matching white headband, ala JYD? ...gr8 job Old School...
Yeah I just saw the conference. They seemed upbeat and pretty confident that Hakeem would sign there. I can't believe the Rockets might have let him slip away. If it really happens it's going to be very hard watching any Toronto games next year. I guess I'd have to get use to it. There is still a sliver of hope though. I hope the Rockets can pull it out ------------------
The reporters at the ACC indeed had a lot questions pertaining to Dream at today's press conference announcing Vince Carter's contract extension. And both Carter and Grunwald seemed to enjoy talking about the prospects of Hakeem coming to Raptorland. Vince Carter, when asked how he would feel to play with Hakeem (paraphrasing) "You mean how would I feel to play with a center? I would love to play with a center, especially the Dream. I mean, he's worked so hard to show that he can still play, and I know he would have that opportunity to show he's still got it here in Toronto. And hey, if he needs any help, I'm always here to back him up (laughing)." Then he went on to talk about how he's wanted to play with Hakeem ever since he got into the league, and he even asked Dream of what he thought about playing in Toronto a couple of seasons ago. To which Hakeem apparently just laughed. Although Carter didn't mention specifically recruiting Olajuwon, there was talk in the local media that the two have spoken at length in the last little while, even before Carter himself knew he would be a Raptor for good. Later on in the conference, Vince mentioned the next few weeks he would be on the phone for 'hours and hours' talking to available free agents and potential Raptors. No doubt Hakeem falls into that list. As Old School mentioned, GM Grunwald sounded optimistic that the talks with Dream were very progressive and although no agreements were made, they were in constant contact with him. Thinking ahead to this season, it really would be interesting for Hakeem to play in Toronto. I definetley want him to stay in Houston and finish his career where it began, as his presence would no doubt improve the Rockets chances of contending. However, if he were to leave for another team, Toronto would be who I hope he goes to. For selfish reasons, as a Torontonian I could watch him play every game, and have the opportunity to see him end his career in person and possibly go deep in the play-offs. Also, if his asking price is too high for Houston, they might well be better off gracefully letting him go and hanging on to Mo and Shandon. Azim da Dream ------------------ "Africa is a nation that suffers from incredible disease." - Geroge W. Bush, commenting on the troubled continent, to reporters in Sweden
you can watch it yourself at: http://play.rbn.com/?url=nba/nba/g2demand/Raptors/carter_presser_080101_256.rm There's other link speeds off of the Raptors website. ------------------ If he dies, he dies: Utah's Andre HarryBinko, after knocking down the Cavaliers Trajan Langdon.
Hakeem is a Raptor. Vince and Glen were laughing and smiling whenever they brought up Hakeem's name. Glen is also VERY tight lipped about anything dealing with free agents or trades and always says no comment unless a deal is done. Expect a S&T to be announced in the next few days. Vince is just gonna soak up all the media attention for a few days. ------------------
Does anyone else find it extremely upsetting that the speculation is that we'll only get a draft pick in a S&T? I mean... ONE FRICKIN' DRAFT PICK for the Dream!?!?!?!? That kind of makes me sick to my stomach... ------------------ 3fingeredgus- never underestimate the heart of a champion!
On ESPN INSIDER: The Raptors, who have a $5-million trade exception from the Charles Oakley swap available for their Dream, would send a first-round draft pick to Houston as compensation for Olajuwon. TB-Cain: I did hear about the trade exception before, but this is the latest I've seen. Either way, it seems we should at least get Keon Clark in the deal, imo. ------------------ 3fingeredgus- never underestimate the heart of a champion!
You don't trade a trade exception. It gives the team with the exception cap room to sign a player. ------------------ Live, Love, Laugh, and be Happy!
No.. you trade a trade exception. Trade exceptions can't just be used flat out. ------------------ If he dies, he dies: Utah's Andre HarryBinko, after knocking down the Cavaliers Trajan Langdon.
Does that mean you will leave? Or will stay around with the usual "We'll still be playing while you're sitting at home, enjoy our garbage, blah, blah!"? ------------------ What if I say to you that the universe is a three-legged horse, eh? What then? - Russell Hoban
RocksMillenium, grow up and quit it with the sour grapes attitude. When life gives you lemons, enjoy Brian Skinner. LOL ------------------
I think you need to grow up. whats the point of coming over here and just talking trash? ------------------ mgh 1924 - 2001 http://www.al-gore-2004.org/
I don't mean to be dense here, but can someone explain exactly what a trade exception is? ------------------ 3fingeredgus- never underestimate the heart of a champion!
The Raptors have really loaded up for this year. Problem is, they've created a team that really only has a shot in the next couple of years. I'm not saying they're going to be permanently bad after that... they're not. Vince Carter alone is enough to keep them out of the cellar. But after Carter, they're relying on Antonio Davis and now maybe Hakeem Olajuwon. Davis isn't going to be the same player in a couple of years. Olajuwon is on his last legs. They've given out some large contracts to players who probably don't deserve them. Guys like Alvin Williams, Keon Clark, and Skinner are desirable, but not at high prices... and they're not going to win for anybody. Mo Pete's nice... but will never be a star. I'm not sure I really understand the "win now" attitude that they seem to be taking. They're going to implode by about the 3rd-4th year of Carter's new contract. While it's possible he'll be a nice guy and not demand a trade, it still seems like a waste. The actions they're taking are more in role for a team like Utah. ------------------ Clutchcity.net... source for all your Rockets, Astros, political, music, humor, and Gordita news.
Jeez, lay off of Flutie - he was attacked first. You'd think that he was a Jazz fan or something. Now is not the time to make wine...now is the time to pray that CD has a center lined up. You notice how it is definitely Hakeem that is leaving the Rockets, not the Rockets dumping Hakeem? That's one part of the game for Rocket's management. The second part of the game is putting a good team on the floor. When is the last time that the management let you down? I bet they have a center lined up as alternative to Dream already, and were just playing the publicity game. Face it - would you make an offer final if you didn't have confidence in your alternatives? ------------------ Looks like the Sniper's aim was off....
I don't mean to be dense here, but can someone explain exactly what a trade exception is? ------------------ 3fingeredgus- never underestimate the heart of a champion!
3fg: A team receives a trade exception when it trades away more salary than it accepts in return. This can only occur if one of the teams has cap space to facilitate a deal beyond the 15% margin. You can use this exception to count as salary in future deals. ------------------ Clutchcity.net... source for all your Rockets, Astros, political, music, humor, and Gordita news.
