Using your reasoning, Houston would save more money if they did not re-sign either. As you note, Wafer is not a player to build around and if the Rockets are rebuilding why would they pay for a non-core guy when they have a plethora of younger cheaper just as explosive/athletic options at the same spot? But obviously, you'll have some biased reason to retain Wafer. Ron Artest is STILL 3 times the player that Wafer is, your efficiency metrics do not tell the whole story. Sometimes you just have to use your eyes.
DaDakota's harping on this has brought me around. If the Rockets have to up their offer a tad, I wouldn't be against it.
Actually the most efficient financial solution is to re-sign neither. Rockets already invested millions and future pick in the position this offseason. But financial solutions do not always equate to the court. The new guys at the swing position (White, Budinger, Taylor) are more athletes/offense oriented (ie Wafer) while neither bring the veteran leadership, defense, tougness and edge provided by Artest.
IT IS CLEAR THAT THE ROCKETS HAVE BEEN THRUST INTO REBUILD MODE....PAYING A GUY 10 MIL A YEAR IS NOT SMART WHEN YOU CAN PAY A GUY FAR LESS AT THE SAME POSITION. GRANTED THEY DON'T HAVE THE SAME SKILL SETS...BUT WHAT VON DOES BRING WILL SERVE US WELL. WE CAN ALSO FURTHER EVALUATE YOUNG PLAYERS TO SEE IF THEY ARE ONE HIT WONDERS...OR LEGIT PIECES TO THE PUZZLE....WHETHER IT BE ROLE PLAYERS OR FUTURE STARTERS...
I would take von over Ron any...and EVERY day of the year. Too bad that means nothing, I'm not the GM.
Watch Von play makes me smile and sometimes shake my head. Watching Ron play makes me shake my head and sometimes smile. There is always a place for a offensive change of pace guy. It may be the 8th man in the rotation but there are always games when you just need him to come in and score. Von is perfect for that purpose. <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/x447XA0do_Q&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/x447XA0do_Q&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>
Von all the way. Ron is older, and will cost more money, so we can't sign many people other than him. The only thing Ron has over Von is experience. Ron has the same bball IQ as Von for much of the game.
Hey, where can I look up his stats as a starter? And I'm picking Von. Younger, quicker, has potential to get better, and I'm pretty sure we're not going to be a serious, serious contender this year and that this is going to be a mini-rebuilding year. I don't think we have to hit rock bottom to rebuild as some propose. I think there's something in between there because we have so many good role players, so I think this season will be a lot of fun to watch, even if we're missing star players. That said, I don't see a point in having Ron around especially at 8mil +, having him around says we're going for it, and going for it with Ron as our best player isn't very appealing. I'd rather take Wafer for less money, see if he can improve, and have a quick, young squad who is marketable in 2010 for the bright lights.
I'd prefer Ron if Yao was healthier but since that is looking more and more unlikely, I'd take Von for his youth. Although it is looking like Mr. Morey is going for neither at this point. I can only assume money played a big factor.
Now that it looks like Ron is gone, the Rockets should resign Von. This team needs offense. He's proven he can score at the NBA level. It's probably the best situation for him too. He'll be competing for a starting spot here as well.
Hoooray! Ron is gone.....wish we'd sign Von....doubt it though. Loved Von, dude became one of my favorite Rockets, only behind Scola and Lowry.
