I can't believe I am even saying this, but I have heard from what I would call a 'reliable' source, not in the organization but loosely associated with it, that the Rockets are trying to work out some kind of deal to bring Hakeem back. I asked if it would be as an assistant coach but I was told no, that it would be as a player. To mentor Ming and finish out his career where it began. Is this possible? What type of contracts would we need to exchange to make it happen? My source is reliable, but not RELIABLE. I'm for it, if it can be done. Could there be a Cato for Hakeem straight up? Would we want that?
Hakeem straight up for Cato? In a heartbeat, but if only it were that simple. But I would love to see that happen.
Sorry, dudes, but Cato's value is higher than that (I can't believe I just said that). Now, I would like to get Hakeem back. Perhaps we can send Cato, Moochie, KT for Hakeem, a resigned Keon Clark, and a 1st round pick or 2. We clear space and get us a nice player in return. Cato should be very effective in the east and they can purge themselves of the embarrassment that the Hakeem hype generated. Hakeem in practice every day against Ming is worth it even if Hakeem does not play in a single game. Any takers?
I wouldnt want to lose our young players for him if it costs too much. He is old and should retire soon, but it would be so nice to have hime back in a rocks uni. and more publicity for houston if u figure. i dont care about that, but it came to my mind. Well him finishing his career in houston would be nice.
You mean like Cato? I'd like to have Hakeem back over Cato anyday. Not because we bring him back to tutor Ming (that's RudyT and co. job), but to lose Cato's fat salary along with his bad influences on the team.
yeah i guess. catos salary is till 2004 right? sign hakeem for 1yr. he retires. i would if he doesnt want alot. if money is what he wants, with the amount he already has in his pocket, it shouldnt be. but yeah, nice to see him in the uniform he was meant to be in.
The only real blemish in Hakeem's incredible NBA career was not knowing when to hang it up. I understand he has incredible pride, but he is now so injury prone that he just needs to move on. I wish him only the best. Dallas Rocket
Give Toronto Mo Taylor, since they wanted him a couple of years ago. The exchange would be something like Taylor and Collier for Dream and a resigned Curry or Michael Bradley. Griffin and Thomas are more than capable of holding down the fort if Mo is traded. Olajuwon comes off the books in two years, as does Glen Rice. That way we've freed up some money to sign other FA's.
I love Hakeem and I love Cato. But for the good of the team, we can't have both. Positives: - Hakeem's experience helps not only Ming, but also the team in the playoff hunt. - He keeps his pride by continuing to start, even though he'll play 20 or 25 minutes. - By playing small minutes, he can be effective while also making injuries less possible. - Finishes career in Houston. Negatives: - Cato's younger. Hakeem will only be here for a year. But then you can argue that some people wish Cato would go in a year. - Ming can't handle too many minutes, so, more than likely, we want MING being the one playing 20 minutes. - We would be very thin at C. Ming and Olajuwon are two players that can eb injured easily. - We would be very thin at C. Physically. Personally, I'd do it. Cato's contract is long, and in 2 years, Ming will be the better player. We might as well have Hakeem for a year, then find some long-term backup for much less than 8M.
No offence backwardhead, but am not used to buying this whole "i have a reliable source" stuff However, I'de love to have Hakeem back.....He's still better than Cato. COME BACK DREAM
Cato is better than Olajuwon, as far as being a better fit for this team. Would Olajuwon STILL demand to be the man here? If so, then I don't know if I'd want him, with all our young players. That being said, I would trade Cato for Olajuwon, just to get rid of Cato's contract. I don't think there's a chance in hell that Tor would trade Olajuwon for Cato. Tor is pretty luxury tax conscious after last year, and may not even re-sign Keon Clark, who is light years better than Cato. If they don't want to pay Clark more than 5 mill or so, there's no chance they want to pay Cato 7 mill per year. I've pretty much cut off any emotional ties to Olajuwon, since his degrading comments about Rudy. I would do this trade only to trade a big contract for a shorter contract.
Well, if you're Toronto, and you're sure your losing Keon Clark, and you have Olajuwon. Wouldn't you rather trade him for Cato, who can play more minutes, is younger, and makes the same amount of money, rather than have no one to play C the next year. All I know is that Cato's value is higher than we think from what I hear on other teams' boards.
Cato for Olajuwon straight up doesn't work salary wise. The only one-for-one that would is Walt Williams, but (as we know) "the Wizard" is a free agent, and its doubtful the Rox would go to the trouble of doing a sign-and-trade. The only way I see Olajuwon returning to Houston is if he is cut by Toronto and agreed to play for one year at or around the league minimum. Even with that, the question is whether the roster spot is more valuable than sentiment.
Hmmmmm hard question....EASY ANSWER! If he came back we should make him a back-up...................TO MING haha
I can't see Toronto wanting any part of Cato. I think they'd be willing to send Hakeem back to Houston but it would likely be an attempt to make some space to keep Keon Clark. Hakeem has 2 more years at $5.6 and $6.1 mil left on his deal - maybe Houston would agree to take him back if he agreed to retire after next season? Having him back for the new arena and added exposure thru Yao will be nice. The Rockets are about to experience a pretty decent increase in revenues thanks to Ming and may be willing to spend a bit more in 2002-03 if it meant having Hakeem back and mentoring Ming for a year - then retire as a Rocket (as he should). Toronto would NOT send BOTH Hakeem and Keon, though.
As much as I love Hakeem and respect him.... You can poke him with a fork, he is done. What if, both Ming and Hakeem get hurt? Where would we be then? Collier?!? Look, the dream is over, time to wake up!! Cato is younger and more dependable than Hakeem( God, I cannot believe I just said that ), injury wise. Ming is the future.....period
