Just wondering what did the rockets offer the clippers for odom? I really would love to see Odom on this team playing with franchise griffin cat and mo tay. The fact that cat,steve, mo tay and odom are friends don't hurt the chemistry either. Heck, for those people looking for the team to spend quality time together (that family feeling we used to hear about two years ago), A group puff puff pass party isn't out of the question. They have the family bongs at bizarre bazaar where 5 people can light up together. that's your starting line up working at the same time....
The offer would have to be Kenny Thomas, some throw-ins, and this year's draft pick - the Clippers are so cheap that only Thomas and the pick would work for them. I'd make sure that we couldn't get Rashard Lewis before going after Odom - Lewis isn't as flashy, but he's the better player and, as far as I know, the better citizen (not to mention a hometown product).
Not a better player, I don't think. He's just not as modest as Odom, so you think he's as good as he says (he thinks he's the next Kobe).
We will never get Rashard Lewis on this team- he would love to see us beg though. He was deeply offended not to have been drafted by the Rockets. Seattle - Wally Walker GM will never let go of Lewis. the only hope we might have is if the new Seattle owner decided to fire Walker and clean house- in the upheaval we might make some kind of deal. I would rather have Odom- bad press and all - he is the more versatile player, more athletic, and does not wear his ego on his sleeve like Rashard Lewis.....
I think you would be surprised at Rashard's maturity to look past the infamous Rocket's pass on him. He realizes this is business and the Rox made a mistake and realize it--not personal anymore. Rashard loves Houston, built a house here and like most high profile athletes relishes in the idea to finish his career in his hometown under the right conditions. The key to this whole scenario is really up to the Rockets and what they are willing to deal to get him. No matter what Free Agency rules are in place to keep a player, no GM can really prevent a player from leaving. Even the jackamoo in Golden State is paying the price and will have to deal Jackson eventually. It is really just a matter of what you are willing to give up in terms of money and/or personnel. My prediction is that Lewis will end up here...
Remember, the Rocks can't offer their #1 pick until they are officially out of the playoffs. Otherwise, Memphis has first claim to the pick. My guess is the same old 'package' (KT, Walt, Mooch, Kevin), maybe Toronto's #1 was offered, which I would have turned down as well if I were the Clips. The Rocks' chances should skyrocket this summer when they can offer their #1.
That's a pretty damn good offer if you ask me. They've been playing better without him, and all they're lacking is depth in the frontcourt. Basically, they don't need him. So why not fill their needs by trading him? I think the Rockers asked for more than Odom. Actually, I have no doubt in my mind they asked for a PG of theirs and a future pick. But who knows, maybe it was just an initial offer? But now, I know that someone in the Rockets organization, high up there, reads this message board.
Odom is worth a superstar or a high draft pick. So maybe we just asked about his availability during the off-season. This I can believe: drafting at #5 and at #16 (approximate draft positions of Houston and Toronto), then signing-and-trading them for Odom (then we worry about Odom's up-coming extension). It's possible, because Donald Sterling is cheap, and he already has to pay or lose Elton Brand. So rotating low-priced players and then dealing them before he can pay them would be his style.
Why do people have to throw things in their posts like "that crack head." When did Odom ever do crack? But I do agree. If it is as high as numbers 5 and 16, I'd much prefer to package that to move up and try and get a Yao Ming then trade for Odom. I know Odom is a proven commodity, but he's having a relatively bad year and his team is no worse without him - how much of an impact does he possibly have on his team?
I think that our could be number 5 pick and Toronto's could be 16 pick is pretty solid for our Sf for the next 10 years. The Rockets need to start the Road to expected winning of games. Francis Mobley Odom Griffin Taylor Now we can go to battle with that starting 5. Odom would especially be critical because Odoms ball control would keep Moochie on the bench. Odom could play the point forward. Thus freeing francis and Mobley to concentrate on scoring.
My guess is we told the Clips, "We want Odom and we'll consider giving you anyone but Francis or Griffin," and the Clips hung up. I don't know why people think Odom is worth so little. He's had a down year statistically, has had drug issues, and injury problems. Big deal. He's a superstar in the making. A drug problem or a work ethic problem might be a danger to his career, but those are things a team can work to control. The Rockets know this, which is why they inquired about him. The Clippers also know this, which is why they won't trade him to us for KT, the Wizard or Moochie Norris. I doubt they'd trade him for #5 and #16 in this draft; I wouldn't if I were them.
I think the reasoning is that the Clippers are winning without him. They could use some players to put in a solid 20 minutes a night in terms of bench production to make a serious run at the playoffs. If they cant get a better offer, and given all the question marks you mentioned, I dont see how they can expect to receive a star in return, then they myswell trade him. The question is whether or not they could get better players.
If we got a top 3 pick, would you trade Jason Williams Dajuan Wagner Yao Ming For Lamar Odom?? I would say yes. Odom is a gifted athletic player who will only get better. Imagin Odom playing point forward with two snipers like Francis and Mobley waiting for his mismatches. Odom also is a great rebounder and passer, so I don't think he would be discontent with taking a boatload of the shots. The Clippers have a logjam at SF, Miles, Maggette and even Richardson (who is more of a SG). If they have a choice between the fan favorites that are under contract for many more years, and Odom, who has been having problems, Miles would be the choice. In LA, they love Miles also b/c of his high flying game. I think this could be done. 1st Round Pick, Willis, Kenny Thomas for Lamar Odom, with the Clippers under the cap it would work as well. They need depth at the PF position badly and a point guard. They will need toughness for the playoffs in Willis as well. Now i'm not sure if the pick can be traded this early, but Jason Williams and Kenny Thomas for Lamar Odom?? I think so. Rockets Cato/ Griffin/ Collier Taylor/Griffin Rice/ Morris/Langhi or Walt Mobley/Torres Francis/Moocher Clippers Olowakandi Brand/ Thomas Miles/Maggette Quentin Richardson/ Keyon Dooling Jason Williams/ Keyon Dooling But who knows if we get the first pick....but its better than losing Lamar Odom for nothing ala Mo Taylor, Derek Anderson etc etc...
All of these analyses should include some sort of defensive predictions. Fortunately, Odom is an adequate defender with size. I still would prefer Yao Ming, though, as the mismatch problems that could create with him, Cato and Griffin on the court would be sweet.
You know, we have a drug policy violator on our team as well. Mo Taylor is criticized for poor rebounding and bad D and whatnot, but I haven't seen many posters say we should get rid of him because he's a drug-user. So why should a drug violation make Odom any less attractive?
HELL NO NO WAY NO HOW Rashard is better off away from houston he will never end up here as long as Steve is here Lewis is good IN SEATTLE but would be useless everywhere else. Rockets did not make any mistake they made the right one being in Seattle made Rashard Grow up and be a man put him in his hometown with all his buddies and party till dawn atmosphere and you get another Shawn Kemp. Sorry but I wouldnt want Lewis holding me hostage if I were the Rockets for some outrageous contract. Stay in Sonic Land!