i'd rather bring kenny smith's slow butt out of retirement than bring an old, slow, pouty, chemistry-killer like GP to the Rox.
Looks like Karl Malone is leaving to. The Spurs are trying to get it. Dammit San Antonio, stop sucking up all of the players, and don't you dare give Karl Malone a championship ring! On a side note, I understand the people who don't want Gary Payton. But, considering he has one year left on his deal, would people be willing to trade Mo for Payton? I think it would work, someone could check out RealGM or something and see if the salaries work. LA needs size, and Grant is a serious risk due to his age and health. Mo would give them a scoring option. Payton for Mo, if possible. The upside is that Payton might be the answer at the point. At worst he would come off the books after next year.
You're probably right. I could live with him as our pg, I guess I never have been a fan. To me, the whining to the media should have been handled "in-house" if he was true team player, and gone out there to play his best no matter what. It seemed to me, especially in the playoffs, as if he didnt care. But I could be wrong.
No thanks, Rudy! We need a 1 that can actually still play the game, not GP. I didn't like what I saw from him last season. He's last on my list.
That would be something. I would definitly go for GP if we can unload a bad contract, since his ends after the season.
I hope Malone does go to the Spurs. One more reason for me to hate them and it means I get to root for Rudy's team (couldn't do it with KM there). I'm hoping last year was an anomaly and GP's still got something left. I've always been a fan -- even when he was killing us -- and I'd love to see him in Rocket gear. Especially if it means we get to unload a bad contract. I'd be a hell of a lot happier doing a one year with Payton than a three or four year with Fisher.
These two may yet wind up together -- again. Can you imagine JVG coaching the non-responsive non-Glove? No love there.
The thing is, JVG is a defensive-minded coach, and Payton loves defensive coaches. Also, Van Gundy is the type of coach that wants the PG or the primary ball-handler to dominate the ball so that his team can set the tempo. George Karl was the same way. I actually think Van Gundy is one of the few coaches that Payton would like playing with.
Yeah, Payton used to just kill us. Last year had to have been an aberration... the guy just isn't going to crater that quickly. I think he discovered that the situation wasn't right and couldn't adjust. It would be beyond strange seeing him in Rockets red, but if it's for one year and Daniels or McInnis (or someone similar) isn't available, then I'd rather have Gary than to have Fish for too many $$ and for too many years. I'd support the move. Better that than Ollie or Jones.
I can tell you this - Rudy T was considering going after Payton at one time but declined. He does NOT like GP from something that happened during the national team practices. I don't remember much but I do know that Rudy does NOT like Payton no matter what he says publicly. He got a video postcard from Gary one time and just shrugged it off. He LOVED Alonzo Mourning though!! GP for a year here? Hmm...I don't know about that. I don't like GP. I just want someone to bring it over the timeline and not turn it over. As for Antonio Daniels, I never heard one word about that!
Lets talk about him then! I remember Conner in the 1993 playoffs vs the Clips. Didnt do that much. But he was an energetic player. He scored 10 points in Game 3, and 6 points in Game 5. (it pays to have all 5 games of this series on tape btw, helped me out a little)
GP is now over the hill, IMHO ... he's slowing down fast. Doc, have you heard one or more words about anyone else we are looking to sign this summer, especially at PG and backup C? And, do you know what happened with Brent Barry? It was reported that we offered him a 4 year deal, and even our full TE, but when the press announcements were made, it didn't sound like Houston was one of his options. Did you know the inside story?
How much PT did Lester get playing behind Mark Jackson? I still can't believe that the Clippers took us to game 5 that year. Danny Manning was the absolute man back then. Ate Otis Thorpe for lunch, breakfast, and dinner.
So Doc, who do you think the starting PG will be for the Rox next year? Fisher? DJones? Hudson? Any others we haven't even considered that are on the team's radar?
Wow, the first thing he did after taking over is to destroy Dallas's hope on Shaq. Very nice! Then that could leave Rudy T Shaqless and Kobeless? He basically go a Miami Head team in his hand to play with?
Please no. No Payton or Malone EVER. I don't care if they become the geezer-edition of Jordan. I can't stand those guys.
So Payton wants out. He CHOSE to excercise his option a few weeks ago. He should have to live with his decision
