Where's Scola and Patterson when you need them? At least Patterson is still here for Mchale to use, ha. Morey: Why should I sign a backup center when McHale won't play him anyways?
Our PF/C rotation consists of two former backup bigs, one of whom is still working himself back from an injury, and two rookies. It could be rough sailing for a while.
Although this suggestion undoubtedly will attract some flames, I will nevertheless suggest that the Rockets should pick up FA Darko Milicic on a fairly cheap contract. He is young, tall, mobile, a decent shot blocker and a decent scorer. True, his motivation is not the greatest, but I believe Kevin McHale is the perfect coach to refine his moves and motivation. Milicic would be the perfect backup center for Asik without giving up height, bulk and motibility.
Nevertheless, he is a better backup center than anyone we have now. Even Fesenko would be as we now stand at center.
I can see why you have Martin on trade block. And even the un-guaranteed/partially guaranteed guys (Harrellson, Livingston, Brockman, Fortson, Simpson, Smith, etc.). But why trade Douglas? Or Johnson (allegedly a guy the Rockets really like)? And not Morris? I can't see Morris having a future on this team when Houston is looking for a vet 2/3 like Delfino and having 2 high upside guys like Jones and White who also play 3/4. Johnson is a 4/5 who can also defend the perimeter/pick and roll. Only other big who can do that is Jones. Plus Johnson is the best shot blocker on the team not named Asik. If White is a point forward for the second unit, then I agree about not getting into a bidding war for Machado who is a 3rd PG at best, especially when Douglas is not only a better defender but he is a better scorer so would complement not only White but Motiejunas as well (if he is the backup C). And if Martin is really traded than Houston is going to need another SG. A cheap alternative maybe Zoran Dragic, a try hard guy with some upside, who will allow the Rockets to continue their rebuild (rather than contend) if that is the direction they choose. And while a 9 man rotation sounds good, injuries will dictate that number. And not sure Rockets send 6 to the D League. I can see 2 or 3 but not 6. Finally, is SWilliams still on the roster? I thought he was waived?
WOW. Great post. Agree with everything. For another SG, a cheap veteran presence would be nice, if only for the locker room. A lot of these kids are just 19 living on their own, having someone they respect on the team would do wonders for them. Someone they can pick up good habits from as well as preventing bad habits from forming. I would rep you if I knew HOW!
Thanks man. By the by, Rockets just got their vet-mentor all hustle 3 pt shooting defensive minded SG. Delfino is now a Rocket.
Awesome (I'm assuming he can play SG though he's listed as a SF). That was the only hole (veteran presence) I wanted to see filled on the roster. Now we can just let it play out and have the rookies fight for PT. Excited for this season. They might not be great this season (especially on defense) but this is a good start to building a high-character, hard-working, young team with lots of upside. I hope the training/medical staff don't fail these kids. More important than just having a great season, it would be a travesty if these kids aren't allowed to maximize their potential.
Greg Oden (1st pick before Durant!) or Blatche. Just backups anyway, why the hell not. Even OKC signed Thabeet.
Great response, and well thought out. -First off, Delfino was signed after I first wrote this post. I think they are worried about having too much youth, and wanted a solid vet on the team with whom they know they can count on. Also, dont forget about Delfino's relationship with Kelvin Sampson who might have put in a good work for him. -I see what you are saying about Morris, but I just dont think they are ready to throw the towel in on him just yet. If he's part of a trade that helps the team moving forward than I think they wouldn't think too deep into it and move him. However, this next season, everything you hear and read points to them really being excited about his future. Sorry, but I think your going to see Morris on the roster next year unless they can get good value for him in trade. -Thank you for pointing out Zoran Dragic. I think they would love to bring him into training camp. Like Goran, I think he's a player that gets better and better with extended minutes. You could see that in Summer league towards the end of the week when he really started to look more comfortable. Plus with the Martin situation, I do think that there will be a huge need for a SG type on the roster the second half of this season and next year even. Also, I was really impressed with his defensive effort and ability in SL. Really like Zoran. -I know E'Twaun Moore was waived, but I dont think S. Williams has been cut yet if Im not mistaken. If he's not waived now, I would guess that he will be in the next couple weeks or going into training camp though. -As for JuJuan Johnson, they did say that he is in their plans. However, I just dont see it unless, like Jordan Hill, he can refine his game to make himself into a very good rebounder, and defender around the rim. They probably see him as a similar project who they would like to have around, but not at the expense of minutes being taken away from Motiejunas, White, Jones, and Morris.
We don't need a feakin back up C. Asik will play the entire game because he is a beast; and we payed him good money not to take breaks .
I have no sources to back me up, but I just can't see Morris' fit on this current team. I still believe that Johnson is a better fit, even if Williams is still on the roster. Johnson just has more upside and you just can't teach size/athleticism. In either case, both are bottom of the roster guys right now. And if Morris is not packaged in a Martin trade then I hope you are right and Morris explodes forcing a spot/trade. I am a Zoran fan as well. I just like hard working players with potential. And thanks for the conversation as well as the kudos. Looking forward to many more.
