Virtually everyone is assuming the Rockets will let Ron Ron walk next year, but I don't know why. I think he has been great this year, especially considering he's been battling ankle injuries, and has had a different role (starting vs. bench) almost every game with the Tmac drama (which he has handled with class I think). If Tmac does indeed have mircrofracture surgery he won't play next year, and then we'll need Ron even more. And I would feel comfortable building around him and Yao. As far as the money he's a strange guy, if he's happy here he might take less to stay, and besides, nobody will break the bank for him saving their money for the FA class of 2010. I vote for keeping Ron!
I think the rest of this season will determine how aggressively the Rockets pursue him. And then would there be anyone else out there via free agency or through perhaps a S&T that would provide better production and be a better fit. From what I've seen so far, I wouldn't mind the Rockets bringing him back (even though he's been a chucker at times); but no way should they overpay and certainly not for a long term contract. That's too much of a risk.
The Rockets are looking to obtain a "top player" in the offseason, since chances are McGrady won't be playing next year. Artest is one option, but I think they may have their eyes set on a younger, more athletic player.
Good point OP. I am thinking this is exactly why Moery didn;t pull the trigger. Teams with cap space mostly are young team. Do you think they will sign Ron big bucks so that he might lead the youngs to fight? we could just offer Ron the same price or do a sign and trade to get pick or talent back.
The cap is supposed to go down next year and the economy is miserable. The NBA just got a line of credit to lend to the 15 teams that have operating losses, teams are making trades not to get better but to cut salary. Artest will not make 10-13M/4 years, IMO he may only get a full MLE deal. Houston may be his best option even though he doesn't want to play here.
He won't get that much. Even for less money, I don't think the Rockets want to make a long-term commitment to Ron unless he accepts the MLE or something close to it. IMO, the free agent market this summer is going to shock people. With maybe a couple of exceptions, the players are going to be very disappointed. As someone once said, "It's the economy, stupid!" One sign to look for on how things shape up: If Carlos Boozer does NOT opt out, take that as a sign this summer will be tough for free agents.
They want to sign another superstar instead of Artest I'm guessing. There really is no other option than him if you ask me. If I were Daryl Morey I would re-sign Artest, I believe he does a lot of intangibles and tangibles for this team. I just hope we don't attempt to sign Allen Iverson in the off-season, this team would be doomed if we did. I feel like Iverson is the guy Morey is striding for.
free agents won't get as much as before because of the depression, I think 10m or some is very enough to retain ronron.
I'm sure the Rockets will STRONGLY consider keeping Artest. Will Artest want to stay here is the bigger question? As always, I'm sure it'll come down to $$$. But how we play as a team the rest of the season also will play a factor. If we suck, Artest will bolt to a contender. But if Artest plays too well, then he'll demand a huge contract.
It's certainly more possible now that T-Mac is out maybe for good (and to a lesser extent Rafer)... but these last 25+ games are more of a tryout for him I would bet. They have been disappointed with him, but maybe circumstances will change given the roster having done so. Personally, I like Ron and would like to see him succeed here. He's not right in the head 100% of the time, but tough to find guys who can excel on both ends of the floor.
Both Feigen and Blinebury have said repeatedly that the Rockets are not looking to sign Artest. In fact, they were actively trying to trade him before the trade deadline. My guess is he is gone, unless they can sign him cheap.
Things change. Star players have career ending surgeries. Trades fall through. Players step up in new roles. I like the attitude I saw last night from the team. There's a swagger on the floor when you have Artest, Battier, and Scola out there knocking bodies around. Artest is the anti-TMac when it comes to toughness.
I think he would be great to keep as long as we dont break bank. I luv the fact that even on poor shooting nights (which he has had alot lately) he doesn't sulk and still gives 110% on the other side on D. He kinda reminds me of Rodman the way he gets on opposing players nerves. Also remember Artest and adelman have a good relationship, artest once said he would waive his salary if they kept adelman as coach.
I do not see a point of keeping him and battier one of them has to go. I really like ron on this team as a third or fourth option.
The hard thing about trying to sign a young and good free agent this summer is that..well...the crop is thin. As far as unrestricted free agents go, Ben Gordon Allen Iverson Rasheed Wallace Lamar Odom Joe Smith Hedo Turkoglu Andre Miller Shawn Marion are the more notable names. As far as being able to sign any of those players without doing a S&T, the only player possible is Smith. If I were the Rockets, I'd rather wait and see how Artest does with McGrady out indefinitely before I jump to the conclusion that he doesn't fit. Because, like Clutch said, despite him not being in the right frame of mind all the time, he fills the needs that the Rockets have--toughness, scoring ability, and a decent enough defender.
The Suns are looking to trade Amare until they changed head coaches. Now they are no longer looking to trade him. The Rockets are in a similar situation except it comes with not having TMac any more and not trading Ron by the trade deadline. I don't think Morey wants to just let Ron walk and have nothing to show for Donte Green and this years 1st round pick. IMO, the best case scenario for Rockets brass would have been a healthy TMac by the trade deadline and then trade Ron Artest and his expiring contract for some real value. Now that TMac may be gone for ever I think they will look at resigning Ron or maybe a sign and trade but I don't think they will just let him walk for nothing. Unless someone just out right offers him a rediculous contract.
That is definitely true. Keep in mind though that Artest is on his best behavior and most highly motivated right now. His disruptive lockerroom tendencies and his overall weirdness will likely increase if he is secure in a long term deal. I Rckt mgmt is aware of this.
