Wouldn't worry so much, Utah made a smart move in big Al but also lost Boozer, Korver and might lose Matthews. Dallas used a golden contract to get a backup center and a 7 foot project, could have and should have done better with Dampier's contract. Spurs, I agree on Splitter though, are older and haven't radically improved their roster. Lakers signed a backup point and backup 3/4 man...nothing special. The Rockets made the biggest aquisition of the offseason in Yao, no player will make the impact to their team that Yao will to ours. Brad Miller will be a nice backup for cheap and wait till the deadline for something "BIG" to happen.
Utah: lose Boozer but gains Jefferson. Not an upgrade. Also lose key defensive guard in Matthews and bench scoring/shooting in Korver. They have a LOT of holes right now. Dallas: nearly the exact same team and a year older. Spurs: So damned old. The only team in the West who has actually made moves and has gotten better has been Lakers. That's it.
I assume the Bobcats will release Dampier? If so, the Rockets might be able to get him at a bargain price.
that bench looks weak though. Starters can be scary with more time, remember it was a deadline deal that brought Haywood, Butler.
The real thing to discuss, from a Rocket's perspective, would be if there is any chance to pick up Dampier after he is let go. The issue will, of course, be how much of an ego he has in regards to his price for the new contract. But as easy as it has been to, and as much as Dallas has, crapped on him, he actually gives the Rockets much more of what they need than Brad Miller does. The Rockets need length, defense and rebounding, not a supposed offensive center who can't shoot and whose best passing days are behind him. Dampier is old also, and certainly wouldn't want to give a ton of minutes to, but like he did last year and pretty much every year for the last few in Dallas, if in 20-25 mpg he can give you over 7 boards a game and 1-1.5 blocks per game, and only shoot when he knows he can make it (hence the 4 year in a row >60% FG%)...then he's basically your replacement Deke....just younger. Now, Dampier isn't exciting, young or the long term solution...but vs. Brad Miller, I think it's a no brainer. The frontcourt needs on this team are length, defense and rebounding from your backup center position. Miller gets a check for one of those items, Dampier does for all three.
Ok, I agree he will be. But the rest of the team will be a year older and slower. I still don't see this team making the finals, maybe WCF if everything breaks in their favor. Beaubois is not enough to get the team over the hump.
Utah has not lost Matthews yet. They put Jefferson at C, and Millsap plays at PF. Millsap can replicate Boozers production IMO. Korvers loss will sting, I agree. Dallas has an improving guard in Roddy B, the team will have more games together. They added length and size. Minor upgrade
Well...that is better than standing pat...if that is there is not plan we dont see. We wont be a home court team and will not beat the lakers or mavs probably as is in the playoffs. Thats with a healthy Yao. Jeffersons contract isnt bad at all considering what the new leauge standard is (bosh/Amare)... and they were the most readily available pieces to ad...CHEAP... Getting someone like Aldridge or J Smith is going to cost a fortune in assets..itd be better to us part of our assets on a cheaper add like Jefferson or Chandler (a small pice of assets like 2nd rd pick/or sergio lull) and then blow our load on Melo/Granger/Paul type player.... To beat LA and Heat we need to add an all star and a back up 4/5 with shot blocking/Rim Protection....if you get both in 1 guy great...but good luck.
Im at the point where I'm saying... we arent getting anyone... I am tired of thinkin someone is coming, and they arent
Not sure why people want Dampier here. I would take Miller, he fits the system better. Damp also had knee issues last year, wouldnt want a backup like him if Yao was to miss time.
