Can the Rockets afford to be picky?

As we climb in, I ask about the Rockets’ future. Harden is a piece of the puzzle, Morey says, but not the endgame. Even after signing Harden to a five-year, $80 million extension, Houston is in position to have ample cap room next summer, enough to sign another foundational player. Morey’s not picky about who it is. “We can’t afford to be,” he says.

I just read Chris Ballard’s phenomenal piece on Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey for the first time in its entirety today.  If you’re a diehard, it’s a must-read.

The highlighted above was a quote I found interesting, if not rather surprising.  Up to this point, I had assumed that given their current position, Rockets management felt that it could be picky.  The team, the youngest in the league, is within arm’s length of homecourt, has a solid core, and a clean financial slate.  Why wouldn’t they take their time and wait for the perfect guy?

Then again, the article is from December 3 when the Rockets sat at 6-7.  Morey, while no doubt pleased that he had gotten Harden, probably didn’t realize how good his team could be already, as currently constructed.  Perhaps his thinking has changed?

Here’s my question: You know where the team stands.  You know the realities of the NBA.  Should the Rockets be picky?

Let’s say that on a scale of 1-10, in assessing desirability, Kevin Love is a 10 and someone like say, I don’t know, Clarence Weatherspoon the year he started for the Rockets is a 0, how high must a player rank for the team to blow through its load of assets/cap in an acquisition?

Let’s say it took multiple assets to acquire DeMarcus Cousins, and let’s assume we gave him a ’5′ just due to the risk factor, do you do it?

What about Josh Smith?  His warts are well documented.  Maybe he’s a ’6′.  Do you blow your cap space on him this summer?  Millsap?

Understand that if you sign someone unideal this summer–Smith, Millsap–that’s pretty much it.  That’s your team.

Instead, do you just keep this current core and make small incremental improvements–such as adding the Patrick Beverley’s of the world–while the team grows internally?  That gives you a chance in 2014 to really hit a grand slam.  At the same time, if a pipedream doesn’t happen, your opportunity cost was the success you sacrificed in not pulling the trigger now for someone who isn’t as ideal.

What would you do?

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Total comments: 61
  • thejohnnygold says 2 months ago Which is why I believe he makes it to the amnesty wire. No one wants to take on the full contract...especially considering what they would have to give up to get it....There just aren't enough Gilbert Arenas or Raef Lafrentz expiring contracts to pass around anymore.
  • rockets best fan says 2 months ago

    thejohnnygold, on 12 January 2013 - 16:17 PM said:


    Based on that I could see the rockets at least putting a bid in on Rudy Gay...if/when he gets amnestied.
    I doubt memphis will do that. rudy still has high trade value. it's more likely he is traded. they want something on the return for their asset and from the looks of things they want a kings ransom. based on that we may not see rudy getting a new address this year.
  • thejohnnygold says 2 months ago Based on that I could see the rockets at least putting a bid in on Rudy Gay...if/when he gets amnestied.
  • rockets best fan says 2 months ago thanks for correcting me. I knew it was something like that :lol:
  • Cooper says 2 months ago Teams with cap space put in a bid for the amnestied player whoever pays what they bid the previous team picks up the rest if no one bids they pay all and the player is basically a free agent.
  • rockets best fan says 2 months ago

    thejohnnygold, on 12 January 2013 - 00:46 AM said:


    Can someone remind me how that works....Doesn't the original team still pay a portion of the amnestied contract but without any cap hit. Doesn't that mean any team that picks them up gets a sizable discount? Am I totally confused about this?
    if I am correct they go through waviers first. if picked up in waivers the recieving team gets no discount. if they clear waivers the new teams offer is subtracted from the old teams salary with the old team forking over the remainder without any cap hit.
  • thejohnnygold says 2 months ago Can someone remind me how that works....Doesn't the original team still pay a portion of the amnestied contract but without any cap hit. Doesn't that mean any team that picks them up gets a sizable discount? Am I totally confused about this?
  • rockets best fan says 2 months ago teams rarely get very good players from the amnesty wire. there is a reason they are being amnestied. on most of them the money they make outweighed production which usually means the players skills are in decline. I looked at the list and I didn't see anything that even warranted a second look. sure there are some good names on there, but most of those players aren't about to be amnestied. unless a good trade comes along it appears we may stay the course with the present team which ain't a bad option. back in the summer I made a comment that all of these teams spending wheel barrels full of money in advance of the new stricter rules in the new cba would be in for a day of rekconing. I think we are starting to see some of that process. their are a few names on the trade market right now, but wait till we get closer to the trade deadline. panic will set in for some of these teams. that's why menphis is trying to move one of their players. other teams will join the fray shortly. if your team is not competing for deep playoff runs being over the luxury tax will eat you alive. some teams see this on the horizon and will be willing to drop top level talent to avoid it. I think the rockets need to bide their time. it not like we are desparate. as the rumors start to fly.....wait see everything b4 doing anything. we may all be surprised at who lands on the market b4 all is say and done.
  • Cooper says 2 months ago The guys that will get amnestied aren't exactly the guys morey would/should be looking for.
  • Dan G says 2 months ago

    redfaithful, on 10 January 2013 - 20:36 PM said:


    Patience until amnesty results come in, there could be some surprises there (see the list form Stein here http://espn.go.com/b...rice-of-amnesty), and the Rockets should be first in line to talk to the amnestied.


    You know looking at that list I just don't see too many of those people getting amnestied. Carlos Boozer has the greatest possibility and Kendrick Perkins would have been a prime possibility as well had OKC held on to Harden (we know how that turned out). Other than those two men the only other possibilities I see are Mike Miller, John Salmons, Drew Gooden, Tyrus Thomas and Charlie Villanueva. I don't even think Villanueva is all that likely or Detroit would have done it already, and Villanueva will be an expiring contract next season.
  • Jeby says 2 months ago I think the answer, based on what I've seen and read of Smith and Millsap, would be to wait on using their cap space until a truly All-Star-level player comes along.
    I think most of the metrics point to Millsap being an elite player right now, and he would be a decent fit, but undersized PF's (he's an inch shorter than MMorris) have a tendency to drop off after they hit 30. He will be 28 next season.
    As for Smith, his skillset is a perfect match for the Rockets' running and gunning, I just have one huge reservation: his biggest negative is his shot selection, and he's in his 9th season. If he hasn't figured it out by now, you have to wonder if he ever will.
    Morris has a lot of potential to be another Millsap, I still have faith in Terrence Jones to emerge from the D-League as Josh Smith Jr., and Patrick Patterson is developing into a unique combination of shooting and defense.
    If Morey throws a max contract at Millsap or Smith, I'll trust that he has data that I don't. But right now I'd agree with Rahat: grand slam or bust.
  • tombrokeoff says 2 months ago i agree and LOL @ the Mavs < in response to the recent post regarding the mavs and rockets
  • redfaithful says 2 months ago Patience until amnesty results come in, there could be some surprises there (see the list form Stein here http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/47965/the-steep-price-of-amnesty), and the Rockets should be first in line to talk to the amnestied.
  • cdhthegreat says 2 months ago It depends. I would be very aggressive with a Kevin Love deal now if I was Morey because he fits our philosophy perfectly. Otherwise, I think Morris and Patterson are largely repetitive, so I'd try to replace one of them with a long, taller, post offense minded 4. Cousins would be a good fit, but the Ed Davis' of the world wouldn't be bad either.
  • timetodienow1234567 says 2 months ago I'd like to see them go after Neal from SA. We need another guard and his shooting ability will do wonders for spacing playing with either Lin or Harden. He will likely be cheap as well.
  • Red94 says 2 months ago New post: On prudence and excesses
  • ale11 says 2 months ago

    redfaithful, on 09 January 2013 - 08:31 AM said:


    Going through the restricted free agents list for the summer, there is one name that stands out: Tyreke Evans. Do you think the Rockets could pull the poison pill trick on the Kings?


    Great player, lots of potential, but ball-hogger, and since apparently Lin-Harden is our backcourt for the forseeable future, we need players capable of playing off the ball, something like spot-up shooters, and Evans doesn´t fit that description
  • redfaithful says 2 months ago Going through the restricted free agents list for the summer, there is one name that stands out: Tyreke Evans. Do you think the Rockets could pull the poison pill trick on the Kings?
  • Dan G says 2 months ago I just find it funny the title of Chris Ballard's article is Money Ballsy. The name of my fantasy baseball team was "I am Moneyballsy" and my fantasy basketball team name is "I am Moreyballsy".

    And to answer the question, yes now is the time to be picky. We are way ahead of schedule and as some have mentioned Lin, Asik and Parsons will be free agents in three years so you have to atleast save money for them.
  • miketheodio says 2 months ago

    Stephen, on 09 January 2013 - 04:36 AM said:


    As an example of something that might come out of the blue-if Miami called and offered Bosh and min contract for Asik,Pat(or Morris) and Aldrich,would Houston say no? (Thought exercise,not anything I've heard.)


    they don't have as much leverage as most would think. they have to take a part the big 3 by 14-15 due to the salary cap,
  • Stephen says 2 months ago As an example of something that might come out of the blue-if Miami called and offered Bosh and min contract for Asik,Pat(or Morris) and Aldrich,would Houston say no? (Thought exercise,not anything I've heard.)
  • Stephen says 2 months ago Re the NY/LA/Miami attracting FAs.
    True,BUT...Miami,NY,Boston capped out thru 2015.
    LA will have major Cap room in 2014...if Kobe signs cheap,or the team renounces his rights :)

    As to being picky,yes and no.
    The Rockets will likely sign any significant FA they can.
    OTOH,the team has a well-earned reputation for assigning a value to a player and not spending more than that value. They won't get into a bidding war w/other teams.(Ask Goran.)
    Josh Smith they might want for $8mil,but not for $12mil.
    If a player they think is a max-type player becomes available,they'll go after him.
  • miketheodio says 2 months ago in all likelihood it isn't happening, so i dont have to worry about it.
  • rockets best fan says 2 months ago miketheodio:
    I have no problem with offers that don't include harden, d-mo, j jones, g smith. also would like to keep asik out if we could. that leaves us plenty to work with. we could still get a group together that beats boston's best offer without a doubt. every team likes cousins talent, but not all teams have what sac wants. remember sac isn't trying to do a deal that will benifit cousins they are trying to do a deal that benifits sac.
  • miketheodio says 2 months ago

    rockets best fan, on 09 January 2013 - 01:10 AM said:


    I still like cousins and want the rockets to aquire him, but if sac wants greg smith, t jones or d-mo I don't know if it makes sense to do that deal. I think cousins can still push us to the next level, but so may the players I just named. i'm just saying we can't really go wrong unless we give sac to much for cousins which I doubt will happen with morey.


    sac want's at least 3-4 players for him. he isn't going to be a steal.
  • rockets best fan says 2 months ago I still like cousins and want the rockets to aquire him, but if sac wants greg smith, t jones or d-mo I don't know if it makes sense to do that deal. I think cousins can still push us to the next level, but so may the players I just named. i'm just saying we can't really go wrong unless we give sac to much for cousins which I doubt will happen with morey.
  • miketheodio says 2 months ago if you are going to discount the FA argument and say standing pat is a better argument then it certainly works for the cousins argument as well.
  • rockets best fan says 2 months ago it amazes me that everyone seems to want a PF. I agree Cooper j smith or milsap don't make us that much better for the money they will command. while I have lobbyed for cousins there is something to be said for the arguement of standing pat with the current talent. the more greg smith shows the more I seem to forget that kid in sac. I also agree with others who have said (we have not even seen the rest of the rooks yet). considering morey talent eye I bet we have at least 2 more gems in t jones and d-mo. I can see the arguement for standing pat and it's a strong one.
  • Cooper says 2 months ago I think they can be picky this free agent class is pretty mediocre and I'd be disappointed if they gave a long term deal to milsap or smoove because I don't think either really makes the team a whole lot better. Milsap can't defend however is a solid scorer and rebounder who doesn't need the ball a whole lot but I think he will get more money and years than I'd be comfortable giving him at this point. Smith needs the ball on offense and is rather inefficient. His defense can b very good but often he is lazy or tries to make the wow play that gets the rest of the team out of position and will most likely get a max deal which is just too much when better free agents will be coming in bith the next 2years. Throwing all our flexibility out to end up a 4-5 seed for 4yrs at best when we are already hovering around that area.
  • miketheodio says 2 months ago how can people say with a straight face that paul millsap and josh smith aren't that great?

    josh smith is pretty good on defense. plays off the ball well on offense although he does need to select shots better. he is arguably an all star. definitely a boarderline one.

    millsap is a well above average role player.

    you don't always need more than one superstar to win. you can have one super star, an all star, and several above average role players and do it.

    rudy gay definitely isn't worth his contract and some people say he has peaked out. cousins is a big risk. I'd rather keep the team as is than take a risk like that at this moment. the juice isn't worth the squeeze.
  • tombrokeoff says 2 months ago yeah i was laughing at Toney early on, but based on what Ive "seen" lately, hes been a huge spark for us. I believe hes finished a lot of games as well.

    PLUS his brother is an NFL WR and that means absolutely nothing lol.
  • feelingsupersonic says 2 months ago Completely agree. I was going to bring up Douglas' statistics in his last 10 or so games which are more relevant than his early season statistics since the early part of this season was more about gelling and getting all these new players on the same page but there are other reasons to take Douglas over Fredette. I would much rather have Toney Douglas than Jimmer Fredette as far as good deals go Douglas' 2.1 million dollar contract is being paid by the Knicks. Also, I would have to guess that having Douglas around, a player who has seen the ins and outs of this league, is more beneficial to the younger players on the squad than a newbie like Fredette.
  • Sir Thursday says 2 months ago

    timetodienow1234567, on 08 January 2013 - 16:26 PM said:


    Douglas is not very good. I don't know who you're watching, but he kind of sucks.


    He did at the beginning of the year, certainly. But once he got out of his shooting slump he has really turned it around to the extent that he is now a really useful spark off the bench. In the last 6 games he has averaged 12 ppg on 50% shooting in 22 mpg. He may not be the greatest passer, but he is really solid at taking care of the ball (especially compared to Lin - his TO% is 14.2% vs Lin's 20.6%) and that's what we need from the backup PG.

    The prognosis at the beginning of the year might have been that we need a better backup PG, but that's certainly not the case any more.

    ST
  • timetodienow1234567 says 2 months ago

    Alituro, on 08 January 2013 - 18:12 PM said:


    @timetodienow1234567... Why because you said so? Please enlighten us as to how much better Fredette is than Douglas. Not saying either is starter material, but if you're talking about picking up a role player PG to come off the bench, what exactly does Jimmer bring that we aren't getting now? He's proven squat in this league so far.


    And it's not only Fredette. We could get one of Toronto's many guards, etc... I just think Fredette's price is so low that taking a tiny risk is justified.
  • timetodienow1234567 says 2 months ago Douglas is a proven failure. I don't think Fredette is all that great except for his scoring potential which is much, much better than Douglas's. We've all seen how horrible Douglas is and while I hope he gets better, we still need depth at the PG and SG positions. Obviously, Jimmer is not an all-star and most likely never will be, but I think he can turn into a solid 6th man off the bench with some development while douglas would get almost no playing time on a team with a better option at backup PG.
  • Alituro says 2 months ago @timetodienow1234567... Why because you said so? Please enlighten us as to how much better Fredette is than Douglas. Not saying either is starter material, but if you're talking about picking up a role player PG to come off the bench, what exactly does Jimmer bring that we aren't getting now? He's proven squat in this league so far.
  • bob schmidt says 2 months ago The concept of being picky is interesting considering our rapid transformation into a solid team with playoff intentions. A year ago, we were hoping to figure out how to stay on the map in our tough division. I think that this year has resulted from unique circumstances regarding Coach McHale's loss of his daughter, and our team's response to a tough situation.

    As to being picky, I say hell yes! Our talent level teamwise is very competitive. Our rookie talent has yet to really be seen. For example, while Cousins might seem interesting in terms of potential value, who is to say that he will actually be a significantly better talent than Greg Smith in a year or two? Considering their similar size and physical abilities, I might be inclined to lean toward Smith based on desire and coachability.

    We have yet to scratch the surface of Terrence Jones and Motiejunas possibilities. With the new cap structure it is likely that players in the near future will consider more carefully who they sign with and who they will play with. Who is to say that a Lemarcus Aldrich or Kevin Durant might decide that Houston represents where they would really like to play?

    I want us to be very picky because we are well ahead of schedule by anyone's observation, and still improving. Patience is usually well-rewarded in the end. Let's keep ourselves in a good place... It would be stupid to risk the consequences that almost always result from impatience.
  • Sir Thursday says 2 months ago If we're going to borrow any specific strategy from from OKC, it should be how they used their cap space in the years when their team was still learning. Sam Presti did not go out and spend the cap space like it was burning a hole in his pocket, but instead kept it in reserve and used it to collect assets from other teams desparate to shed salary. For example, they were able to pick up Maynor for absolutely nothing because the Jazz needed to get under the luxury tax. Morey has a knack for helping facilitate other teams' deals and getting something good out of it in the process, and that's what he can use the cap space for. Now we've seen the benefit of the asset-collection approach, I would imagine that he will look to try and restock his cupboard so that he has plenty to offer next time someone needs to make a trade.

    ST
  • ale11 says 2 months ago Excellent reading, highly recommendable.


    We MUST be picky right now. The hardest part has been accomplished: we got Harden. Like is was noted before, three years from now, Lin/Parsons/Asik will finish their contracts. So what if all three of them become very valuable? What if that season we get to the Conference Finals and the best thing to do is keep them all together? I'd like to see how well are all three of them a year from now. Maybe having this core together for the long haul is even better than dismantle the team for another superstar, or privating ourselves from keeping a solid team because we commited to another max contract.
    Right now, what we really need to move a little forward and assure a playoff spot and a chance to beat any team on any given night are a veteran solid 3 point shooter that can benefit from all the spacing we get (Douglas and Delfino could be really good on any given night, but are not consistent shooters, specially Douglas) and maybe an above individual average defense to play at the 2 guard for the second unit. Right now, given our current goals (or at least, this year's), I'm pretty comfortable with this team now. we are winning on the road and even ocassionally beating top tier teams. Getting a superstar is not a must right now.
    NOBODY expected this team to be this good, and I don't mean that we are overachieving, because this team is accomplishing the things that's supposed to, but just ahead of time.
  • thejohnnygold says 2 months ago Whoever stated it earlier is right, Harden and Lin are going to dominate the ball...anyone we bring in has to be able to play off of that--not interfere with it. Kenneth Fareid from Denver comes to mind. Still, I like what we have on the roster (white aside) and want to wait and see the cream rise to the top before moving anyone--in or out.
  • timetodienow1234567 says 2 months ago Douglas is not very good. I don't know who you're watching, but he kind of sucks.
  • Kade says 2 months ago

    Alituro, on 08 January 2013 - 15:38 PM said:


    No superstar is ever going to bypass BOS/MIA/NYC/LA and play for Houston, would you?

    Maybe not, but there are plenty of stars on teams in cities way less desirable than Houston at the same time, and they may not be getting looks form those cities.. It's not like we're the Bobcats, Hornets or Kings. The opportunity to play with guys like Harden, Asik and Lin would be the allure more than the city.

    I don't think role players are what we're talking about. Anyway what does Fredette bring that Douglas doesn't? Nothing IMO.


    such as?
    I think the "wants to play with Harden Asik and Lin" bit is overrated. To us Rockets fans sure but to superstars they aren't going to be bypassed by the Bulls/Celtics/Lakers/ or any city/team that can win now (Miami/SA/OKC) or bypass those cities to play in Houston.
  • hubeijames says 2 months ago "We can't afford to be picky" was said back when smart money was that this would still be a .500 or under team, even after the Harden trade. A lot has changed since then.

    I think with the success we're seeing Morey is less likely to take big risks than before. There is no reason to throw away assets or spoil the team's chemistry with a big trade when we're poised to make the play-offs and enter the off-season with max cap space. We'll make a play for a big free agent then (Morey seems to be good at that); trading will still be around if we can't get anyone.
  • Alituro says 2 months ago No superstar is ever going to bypass BOS/MIA/NYC/LA and play for Houston, would you?

    Maybe not, but there are plenty of stars on teams in cities way less desirable than Houston at the same time, and they may not be getting looks form those cities.. It's not like we're the Bobcats, Hornets or Kings. The opportunity to play with guys like Harden, Asik and Lin would be the allure more than the city.

    I don't think role players are what we're talking about. Anyway what does Fredette bring that Douglas doesn't? Nothing IMO.
  • Kade says 2 months ago

    Alituro, on 08 January 2013 - 14:10 PM said:


    I think the key question on this issue is: Who is Harden tight with? After a season playing here, establishing himself as a superstar, and the Rockets proving they've got an exciting young core, what kind of talent can Harden convince to come over? This seems to have worked on BOS, MIA, NYK, and LAL in the past, why not Rockets? Did OKC extend Ibaka's contract? Who, on the Olympic squad could potentially be available? As stated below, there's always the fear of a clash of egos if another star is brought here, why not build on an already established camaraderie? Except for Cousins who is still just a maybe, IMO, everyone else mentioned on this thread, I would consider NOs.


    No superstar is ever going to bypass BOS/MIA/NYC/LA and play for Houston, would you?
  • cdhthegreat says 2 months ago I believe you can be picky to an extent. You can look at fit and price instead of making a mad dash at any "superstar" to hit the market. You don't have to throw max money at Smith for example (poor fit) but I'd consider throwing a large amount at Big Al (great fit next to Asik), Howard, and CP3. If you wait a year, signing Lebron becomes possible (which would be amazing).

    No need to compromise what you've built to make a splash signing (or trade for that matter). I'm sure Morey's assessment has changed a ton since the season has started to take shape.
  • timetodienow1234567 says 2 months ago

    amacbrooks12, on 08 January 2013 - 14:35 PM said:


    If were going to improve bit by bit, we should take baby steps and start with the bench. Espn rumors have JJ Reddick on the block and IMO he can produce more than Jimmer can. He can score points in a hurry, has a lethal 3 point shot, and can even put the ball on the floor to create another shot. Reddick would be a perfect fit for this up tempo team that likes to run fast breaks all day and jack up threes .. he would be more than a decent backup for Harden.


    I agree, but Reddick makes quite a bit more than Jimmer and will command quite a bit more when he becomes a free agent. Since he's a GREAT role player and an expiring contract at 6 mil his price tag will be enormous. Jimmer's won't be as high plus he's young and is under contract for the next few years. But I would love Reddick but don't think he's available without giving up Parsons or some 1st round picks. He's definitely not worth that for this team.
  • amacbrooks12 says 2 months ago If were going to improve bit by bit, we should take baby steps and start with the bench. Espn rumors have JJ Reddick on the block and IMO he can produce more than Jimmer can. He can score points in a hurry, has a lethal 3 point shot, and can even put the ball on the floor to create another shot. Reddick would be a perfect fit for this up tempo team that likes to run fast breaks all day and jack up threes .. he would be more than a decent backup for Harden.
  • amacbrooks12 says 2 months ago v
  • timetodienow1234567 says 2 months ago

    Alituro, on 08 January 2013 - 14:10 PM said:


    I think the key question on this issue is: Who is Harden tight with? After a season playing here, establishing himself as a superstar, and the Rockets proving they've got an exciting young core, what kind of talent can Harden convince to come over? This seems to have worked on BOS, MIA, NYK, and LAL in the past, why not Rockets? Did OKC extend Ibaka's contract? Who, on the Olympic squad could potentially be available? As stated below, there's always the fear of a clash of egos if another star is brought here, why not build on an already established camaraderie? Except for Cousins who is still just a maybe, IMO, everyone else mentioned on this thread, I would consider NOs.


    What do you think of Fredette as a backup role player? They probably would only have to give up a 2nd round pick or someone of that calibre.
  • Alituro says 2 months ago I think the key question on this issue is: Who is Harden tight with? After a season playing here, establishing himself as a superstar, and the Rockets proving they've got an exciting young core, what kind of talent can Harden convince to come over? This seems to have worked on BOS, MIA, NYK, and LAL in the past, why not Rockets? Did OKC extend Ibaka's contract? Who, on the Olympic squad could potentially be available? As stated below, there's always the fear of a clash of egos if another star is brought here, why not build on an already established camaraderie? Except for Cousins who is still just a maybe, IMO, everyone else mentioned on this thread, I would consider NOs.
  • timetodienow1234567 says 2 months ago Why don't they just improve bit by bit? I'd like them to trade for Jimmer Fredette. While not great, he would fit this offense and we need a backup PG/SG with no real person to play behind Harden/Lin. The Kings have a plethora of guards so he might be cheap. What do you all think?
  • Rahat Huq says 2 months ago regarding rudy gay: that's dumpster diving, the complete opposite of being picky. that would be a huge mistake to commit 15mill to gay when the team already has enough problems getting jeremy lin enough touches.
  • amacbrooks12 says 2 months ago There's no point in going after Rudy Gay when we already have a superstar that has the ball in his hands 90% of the time. Not to mention we have Jeremy Lin who needs the ball as well to even be effective. I just don't see how Rudy Gay can help us when he'll barely touch the ball on this team. Our focus should be a game changing PF that knows he'll be the second option running pick and rolls with Harden and Lin.
  • amacbrooks12 says 2 months ago v
  • rockets best fan says 2 months ago picky.......yeah we have put ourselfs in a position to be picky. the players we want must be be a superstar. josh smith just doesn't do it for me, neither does milsap, or big al. we need a player who other teams game plan for. only 2 players available fit the bill (IMO). rudy gay and cousins. rudy's contract is the problem in his case. cousins on the other hand is still in his rookie contract. yeah we can be picky just make sure we pick the right one. either (IMO) can take the rockets to the next level.
  • redfaithful says 2 months ago Parsons' best-value-for-money in-league deal expires the same time as Lin and Asik's, making that summer even more of a challenge. On the other hand, the new CBA will be in full impact, so I presume all teams will be more hesitant to sign large deals with anyone not at the superstar level.
  • goRockets says 2 months ago If this is really a rebuilding year and the young Rockets are already doing quite well, I'd say let this core develop and see what they can become. Yes signing another superstar on paper will help you, but on the other hand it could be bringing in another ego into the mix that you'll have to deal with, and that super star may or may not be a good fit (skills wise and personality wise) with the team you already have. If I'm Morey I'd be very careful signing another player to a max contract, don't do it just because you have the cap room, because once it's done, you're stuck with it. Just look at Knicks, their big 3 contract for Melo, Amare and Tyson literally handcuffed their ability to sign or keep other young talents, like Lin. Another thing is I'm pretty sure if Asik and Lin continue to play better, their market value after 3 years will be much higher than what Rockets are paying them now, so Morey better leave enough cap to chase these players if he wants to keep them in Houston for the long term, and build a dynasty like the Spurs. I know that's long ways ahead, but 3 years goes by very quickly, he should also think about where he sees the team going in the long term also, and strategize not just based on short term return, especially when the West is so competitive, you really cannot afford to make too many mistakes signing ineffective personnel.
  • el35 says 2 months ago I think what Morey meant is that, so long as the player is categorised a foundational in his book, then he is going to go get him no matter what position he plays. I very much doubt Josh Smith is in that class. Cousins, probably, and I think Morey will get after him if the Kings ever puts him on the market.
  • Furters says 2 months ago I think that we have built such a good unit that it would be a little silly now to destroy everything now to get someone who MIGHT work out. Cousins (for example) might be great, but he could be poison too. For someone like him, I can see the Rockets having to give up at least 2 of Asik, Parsons and Patterson/Morris. For me, free agency would be a much more viable first option.
  • tombrokeoff says 2 months ago I'd be picky for at least a year. Morey has worked had to clear the roster of dead cap space and finally land 1 star. I don't want him to haphazardly wreck what he's worked so hard to achieve. I guess nothing is a sure bet, but I'd prefer less risk. Then again Morey has gotten himself out of bad contracts like Ariza, so idk.
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