Chicago Bulls @ Houston Rockets on 12/17/13

  Rob Dover | December 18, 2013 at 12:00 pm

In hindsight, the Rockets’ 2012/13 season was a blissful respite from the injury plague. Mostly healthy throughout the regular season, they were able to exceed expectations on the way to a playoff berth no-expected. This year the bug is back and putting a damper on the franchise’s most promising season in years, with several players struggling to fight off niggles. But even in times such as this, it should only take one look at gaping hole in the Chicago’s point guard rotation to have the Rockets counting their blessings. Thanks to the absence of Derrick Rose, the Bulls have dropped from being a title contender to being part of the morass of mediocrity that is the middle of the Eastern Conference. It’s an object lesson that someone always has it worse than you.

Form:

Rockets: WWLWL.

Two good wins against Golden State show what they can do when their are on their game, but Sunday’s loss against Sacramento shows what happens when their not, particularly with injuries sapping the squad of its depth.

Bulls: LLWLL.

An atrocious run of recent play makes it seem as though the wheels are coming off in Chicago. They’ve been losing games to the dregs of the Eastern Conference – Milwaukee, New York, Toronto and Orlando are not teams you want to see beating you at the moment. They can’t score the basketball – in those four losses their highest point total was a measly 82! Their only recent win was a 1 point victory eked out in the final seconds against the Bucks, which would do little to raise their spirits.

Injuries:

Rockets: There are niggles all through the Rockets lineup. Lin and Parsons are both suffering from back spasms, Jones has the flu, Harden is struggling to overcome the ankle sprain he picked up on Sunday, Smith dislocated a finger guarding DeMarcus Cousins and Asik has a bad case of the trades.

Bulls: No Derrick Rose for Chicago. They may also be without his replacement in the starting lineup, Kirk Hinrich, who has been suffering back problems of his own. Thanks to these injuries the Bulls have been forced to start second year player Marquis Teague and draft in DJ Augustin to plug the hole.

On Offence:

• This is a team coached by Tom Thibodeau, so you know that the Bulls will make scoring as difficult as humanly possible for opponents. Especially with Harden and Parsons limited by injuries, they are going to have a tough time against the pair of defensive juggernauts that are Luol Deng and Jimmy Butler.
• Joakim Noah is one of the best in the league at defending the pick-and-roll. According to mySynergySports, the 0.76 PPP he allows when defending the roll man is good for 8th best in the league. I guess it’s a good thing the Rockets don’t rely on the pick-and-roll as much as most observers would like! Interestingly though, he is not as good at defending the post, where he allows 1.02 PPP. Perhaps this is a game where it actually makes sense for Dwight to post up more than usual.
• The Bulls’ other excellent defensive big man, Taj Gibson, has the opposite set of strengths to Noah. He is ranked 19th in the league in at defending post ups (0.69 PPP), but allows 0.96 PPP against the roll-man. When Gibson is in the game, the Rockets need to focus on spreading the floor and drawing him out of the paint by running the pick-and-roll.

On Defence:

• The Bulls have had such difficulty finishing around the basket that Coach Thibodeau has had them working on layups in practice. Hopefully the presence of Howard looming around the basket will continue to make it difficult for them to score in the paint.
• One of the things that’s making it difficult for the Bulls to score is that are not a very good three point shooting team, with their record currently standing at only 32.2% on the year. This should be a boon for a Rockets defence that has frequently struggled to shut down opposing three point shooters. They do, however, need to keep an eye on Mike Dunleavy, the Bulls’ lone sharpshooter of note who is knocking down 38.7% on the year.

Rotation Spotlight:

Luol Deng (6’8″ SF, Duke)

Deng has been Chicago’s Mr. Dependable for years now, shouldering insane minutes burdens while gluing together the Bulls’ rotation. He has been the league leader in MPG for two years running, and Thibodeau values his contributions so highly that he’s going to be up there again this year despite the emergence of Jimmy Butler, who theoretically could split time with him at the SF position. He’s primarily there for his defensive tenacity, but still manages to put up 19 PPG thanks to an ability to score in a variety of ways. He’ll be a fringe candidate for an All-Star berth again this year (it would be his 3rd).

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• rocketrick says 2 months ago

  If I'm a GM I would gladly give up 3 restricted 1sts for Omer, but the owner will probably block the trade like the Celtics owner blocked Ainge's trade.

  
  I think one of those 1st round draft picks had to be unprotecteded, especially since Boston has stockpiled so many 1st round draft picks (10) over the next 5 years. I totally understand any other 1st round draft picks, if offered, would have to be protected, for instance protected for lottery picks (1-14), etc.
  
  Let's see if Asik comes around and starts playing like all of us know he is capable of and being a productive member of our team. In that case, for sure the best trade would be no trade.
• 2016Champions says 2 months ago If I'm a GM I would gladly give up 3 restricted 1sts for Omer, but the owner will probably block the trade like the Celtics owner blocked Ainge's trade.
• rocketrick says 2 months ago

  I think Omer is worth about 10 million, but he due 15 million next year. The same with Lin both are good players but their contracts limit takers.

  
  That sounds reasonable to me. Which means neither is worth 3 1st round draft picks (Steven's contribution to this topic), by the way! But I digress.
• datruth says 2 months ago

  I think Omer is worth about 10 million, but he due 15 million next year. The same with Lin both are good players but their contracts limit takers.

• thejohnnygold says 2 months ago

  I just can't stay away from this :lol:

  I do find the economics of NBA commodities to be very interesting. The currency of talent where supply is low and demand is sky high makes for a high stakes game.

  Omer Asik is a specialist--which gets alluded to at times, but doesn't seem to be fully appreciated. Take a guy like Kyle Korver. He is a specialist of the three point variety. While he can contribute in other facets of the game (rebounding, passing, and basic team defense) nobody associates him with much besides that sterling 3 pt% he sports every year. Now, analytically speaking I am sure he jumps off the page. His TS% the last three years: .600, .637, and .700 (so far this season). Rather than cite more of his stats I'll just post the LINK. Sir Thursday posted his shot chart a while back....it's real green.

  Yet, what could Danny Ferry realistically expect in a trade for a player with such a valuable, elite, and highly desired skill? You certainly aren't going to give him away, but it will be very hard to get fair value in trade. Like Omer, he is a trade tweener. Too valuable to be traded for role players, but not valuable enough to get a king's ransom of high draft picks or a star player.

  As a specialist, Omer will always be looking over his shoulder because teams are always trying to get better and eventually a player will come along that possesses a more well-rounded game and they will replace him. Omer needs to understand this and either accept his place in the world or change it by developing some kind of offensive skill. It only has to be one! Udonis Haslem has one shot he takes--15 ft baseline jumper. That's it! I'm not asking Omer to turn himself into Brook Lopez--but something needs to develop. Until it does, Omer will remain a specialist--a very good one--but a specialist nonetheless.

  It means the market for somebody like him is very slim when trying to get full value in return. He is a commodity with limited potential whereas the draft picks Morey seeks, like lottery tickets, are way more appealing. Odds are they won't turn into much, but there is a chance. I just don't see any GM giving us more than spare parts, low picks, or high-risk players (be it injury, character, or draft busts). With Omer, the only certainty is that once a team has him they will immediately begin the search for his replacement which begs the question of how much would anyone realistically give up for him?

  The bottom line is we need Omer to play. Buck up big man! The Rockets need you!

• 2016Champions says 2 months ago Morey spoke on a podcast yesterday and said Asik will be a Rocket for a long time just because his contract is widely regarded as a bad one according to the conversations he had with other GM's. He said things like this are unlikely to change, and I speculate that Morey will pay more than any other GM when the time comes to retain Asik's services.
• timetodienow1234567 says 2 months ago

  Three first round picks.

  
  Funny
• Steven says 2 months ago

  OK then, what do you think the price tag should be for Asik?

  Three first round picks.
• rocketrick says 2 months ago

  I recall Omer saying during the off season this was not going to work. Now we see that this situation doesn't work. Omer is a good player and many teams would love to have him. Omer is an elite defensive player, but the price tagis too high. I love Omer and wish him the best..

  
  OK then, what do you think the price tag should be for Asik?
• datruth says 2 months ago

  I recall Omer saying during the off season this was not going to work. Now we see that this situation doesn't work. Omer is a good player and many teams would love to have him. Omer is an elite defensive player, but the price tagis too high. I love Omer and wish him the best..

• ale11 says 2 months ago

  It would be interesting to find out if the Rockets Coaching Staff and rest of the Rockets players think that neither Harden or D12 is a true leader. If that is the case, who would fit the bill as the current leader of the Rockets?

  Well, not every player has it all. CP3, LeBron, Kobe, those type of player are the ones who lead not only by example, but are highly talented, experienced and pretty vocal. True leaders.

  Harden is not experienced enough to be considered "a true leader". Dwight seems to be coming around about being vocal for the sake of the team and not just to want the coach or the GM fired or to be traded, and leading by example, but it's not "Dwight's team" like it was in Orlando, at least not yet. Garcia comes to mind as someone experienced enough to make sure everyone has the right mind set, at least, the role players. Chandler has been a Rocket the longest....so, to me, it seems like it's still a committee leadership today, learning on the fly how to make it work, anybody has been in this roster for longer than 2 and a half years, just Morey and Les.

  An established hierarchy might have prevented this whole "Sad Omer" from happening, because he would have been kept in line from day one, or maybe not....

  If Harden and Howard are considered the leaders it's because they are the most talented players on the roster, not because they have great leadership skills.

• Losthief says 2 months ago

  It would be interesting to find out if the Rockets Coaching Staff and rest of the Rockets players think that neither Harden or D12 is a true leader. If that is the case, who would fit the bill as the current leader of the Rockets?

  supposedly its garcia

• rocketrick says 2 months ago

  Every player has his own goals: for Harden, probably being the alpha dog was one, he has the talent to be one, so does Dwight, but neither of them is a true leader, and both are learning as they go,

  
  It would be interesting to find out if the Rockets Coaching Staff and rest of the Rockets players think that neither Harden or D12 is a true leader. If that is the case, who would fit the bill as the current leader of the Rockets?
• ale11 says 2 months ago

  If Asik thinks he has problems then so be it. He sure doesn't appear to be dealing with them very well.

  100% agreed, it's obvious that Asik has handled this situation poorly at best.

  Your rant is fine. Not sure why you felt compelled to include this :unsure:

  That was just in case my post seemed like a personal attack, which wasn't my intention at all.

  The point I was making last night was in a different vein. The Rockets are in a win now mode and are set up to at least make some noise in this year's playoffs. Yes, your point about Harden possibly staying in OKC for $2 million less but maybebeing in the NBA Finals last season makes sense (although it was the Spurs that made it, not sure if OKC without Westbrook would have, that is pure conjecture). Asik has an opportunity this season and next to contribute to the Rockets success and playoff wins. If and when Asik is traded, he is very unlikely to be playing any playoff games this season and next. That premise is based on the fact Morey and the Rockets are demanding a high 1st round dratt pick, preferably 2, and you don't get those from playoff teams, in return for Asik. They may have to change their expectations as it is now being reported Asik is staying for the time being.

  But surely you would agree his attitude since the summer once the Rockets signed D12 has been quite negative.

  Point number 1: After OKC lost in the Finals, it was supposed to be set for another 5 years (maybe even more, depending on the salary cap), so my money is that they would have made it back to the Finals last year, because Durant and Harden would have overcomed losing Westbrook (my uneducated guess), Durant couldn't pull making up for both of them.

  Every player has his own goals: for Harden, probably being the alpha dog was one, he has the talent to be one, so does Dwight, but neither of them is a true leader, and both are learning as they go, so I'm not sure if Harden prioritized that, just an opinion.

  Point number 2: You are absolutely right, he hasn't made it easy for the rest, and even though it could be just "saying the right words", but it felt really nice hearing Dwight saying they want him there. I really hope Asik could somehow adapt to the new situation and hustle his way back into something in the 25-30 minutes per game (a bit of twin towers included there) and he needs to step up in order to achieve that.

  I could be wrong, but I thought the main reason D12 came to Houston was because Harden was here and the fact Parsons made a point to call and talk to D12 each and every day once the free agency period started.

  Let's be real. 99% of Rockets fans thought we weren't gonna make it last year, and somehow we did it. But it took nearly 26 ppg from Harden and 82 games of elite defense from Asik (who never complained about getting touches in the post of any sort of offensive responsability, even playing twice or more times with a broken nose). I bet that with any one of them out for considerable time, we wouldn't have won more than 35 games, and I just don't see how Dwight ditches LA to go to a 35 win-team.

  All in all, I know he is still getting paid handsomely, but he wants to keep getting paid, and playing 10-15 minutes is gonna be a huge difference from being paid 30-40 millions and 10-15 millions next contract. I do realize he needs to "put the big boy pants" if he wants to get it.

• feelingsupersonic says 2 months ago

  There is simply a split on the value of Asik. Some think he's a great center top 10. Also top 5 defender in the league.
  Others think he's not very important and that he wasn't instrumental last year. Nothing either side says will persuade the other so let's just drop the subject.

  I believe he is a top ten center and top ten defender but that is irrelevant. I still stand by everything I have written in this topic and believe he should be playing to the best of his ability while he is under contract. I have liked him since he was signed and we speculated what he would average but right now he is not being professional and I would not have ever thought he would display such poor character, disappointing really. But all in all I don't really care about Asik's problems because the Rockets will go on long after he is gone, it's about the Rockets for me.
• timetodienow1234567 says 2 months ago

  Why teams didn't want Asik enough.....

  1) Most, if not all, legitimate contenders already have their center, which leaves rebuilding teams. Does a rebuilding team want to give up assets for 2 years of Asik AND make a 15 million dollar payment, when they wouldn't contend with him?

  2) His lack of offense makes him less marketable. Rebuilding teams need someone to get their fanbases excited and Asik isn't that.

  3) He has character issues and would not be a great leader.

  4) Morey was probably asking too much for him.

  I think the only way Asik gets traded is if a contender loses their center for the season.

• 2016Champions says 2 months ago

  If I had to guess I think Asik's lack of marketability played a big role in the way GMs undervalue him, plus centers in general are undervalued--I remember reading an analytical article that projected Hibbert's value to be $15-$20m--Asik's analytical value is just a little less than that.

• rocketrick says 2 months ago

  Analytics suggest Asik is a top 30 player in the league.

  Perhaps the other GM's in the NBA are reading the wrong analytics then. Very surprising how few offers were made for Asik and none stood out. The Celtics probably came the closest but it doesn't seem they were willing to part with a single valuable first round draft pick as part of the package.

• 2016Champions says 2 months ago Analytics suggest Asik is a top 30 player in the league.
• timetodienow1234567 says 2 months ago There is simply a split on the value of Asik. Some think he's a great center top 10. Also top 5 defender in the league.
  
  Others think he's not very important and that he wasn't instrumental last year. Nothing either side says will persuade the other so let's just drop the subject.
• rocketrick says 2 months ago

  My third point. A trade only increases his PT, but it doesn't change the money for the contract years. However if he plays as a starter and gets his minutes proving his value as a starter with his D, he will get paid more than playing behind Howard getting 10-15 min reg season and less in the post season doesn't enhance his value. His next contract will probably be his last big one.

  I agree with you on the situation, Asik should stop sulking and suit up until he get traded or contract ends. I just don't blame him for demanding a trade and I do see why he is doing it.

  My biggest beef with Asik is not that he requested to be traded, but that he has done so numerous times and reportedly faked an illness to get out of playing a backup role in the NY game and clearly this seasonisn't the same Asik that played with heart and grit last season, etc.

  I totally understand that Asik wants and needs to play meaningful minutes in order to enhance his value for his next contract. However, instead of pouting about it and demanding to be traded and being a negative influence this entire season, he should just go out and bust his butt and prove that he deserves more playing time. That's how it works in the NBA and in life in general.

  I can quickly and easily forgive Asik his transgressions if he can put all of this behind him and make a new start with the Rockets effective immediately. That would be best for him and best for the team.

• thenit says 2 months ago

  I agree, we wouldn't know. They would have allocated that money to someone else, probably a center since they would lack one if that was the case. We will disagree on the value of Asik.

• feelingsupersonic says 2 months ago

  I am not stating what I said is my opinion or that me playing devils advocate is stating what occurred between Morey and Asik.

  I just sayI can somewhat understand it from a pro sports view. I played pro soccer for a few years in Europe. Didn't make millions but you had to consider your options, because once your ability or body gives up on you, you are worthless. One injury and you are done. That happened to my cousin who was prominent soccer player in Europe was going to get "paid" and he broke his leg. Now he is working a blue collar job and making ends meet but not in luxury. An athletes life is fickle.

  Asik is getting paid handsomely and doing something I argue he probably loves to do. I'm not sure how much money he made so far in his career but he is probably set for life if he manages his money properly. But for an elite athlete you work 10s of thousands of hours and most of the times you had to make the decision of going pro and basically shun education for your dream. Most people don't make it and the ones who do make it doesn't have the money management skills to survive after their careers.

  In regards of my second point. I believe he was the biggest reason. Harden shared the credit 50% with Asik. I will stand pat on that because no way we make it to the post season when we give up the amount of points without Asik. He also covered up a lot of the flaws Harden had at the D. We don't make the playoffs without Harden but also not without Asik.

  My third point. A trade only increases his PT, but it doesn't change the money for the contract years. However if he plays as a starter and gets his minutes proving his value as a starter with his D, he will get paid more than playing behind Howard getting 10-15 min reg season and less in the post season doesn't enhance his value. His next contract will probably be his last big one.

  I agree with you on the situation, Asik should stop sulking and suit up until he get traded or contract ends. I just don't blame him for demanding a trade and I do see why he is doing it.

  If the Rockets hadn't acquired Asik they would have brought in some other center to start ahead of Smith and probably still would have made the playoffs on James Harden's back in my opinion but we'll never really know.

• feelingsupersonic says 2 months ago

  Well said johnnygold.The longer this debate goes on the less I understand the Asik defenders but we are all entitled to our opinions.

• thenit says 2 months ago

  In regards of that they are getting well paid and being entitled, its just how things are in the world. Why should a teacher, nurses, soldiers, etc make x amount while people bouncing or kicking a ball x amount is a more philosophical question. Nothing we need to delve deeper in

• thenit says 2 months ago

  I am not stating what I said is my opinion or that me playing devils advocate is stating what occurred between Morey and Asik.

  I just sayI can somewhat understand it from a pro sports view. I played pro soccer for a few years in Europe. Didn't make millions but you had to consider your options, because once your ability or body gives up on you, you are worthless. One injury and you are done. That happened to my cousin who was prominent soccer player in Europe was going to get "paid" and he broke his leg. Now he is working a blue collar job and making ends meet but not in luxury. An athletes life is fickle.

  Asik is getting paid handsomely and doing something I argue he probably loves to do. I'm not sure how much money he made so far in his career but he is probably set for life if he manages his money properly. But for an elite athlete you work 10s of thousands of hours and most of the times you had to make the decision of going pro and basically shun education for your dream. Most people don't make it and the ones who do make it doesn't have the money management skills to survive after their careers.

  In regards of my second point. I believe he was the biggest reason. Harden shared the credit 50% with Asik. I will stand pat on that because no way we make it to the post season when we give up the amount of points without Asik. He also covered up a lot of the flaws Harden had at the D. We don't make the playoffs without Harden but also not without Asik.

  My third point. A trade only increases his PT, but it doesn't change the money for the contract years. However if he plays as a starter and gets his minutes proving his value as a starter with his D, he will get paid more than playing behind Howard getting 10-15 min reg season and less in the post season doesn't enhance his value. His next contract will probably be his last big one.

  I agree with you on the situation, Asik should stop sulking and suit up until he get traded or contract ends. I just don't blame him for demanding a trade and I do see why he is doing it.

• thejohnnygold says 2 months ago

  I agree with you on a lot of the statements. However you forget that 99.9% of all elite athletes wants to be the best they can be and play as much as possible, otherwise they wouldn't have made it this far. Money and playing time is equally important but without one of them you can feel slighted especially if you believed that you were asked to be a starter the next 3 years. I will play devils advocate from Asik point of view.

  1. As a FA he was promised to be the starter and grow into a great starting center with the oppurturnity to learn from McHale and Dream to improve his offensive skills.

  2. After playing the 1st year of the contract being arguably the biggest reason they made the post season, he feels pretty good about himself until the summer he suddenly hears rumours of him being "demoted".

  3. He doesn't like that of course once D12 signs and demands a trade to increase his PT and $$$.

  The logic is that while he can sit around and play 10-15 min a game and less in the playoffs, he probably won't improve that much since he doesn't play much and honestly playing time is important for a player to assess different scenarios that may pop up on the court. While he plays out his 2 years and make a hell of a living, however his values would drop dramatically, and he would make less in the future. It could also be ego that he felt slighted by the rockets and that he is sitting on the bench who knows.

  But as mentioned above what if we somehow got KD or LBJ to Houston and Parsons ended up sitting on the bench after he signs his new contract with us. Or as mentioned above regarding Irving playing backup to CP3. I think its more about ego and I can understand that, although I don't like that it kind of hurt the team. A lot of players are trying to get as much glory as possible and make as much as possible during their short career. They are only one big injury from being tossed away and driven away to the nearest garbage site. Its a business so I do understand that most of these elite athletes have big egos and tries to make as much as possible, there shouldn't be a home town discount or anything in that fashion. The few players who makes more in endorsement than their salaries have the luxury to take less to win than others who hasn't made that much yet or built up a brand name.

  I didn't forget that athletes want to play and be the best they can be--I just don't find it very relevant. I have stated in the past that if Asik wants to be indispensable then he needs to improve his offense--which is what got him replaced. He has had plenty of opportunity to do this and is either incapable or unwilling. As far as getting playing time to improve goes--I disagree. He clearly has a strong grasp of the game and looks to be very comfortable on the court. Where he needs improvement is off the court with hand-eye coordination (catching and shooting). One does not practice these things in games.

  As for your Devil's advocate points I also find myself disagreeing.

  You say he was "promised" to be the starter and to learn from Dream. Do you have a source for this? Dream was a private contractor until we signed Dwight. Omer could have sought him out anytime he wanted before signing with us. While I am sure Omer was told he would have the opportunity to start I am dubious he was handed the starting job and guaranteed it was his until retirement--which is how some seem to view it. Morey made an offer, Omer signed it, and Chicago opted not to match it. That's the deal. Omer didn't decide to come here over staying in Chicago--if they had matched he would have been stuck there behind Noah making less money.

  In your second point you say he was "arguably" the biggest reason we made the playoffs. I guess we could argue that....but Omer is simply not that kind of player. James Harden was the biggest reason we made the playoffs last season. Look at Chicago with Joakim Noah. Without D-Rose they will probably find a way into the playoffs--simply because they play in the Eastern Conference. In the West they would get chewed up and spit out.

  In your third point you state that Omer dislikes the D12 signing and demands a trade for more PT and more $$$. Getting traded would not alter his contract. Also, getting traded does not guarantee playing time anymore than it did before. Coaches coach. Players play. Them's the rules. Omer does not get to dictate where he is traded and Morey is not obliged to make him happy--that is his agent's job. The way to achieve his alleged goals was to play hard and do what was asked of him. (That is how he caught Morey's eye in the first place)

  One day the players will become wealthy enough to start their own league and cut the owners out. Today is not that day. The owners have the infrastructure, financing, and advertising/television contracts that make it possible to pay guys like Omer $25M over three years. If it's playing time he wants there are plenty of leagues with less competition that he can dominate overseas. When you join the NBA you are playing the cream of the crop and it is a dog eat dog world (two idioms in one sentence!).

  Regarding Parsons, I would say the same thing.

  As far as making as much money as fast as one can. That is just another entitled point of view in my opinion. These guys get paid extremely well--as they should based on supply and demand. The implication is that once they get done with basketball they should never have to work again and live in the lap of luxury. None of this is guaranteed in any of their contracts either. Smart money management can go along way towards that goal. Oh, and there is the silly notion that they can get jobs after basketball like the rest of us schmoes :o .

  I can tell you this: the only person who ever looked upon me with such biased eyes was my mother--and even she demanded that I earn what I get.

• thenit says 2 months ago

  Your rant is fine. Not sure why you felt compelled to include this :unsure:

  The issue here seems, at least to me, to revolve around the perception of respect and "demotion". In real life (meaning outside of basketball) most demotions include a decrease in pay and, usually just involve getting laid off. The reality of this situation is Asik is getting asked to work less for the same amount of money. That is not a demotion--it is most everyone's dream!

  Now, since we are not in the real world let's try to see it from a basketball view. It is still a business. Plenty of other businesses work the same way. One I think many of us are familiar with is Sports Radio. Those guys sign a contract for X amount of years and X amount of money. After that, it is up to the executives to decide how much time you get, what time slots, and even what kinds of stuff you talk about. You may get signed for prime time, but then some wonder kid comes along and they bump you to graveyard. You didn't get demoted--you got re-allocated.

  They aren't taking money out of your pocket. Sorry guys, but in the business world you are not a person--you are an asset. You are no different than a copy machine or a computer. Every player should understand this and most do--which is why you here this phrase, "It's a business" at least 300 times a year from different player interviews. It sucks to de-humanize oneself for money, but most of us do. I think it is interesting that whether you work at McDonalds or are an elite athlete that truth doesn't change much.

  The beef with Asik is not about us forgetting last year. It is that, from what we can tell, he quit on the team. He could have played out the next two years, enjoyed winning and improving his game (which he needs to do still) and then hit the open market and gotten a very nice contract from which ever team he liked. Ultimately, his me-first attitude and lack of respect for the contract he signed (which has no guarantees of playing time and he knows it) will hurt the Rockets as a team and franchise. I will always enjoy last year's run and his contribution to it, but that does not give him a free pass for where we are currently. It's not Asik bashing or hatred. "It's a business".

  I agree with you on a lot of the statements. However you forget that 99.9% of all elite athletes wants to be the best they can be and play as much as possible, otherwise they wouldn't have made it this far. Money and playing time is equally important but without one of them you can feel slighted especially if you believed that you were asked to be a starter the next 3 years. I will play devils advocate from Asik point of view.

  1. As a FA he was promised to be the starter and grow into a great starting center with the oppurturnity to learn from McHale and Dream to improve his offensive skills.

  2. After playing the 1st year of the contract being arguably the biggest reason they made the post season, he feels pretty good about himself until the summer he suddenly hears rumours of him being "demoted".

  3. He doesn't like that of course once D12 signs and demands a trade to increase his PT and $$$.

  The logic is that while he can sit around and play 10-15 min a game and less in the playoffs, he probably won't improve that much since he doesn't play much and honestly playing time is important for a player to assess different scenarios that may pop up on the court. While he plays out his 2 years and make a hell of a living, however his values would drop dramatically, and he would make less in the future. It could also be ego that he felt slighted by the rockets and that he is sitting on the bench who knows.

  But as mentioned above what if we somehow got KD or LBJ to Houston and Parsons ended up sitting on the bench after he signs his new contract with us. Or as mentioned above regarding Irving playing backup to CP3. I think its more about ego and I can understand that, although I don't like that it kind of hurt the team. A lot of players are trying to get as much glory as possible and make as much as possible during their short career. They are only one big injury from being tossed away and driven away to the nearest garbage site. Its a business so I do understand that most of these elite athletes have big egos and tries to make as much as possible, there shouldn't be a home town discount or anything in that fashion. The few players who makes more in endorsement than their salaries have the luxury to take less to win than others who hasn't made that much yet or built up a brand name.

• rocketrick says 2 months ago

  I bet that Howard wouldn't have chose Houston if we didn't make the playoffs, so thank Omer for helping to lure DH.

  I could be wrong, but I thought the main reason D12 came to Houston was because Harden was here and the fact Parsons made a point to call and talk to D12 each and every day once the free agency period started.

• rocketrick says 2 months ago

  Funny how Asik is "all about the money"....let's not forget why Harden wasn't playing the Finals again in OKC last year. Our own very true superstar is here because he wanted 2 MILLION MORE PER YEAR FROM WHAT HE WAS BEING OFFERED!!! Isn't leaving that two million on the table worth it so you can keep playing with Durant and Westbrook, who were all best buds? Aparently not, so when Asik complains and wants out so he can position himself better to get a better contract in 2015, he is a traitor and a child for wanting out but no one cares how we got Harden in the first place.

  Yes, I'm an Asik fan, but first I am a Rockets fan. I'm just not a homer. And I'm not saying that you, or anyone in particular is a homer (whether is good or bad to be one is up to y'all), but it irks me to see everyone attacking Asik for wanting out. He gave his very best and we wouldn't have come anywhere near the playoffs last year without him. So if you are asking him to show some loyalty or respect to the franchise that gave him the opportunity to be recognized in this league, then we as fans should show some appreciation to him as well for being part of a team that exceeded expectations and gave us some hope towards the future. I bet that Howard wouldn't have chose Houston if we didn't make the playoffs, so thank Omer for helping to lure DH.

  Valid point, Ale11, except for the fact Harden didn't pout on the bench like Asik obviously is right now. I have stated in other forums that I understood Asik's plight and desire to be a starter now so that he would be set up for a bigger contract when the time comes to re-up.

  The point I was making last night was in a different vein. The Rockets are in a win now mode and are set up to at least make some noise in this year's playoffs. Yes, your point about Harden possibly staying in OKC for $2 million less but maybebeing in the NBA Finals last season makes sense (although it was the Spurs that made it, not sure if OKC without Westbrook would have, that is pure conjecture). Asik has an opportunity this season and next to contribute to the Rockets success and playoff wins. If and when Asik is traded, he is very unlikely to be playing any playoff games this season and next. That premise is based on the fact Morey and the Rockets are demanding a high 1st round dratt pick, preferably 2, and you don't get those from playoff teams, in return for Asik. They may have to change their expectations as it is now being reported Asik is staying for the time being.

  I don't know, in my mind it just seems like 2 completely different situations. Maybe I'm thinking about this wrong and I will do some reflection today, butAsik's poor attitude about the D12 signing from day 1 up to now (numerousrequests to be traded, etc.)and how that is having a negative impact on the Rockets players and locker room is completely different than Harden's decision to become a franchise player for another team rather than remain as a valuable 6th man for OKC for another 4-5 years.

  Anyway, that's my take on it.

  Maybe I was being a bit rough in saying Asik is all about the money.

  But surely you would agree his attitude since the summer once the Rockets signed D12 has been quite negative.

  As a Rockets fan, I am very worried about how Asik and his attitudewill continue impacting the Rockets going forward.

  Thank you for your contributions, as always.

• rocketrick says 2 months ago

  I find it unfair that if some of us believe Asik should play his contract out to the best of his ability that we "hate" him or that some of you all assumed we have called him names. First of all hate is a pretty strong word and just ridiculous to use in our forum and second I haven't labeled Asik anything and yes I respect his play and what he has brought to the table for the Rockets. Now saying that I am not concerned about Asik's feeling about his contract, a contract he willingly signed to play basketball for the Rockets. I do not concern myself with Asik's aspirations or status as a starter or back up because I have real life things to concern me like my wife, my son and my career. I am a Rockets fan and the Rockets as a team concern me but why should I care about a grown man's plight playing professional sports?
  
  If Asik thinks he has problems then so be it. He sure doesn't appear to be dealing with them very well.

  Perfectly stated, feelingsupersonic. My sentiments exactly.

• rocketrick says 2 months ago

  The beef with Asik is not about us forgetting last year. It is that, from what we can tell, he quit on the team. He could have played out the next two years, enjoyed winning and improving his game (which he needs to do still) and then hit the open market and gotten a very nice contract from which ever team he liked. Ultimately, his me-first attitude and lack of respect for the contract he signed (which has no guarantees of playing time and he knows it) will hurt the Rockets as a team and franchise. I will always enjoy last year's run and his contribution to it, but that does not give him a free pass for where we are currently. It's not Asik bashing or hatred. "It's a business".

  Well stated, JohnnyGold, and I am in 100% agreement as these are precisely the points I have been making recently about the Asik situation.

  I wished I could remember Spock;s exact words about the whole being more important than the one when he saved the Enterprise and nuked himself with radiation.

  The teams that earn the accolades of being a champion in the NBA have learned long ago the concept of team over individual.

• thejohnnygold says 2 months ago

  Rant over, no need to "moderate me".

  Your rant is fine. Not sure why you felt compelled to include this :unsure:

  The issue here seems, at least to me, to revolve around the perception of respect and "demotion". In real life (meaning outside of basketball) most demotions include a decrease in pay and, usually just involve getting laid off. The reality of this situation is Asik is getting asked to work less for the same amount of money. That is not a demotion--it is most everyone's dream!

  Now, since we are not in the real world let's try to see it from a basketball view. It is still a business. Plenty of other businesses work the same way. One I think many of us are familiar with is Sports Radio. Those guys sign a contract for X amount of years and X amount of money. After that, it is up to the executives to decide how much time you get, what time slots, and even what kinds of stuff you talk about. You may get signed for prime time, but then some wonder kid comes along and they bump you to graveyard. You didn't get demoted--you got re-allocated.

  They aren't taking money out of your pocket. Sorry guys, but in the business world you are not a person--you are an asset. You are no different than a copy machine or a computer. Every player should understand this and most do--which is why you here this phrase, "It's a business" at least 300 times a year from different player interviews. It sucks to de-humanize oneself for money, but most of us do. I think it is interesting that whether you work at McDonalds or are an elite athlete that truth doesn't change much.

  The beef with Asik is not about us forgetting last year. It is that, from what we can tell, he quit on the team. He could have played out the next two years, enjoyed winning and improving his game (which he needs to do still) and then hit the open market and gotten a very nice contract from which ever team he liked. Ultimately, his me-first attitude and lack of respect for the contract he signed (which has no guarantees of playing time and he knows it) will hurt the Rockets as a team and franchise. I will always enjoy last year's run and his contribution to it, but that does not give him a free pass for where we are currently. It's not Asik bashing or hatred. "It's a business".

• feelingsupersonic says 2 months ago I find it unfair that if some of us believe Asik should play his contract out to the best of his ability that we "hate" him or that some of you all assumed we have called him names. First of all hate is a pretty strong word and just ridiculous to use in our forum and second I haven't labeled Asik anything and yes I respect his play and what he has brought to the table for the Rockets. Now saying that I am not concerned about Asik's feeling about his contract, a contract he willingly signed to play basketball for the Rockets. I do not concern myself with Asik's aspirations or status as a starter or back up because I have real life things to concern me like my wife, my son and my career. I am a Rockets fan and the Rockets as a team concern me but why should I care about a grown man's plight playing professional sports?
  
  If Asik thinks he has problems then so be it. He sure doesn't appear to be dealing with them very well.
• Cooper says 2 months ago For most nba players money should be more important than winning titles. Hell even most of the billionaire owners care more about profiting than winning titles. Unless you're coming of a max contract and at the end of your career it makes sense to go for who's offering the most money than signing on with the heat spurs or pacers type confederate for significantly less.
• rm90025 says 2 months ago

  I don't understand the Asik hate. He isa player in the prime of his career who wants a chance to play and be respected as a starter in this league. He earned it based on his performance. He knows Morey is a manipulator who would be happy to keep him in a minor role for the duration of his contract if he were to passively accept a reduced role.The failure is on Morey and McHale who had a whole summer to make Asik comfortable with the post-Howard situation and failed. Asik is just standing up for himself and doing what he can to force Morey to either live up to the spirit of the contract when he signed him or trade him.

• ale11 says 2 months ago

  It would certainly prove what motivates Asik, that money is more important to him going forward than a chance at winning NBA titles.

  Funny how Asik is "all about the money"....let's not forget why Harden wasn't playing the Finals again in OKC last year. Our own very true superstar is here because he wanted 2 MILLION MORE PER YEAR FROM WHAT HE WAS BEING OFFERED!!! Isn't leaving that two million on the table worth it so you can keep playing with Durant and Westbrook, who were all best buds? Aparently not, so when Asik complains and wants out so he can position himself better to get a better contract in 2015, he is a traitor and a child for wanting out but no one cares how we got Harden in the first place.

  Yes, I'm an Asik fan, but first I am a Rockets fan. I'm just not a homer. And I'm not saying that you, or anyone in particular is a homer (whether is good or bad to be one is up to y'all), but it irks me to see everyone attacking Asik for wanting out. He gave his very best and we wouldn't have come anywhere near the playoffs last year without him. So if you are asking him to show some loyalty or respect to the franchise that gave him the opportunity to be recognized in this league, then we as fans should show some appreciation to him as well for being part of a team that exceeded expectations and gave us some hope towards the future. I bet that Howard wouldn't have chose Houston if we didn't make the playoffs, so thank Omer for helping to lure DH.

  Let's follow this logic: there's a popular feeling that Howard is the best center in the NBA and Asik is somewhere around number 6 or 7, and let's say that CP3 is the best point guard in the league, can you imagine someone like Kyrie Irving be willing to back him up? (Assuming he is 6 or 7, behind Parker, Rose, Rondo, Deron Williams, Rubio. You can make you own lists with your preferences and asks yourself if whichever PG who is number 7 in your list would be willing to take a backseat "for the greater good". I'm guessing the answer would also be NO).

  You already have stablished that I have no idea what I'm talking about, that's why lately I don't comment anything and limit myself to read the brighter minds, like yourself, give an opinion (Mostly, I enjoy the Dailies and the charts and all the articles). But I felt the need to say something because I think that we as fans tend to forget quickly and be ungrateful. I'd like to think the day Omer returns to Toyota Center with another team, he is going to be recognized and applauded, I know I would if I had the chance to attend to a game.

  Rant over, no need to "moderate me".

• timetodienow1234567 says 2 months ago If all he did was ask for a trade, then I can't see how any rational person would be disappointed in Asik. He's young and wants to play. If he stayed, he'd play 10-15 minutes a night in the regular season and 5-10 minutes a night in the postseason.
  
  I just don't get the people turning on Asik when he was the biggest reason we made the playoffs last year. How quickly us fans forget.
• 2016Champions says 2 months ago

  Are we assuming that Asik is doing something else besides asking for a trade? Is he faking his injury?

  I wouldn't rule that out, but for whatever it's worth McHale said Asik is better now and could be back on the court very soon.

• timetodienow1234567 says 2 months ago Are we assuming that Asik is doing something else besides asking for a trade? Is he faking his injury?
• Losthief says 2 months ago

  Right, I agree. However, I am unsure of precise dates and timing when things have to happen by. At some point (is it January 2014?) the Rockets have to announce whether they intend to accept Parson's option for the 2014-15 season or allow him to become a restricted free agent. And when can the Rockets go ahead and sign Parsons to a new contract? I would think they have an opportunity before Parsons officially becomes a restricted free agent.
  
  Perhaps having Bass' and Lee's contract on the books for the next 1-2 seasons in effect fills some of the available cap space prior to the Rockets utilizing their bird rights to signing Parsons to the max if necessary to retain him.
  
  My concern is that Parsons becomes an unrestricted free agent and another team offers him the maximum for 4 years. Assuming the Rockets allow Parsons to test free agency, I would suspect they would be prepared to match another team's maximum offer to Parsons. Ideally, they could negotiate with Parsons and his agent before free agency starts and re-sign him to a new contract effective the start of the 2014-15 season.
  
  So I need to research specific NBA dates and deadlines as well as the maximum offer Parsons is eligible for.

  i just looked it up, its actually his 3rd year after this one, so now we have FULL bird rights.

  So we can match anything anyone throws at us, even above the cap. Here's a link with scenarios: http://rockets.clutchfans.net/3681/

  and i think his max will be the same as harden was able to get, but i don't think he gets that much offered. He'll get say...11 mil-12mil a year plus raises. so like 4 years 50 mil or something.

  for 14-15, we still have a team option evidently for like 1.8 mil or something. Which is probably what morey does, and uses bird rights to sign him in 2015. But if he's worry parsons might bolt in FA in '15 if we don't pay him now he might do the restricted free agency thing now in '14.

• Steven says 2 months ago Asik, Turkish for crybaby.
• David says 2 months ago

  Another bogus argument anyway as just exactly when in the entire history of the NBA has such a situation as you have described exactly occurred or was "turned down" by front office executives and that impacted that team's chances of winning an NBA title?
  
  That's right, exactly 0.

  Right, never as far as I know, that's my point :) It's so far-fetched that no one would even bother to bring it up. But hey, was D'Antoni being a bad team player by not stepping down on Dwight Howard's request?

  Anyhow I'll concede that these are part of the expectations that the player knows about before joining, unfair or not. So in that sense I agree that I don't feel bad for Asik, just I disagree with the hostility towards a talented guy trying to make the most of the relatively short career athletes have.

• 2016Champions says 2 months ago If Asik was to honor his contact I doubt he would get traded at all, the offers are too underwhelming.
• rocketrick says 2 months ago

  New post: Houston Rockets 109, Chicago Bulls 94: Howard makes it look easy
  By: Eric Nielsen
  
  I wonder how much Asik’s value went down with his attitude and behavior? He gave up on the Rockets while getting paid 5 million this season. After cheering for him all last year, I’m deeply disappointed in Asik’s whining and the way it all played out. Especially the way the Rockets provided him with the opportunity to prove himself in the league for the first time. Even Van Gundy mentioned how he was surprised that Asik didn't honor his contract by playing hard.

  
  My sentiments exactly.
• rocketrick says 2 months ago

  I think that argument is fair enough, but for contrast, how many people in the Rockets front office would accept a demotion in order to slightly increase the Rockets chances of winning a title? I'm guessing about 0.

  
  Another bogus argument anyway as just exactly when in the entire history of the NBA has such a situation as you have described exactly occurred or was "turned down" by front office executives and that impacted that team's chances of winning an NBA title?
  
  That's right, exactly 0.
• rocketrick says 2 months ago

  I think that argument is fair enough, but for contrast, how many people in the Rockets front office would accept a demotion in order to slightly increase the Rockets chances of winning a title? I'm guessing about 0.

  
  So you think Asik being a loyal Rockets player until the end of his contract would only "slightly increase" the Rockets chances of winning a title?
  
  I disagree with you and perhaps that is at the crux of all of this.
  
  For sure, the Rockets (or any other team) are not guaranteed to win a title, they have to earn it. Having a roster that included 48 minutes of rim protection each and every game certainly increases the Rockets chances at a title something more than slightly in my opinion.
  
  To each their own.
• David says 2 months ago

  It would certainly prove what motivates Asik, that money is more important to him going forward than a chance at winning NBA titles. The Rockets are close to contending for a title and Asik would have played a key role backing up D12 and filling in for him when D12 was out with injury over the remainder of this season and next. Perhaps he could work harder to make the twin towers become more effective to earn more playing time on the floor.
  
  Instead, Asik chose to whine. The Celtics (or another cellar dwelling team out there considering Asik currently) aren't going to be contending for a title anytime soon.
  
  Asik could have chosen to continue cashing his checks from the Rockets and being a loyal Rockets player and doing his part to contribute to the team's effort to contend for a title.
  
  It takes a team of players committed to a common goal (winning the NBA title) and sacrificing along the way.

  I think that argument is fair enough, but for contrast, how many people in the Rockets front office would accept a demotion in order to slightly increase the Rockets chances of winning a title? I'm guessing about 0.

• feelingsupersonic says 2 months ago

  Well I'm a Rockets *fan*, not their lawyer :) I can see things from other perspectives too... As a computer programmer I can only imagine what it'd be like to have my company trade me to another company, while assigning me an open position on the janitorial staff in the meantime, and having my value plummet if I dared to complain. It doesn't seem like the kind of treatment people would get in any other profession, *especially* high paying jobs. Why must Asik act like he works for McDonald's when he ought to have all the leverage in this situation?

  
  Fair enough, we just see it differently. I can look back on all kinds of championship teams and see players who could have achieved more individually had they chosen that but each unto his own. I don't fault Asik but I sure don't feel bad for him, he gets to play a sport for a living.
• rocketrick says 2 months ago

  Well I'm a Rockets *fan*, not their lawyer :) I can see things from other perspectives too... As a computer programmer I can only imagine what it'd be like to have my company trade me to another company, while assigning me an open position on the janitorial staff in the meantime, and having my value plummet if I dared to complain. It doesn't seem like the kind of treatment people would get in any other profession, *especially* high paying jobs. Why must Asik act like he works for McDonald's when he ought to have all the leverage in this situation?

  
  So McDonald's pays their employees $5 million each for 2 years, then $15 million for the 3rd and that's not enough? Of course they don't. Asik is in a privileged position and the real Asik has come to the surface and it's certainly not a pretty one considering the circumstances and the guaranteed money already in place all made possible by, the Rockets, not McDonald's or some other employer.
  
  The Bulls didn't offer to pay Asik $25 million over 3 seasons. Nor did any other NBA team. So exactly where else would Asik be expecting this type of compensation?
  
  And his appreciation for all of that is to demand a trade without making a real effort to try and make the best of the situation. I never once thought he showed any passion or intensity on the floor during the twin towers experiment earlier this season. Personally, I think Asik had already checked out and was already gone from Houston mentally.
  
  Plus I just don't think it's realistic to compare Asik's employment situation to typical employment situations.
• rocketrick says 2 months ago

  So Morey can treat all his guys as moveable assets, but as soon as Asik does anything to help his career he's a disloyal whiner? It's a ridiculous double standard. All I can say is that if Asik ends up the starting center for the Celtics he did something right, and good for him if he lost a few friends along the way, life isn't a Disney movie.

  
  It would certainly prove what motivates Asik, that money is more important to him going forward than a chance at winning NBA titles. The Rockets are close to contending for a title and Asik would have played a key role backing up D12 and filling in for him when D12 was out with injury over the remainder of this season and next. Perhaps he could work harder to make the twin towers become more effective to earn more playing time on the floor.
  
  Instead, Asik chose to whine. The Celtics (or another cellar dwelling team out there considering Asik currently) aren't going to be contending for a title anytime soon.
  
  Asik could have chosen to continue cashing his checks from the Rockets and being a loyal Rockets player and doing his part to contribute to the team's effort to contend for a title.
  
  It takes a team of players committed to a common goal (winning the NBA title) and sacrificing along the way.
• David says 2 months ago

  I don't know about you but I am a Rockets fan, not an Asik fan. He could have fallen in line but he choose an individual path over sacrificing for the team, that was his choice.

  Well I'm a Rockets *fan*, not their lawyer :) I can see things from other perspectives too... As a computer programmer I can only imagine what it'd be like to have my company trade me to another company, while assigning me an open position on the janitorial staff in the meantime, and having my value plummet if I dared to complain. It doesn't seem like the kind of treatment people would get in any other profession, *especially* high paying jobs. Why must Asik act like he works for McDonald's when he ought to have all the leverage in this situation?

• rocketrick says 2 months ago

  Parsons early bird rights means that we can sign someone else with our space then sign him even if it puts us over the cap (i believe, unless early bird rights changed in the new cba somehow). He has to want to stay though for that to work so we don't get caught by the restricted free agency clock on contracts. So that be a gamble.

  
  Right, I agree. However, I am unsure of precise dates and timing when things have to happen by. At some point (is it January 2014?) the Rockets have to announce whether they intend to accept Parson's option for the 2014-15 season or allow him to become a restricted free agent. And when can the Rockets go ahead and sign Parsons to a new contract? I would think they have an opportunity before Parsons officially becomes a restricted free agent.
  
  Perhaps having Bass' and Lee's contract on the books for the next 1-2 seasons in effect fills some of the available cap space prior to the Rockets utilizing their bird rights to signing Parsons to the max if necessary to retain him.
  
  My concern is that Parsons becomes an unrestricted free agent and another team offers him the maximum for 4 years. Assuming the Rockets allow Parsons to test free agency, I would suspect they would be prepared to match another team's maximum offer to Parsons. Ideally, they could negotiate with Parsons and his agent before free agency starts and re-sign him to a new contract effective the start of the 2014-15 season.
  
  So I need to research specific NBA dates and deadlines as well as the maximum offer Parsons is eligible for.
• feelingsupersonic says 2 months ago

  So Morey can treat all his guys as moveable assets, but as soon as Asik does anything to help his career he's a disloyal whiner? It's a ridiculous double standard. All I can say is that if Asik ends up the starting center for the Celtics he did something right, and good for him if he lost a few friends along the way, life isn't a Disney movie.

  
  I don't know about you but I am a Rockets fan, not an Asik fan. He could have fallen in line but he choose an individual path over sacrificing for the team, that was his choice.
• Losthief says 2 months ago

  Well, Parsons when he re-signs will likely command $9-$10 million per year as discussed in prior forums earlier this month. So that's a big chunk. Plus, if Bass and Lee (plus a 1st round pick) are traded for Asik, that's another 12 million or so right there. The Rockets will need to move one of Bass or Lee, at minimum, for salary cap purposes if not at the Trade Deadline in February, then likely over the summer. I'm not sure of the exact timing of when Parsons has to be re-signed by to prevent him from becoming a restricted free agent but the Rockets are sure to meet that deadline one way or another in my opinion.

  Parsons early bird rights means that we can sign someone else with our space then sign him even if it puts us over the cap (i believe, unless early bird rights changed in the new cba somehow). He has to want to stay though for that to work so we don't get caught by the restricted free agency clock on contracts. So that be a gamble.

• David says 2 months ago

  So Morey can treat all his guys as moveable assets, but as soon as Asik does anything to help his career he's a disloyal whiner? It's a ridiculous double standard. All I can say is that if Asik ends up the starting center for the Celtics he did something right, and good for him if he lost a few friends along the way, life isn't a Disney movie.

• rocketrick says 2 months ago

  We would only have 16.5 million in free cap if we let go of lin and asik, not 30 million, still that's a solid max contract there. Who'd we go after though? Bosh? Lebron pipe dream so we can all have a good laugh?

  
  Well, Parsons when he re-signs will likely command $9-$10 million per year as discussed in prior forums earlier this month. So that's a big chunk. Plus, if Bass and Lee (plus a 1st round pick) are traded for Asik, that's another 12 million or so right there. The Rockets will need to move one of Bass or Lee, at minimum, for salary cap purposes if not at the Trade Deadline in February, then likely over the summer. I'm not sure of the exact timing of when Parsons has to be re-signed by to prevent him from becoming a restricted free agent but the Rockets are sure to meet that deadline one way or another in my opinion.
• Buckko says 2 months ago
  
  

  We would only have 16.5 million in free cap if we let go of lin and asik, not 30 million, still that's a solid max contract there. Who'd we go after though? Bosh? Lebron pipe dream so we can all have a good laugh?

• Red94 says 2 months ago New post: Houston Rockets 109, Chicago Bulls 94: Howard makes it look easy
  By: Eric Nielsen
  
  

  Houston got a solid win with a balanced offensive attack.  Everyone shot the ball well, 53% for the team, and the game was in hand after a 15 to 1 run to end the third quarter.  That run was propelled by the second team and Casspi especially.  In the first half of the third quarter it looked like the Rockets were going to let the Bulls back into the game.  But, the Bulls went cold and didn’t score a field goal for six minutes.

  It was nice to see a game that went into the fourth quarter with the starters on the bench and McHale having the option to sit them a little more than normal. Only Parsons was on the court in the fourth quarter until the Bulls closed it to 14 with 6:47 left in the game and McHale put all the starters back in.  He pulled all the starters with over two minutes to go as the Rockets had one of their easier victories of the year.  Even Brewer got in the game and scored.

  McHale’s presence was calming and helped steady the Rockets and they are now four and four in their last eight games. One of the nicest sets was when McHale drew up a play, after a time out, at the end of the first half for a three pointer by Beverley that extended the lead to 13. Putting the starters back in at the midway point in the final quarter sealed the deal.  It looked like McHale was glad to be back on the bench after missing the last three games to attend to his mother's funeral.

  Howard is playing some awesome basketball for the Rockets and he is obviously a serious upgrade from Asik.  Neither Boozer nor Noah could stop him tonight.  He shot 11 of 14 from the field and looked great in the paint.  The Rockets got him a lot of touches on the post, the pick and roll looked really good and he got so many dunks.  Jones had some great passes inside to Howard and finished with six assists. Howard looks really happy and he’s been a lot of fun to watch.  He’s setting hard screens, passing from the post, integrating well with Harden and making people change their shots in the paint.  The Rockets scored 66 points in the paint.

  The turnovers were better tonight for the Rockets as they only had 13, but Harden had seven.  Harden looked really good after spraining his ankle and shot seven for 13 in 36 minutes.  He started the game with a monster dunk, took it to the hole for a layup and hit a bomb three.  Van Gundy had an interesting comment about Harden not being an elite guard in the league until he can bring it every game consistently.  Parsons had a quiet all-star like game with 19 points and nine boards.  Overall the Rockets looked relaxed, confident and got an easy win in a game that should be an easy win.

  Now for more on Asik and the self-imposed trade deadline.  How will you feel if the trade is made for Bass, Lee and a pick?  At first, I was thinking, what a rip-off for us.  But with Asik playing prima donna, this may be the best pick-up we can get.  Lee is shooting the ball very well this year and can play some defense and Bass can shoot way better than Asik (who doesn’t) and can be a big body underneath.  Both players bring some experience.  Can Morey move these guys if he picks them up?  Who else wants Bass or Lee?  Bass is under contract until 2015 at 7 million and Lee on the books until 2016 at 5.5 million per. Those numbers sting.  I was hoping that if we lose Asik and Lin this year, we could sign someone huge next year with that 30 million.

  I wonder how much Asik’s value went down with his attitude and behavior?  He gave up on the Rockets while getting paid 5 million this season.  After cheering for him all last year, I’m deeply disappointed in Asik’s whining and the way it all played out.  Especially the way the Rockets provided him with the opportunity to prove himself in the league for the first time.  Even Van Gundy mentioned how he was surprised that Asik didn't honor his contract by playing hard.