76 replies to this topic

[Buckko]

In this topic I would like to discuss the value of asik and the reasons for keeping him on the team.

 

Asik is about the 7th best center in the NBA right now and carried the defensive load of the entire rockets team. Without asik we would've been nowhere near the playoffs. He is a double-double machine who is a stone wall guarding the paint. Now as of last season he has relative no offensive game besides an occasional hook, but mainly catch and dunk. He also has stone hands and no jumpshot but has proven to make clutch freethrows. It should also be of note that he only average 30 minutes. 

 

Now you may ask that the Turkish Hammer is redundant now superman has landed, but I disagree entirely. He would go from being the 7th best starting center to the best backup center in the league, but the logic behind keeping him is quite obvious. They say asik will be mad due the fact he will only play limited minutes. The fact is he only played 30 minutes a night and being Howard coming off of a couple of major injuries, you might not want to overwork D12 and rest him quite often. That's where asik comes in. Then asik and howard will be used in lineups to close out games with defense and rebounding and to battle against large teams such as Memphis and Indiana. Another major reason is should Dwight be injured, our team will not implode because we can move asik up to the starting lineup. Also we would have 48 minutes of best rim protection in the NBA and the premier 1-2 punch at center. When asik was on the court last season, our defense was a top 10 and when he was off we were one of the last so our defense average was mediocre. Now with D12, Omer, and everyone improving on defense we can easily break the top 5 defense along with the best offense in the NBA. That is a combination that spells champion.

 

On a side note, a demo and Asik tandem would destroy 2nd units coming off the bench. Just an afterthought.

[Mason Khamvilay]

I would love to keep him if I didn't think he will walk in 2015. Imo it would be a smart business decision to patiently explore options, hopefully create a bidding war, and accept the highest offer which should either involve a star or multiple 1st round picks that could result in a star.

[Buckko]

I would love to keep him if I didn't think he will walk in 2015. Imo it would be a smart business decision to patiently explore options, hopefully create a bidding war, and accept the highest offer which should either involve a star or multiple 1st round picks that could result in a star.

I doubt he walks if we win a championship or get to the finals considering this team is a top contender, the best chemistry between players on a team, and working with Mchale and Hakeem. Also due to the fact that he will be a big part of the team.

 

Asik has also said recently he would be fine with being D12's backup. So no he is not whining and complaining.

Edited by Buckko, 30 July 2013 - 07:38 AM.

[Buckko]

These couple articles have a great breakdown on our talented 2nd unit and how asik is so valuable to it.

 

http://houstonbias.b...ampionship.html

 

http://houstonbias.b...d-team-key.html

[rocketrick]

By keeping Asik, the Rockets would have the highest paid backup Center in the NBA for the next 2 seasons at $8.5 million per year. Perhaps the Rockets would be smarter to use that salary slot for player(s) that would play more minutes and alongside D12, Harden and Parsons rather than having Asik playing alongside bench players for the most part and at the same cost. I'm sure that Morey and the Rockets also are taking into consideration luxury tax that will eventually play some role in future decision making.

[rockets best fan]

amazing here you're discussing Asik value, but you don't think he's a good trade chip.........amazing

[rockets best fan]

By keeping Asik, the Rockets would have the highest paid backup Center in the NBA for the next 2 seasons at $8.5 million per year. Perhaps the Rockets would be smarter to use that salary slot for player(s) that would play more minutes and alongside D12, Harden and Parsons rather than having Asik playing alongside bench players for the most part and at the same cost. I'm sure that Morey and the Rockets also are taking into consideration luxury tax that will eventually play some role in future decision making.

totally agree

[rocketrick]

Hey RBF, you know I have mentioned countless times in these forums and weeks before the Rockets were in the D12 Final Sweepstakes how much more of a trade chip Asik is and would become were D12 to join the Rockets.

Asik is easily the most valuable trade chip the Rockets have and I fully expect that Morey and the Rockets will get more than full value when the time comes.

[Buckko]

This topic was meant for reasons of keeping asik because of his value to the team, but what do you expect to trade him for and make Greg smith or Camby your backup center which isn't a great idea.

[rocketrick]

I doubt he walks if we win a championship or get to the finals considering this team is a top contender, the best chemistry between players on a team, and working with Mchale and Hakeem. Also due to the fact that he will be a big part of the team.
 
Asik has also said recently he would be fine with being D12's backup. So no he is not whining and complaining.

So you do agree that Asik is a valuable player and thus would be a vital trade chip at some point when the Rockets are offered the right player in return? I'd personally rather have Aldridge playing 30 minutes alongside D12, Harden and Parsons instead of having Asik coming off the bench to spot D12. For sure the Rockets will have to move more than just Asik to acquire Aldridge but they certainly have the assets available to do so were the opportunity to present itself.

I personally don't see the Rockets winning any NBA Titles without 1 more major move. Asik and Lin own the 2 highest salary slots and both at some point should be expendable.

[rockets best fan]

This topic was meant for reasons of keeping asik because of his value to the team, but what do you expect to trade him for and make Greg smith or Camby your backup center which isn't a great idea.

I agree Asik is valuable......no argument there. D-mo will be the backup center on this team when Asik is moved.

[rockets best fan]

So you do agree that Asik is a valuable player and thus would be a vital trade chip at some point when the Rockets are offered the right player in return? I'd personally rather have Aldridge playing 30 minutes alongside D12, Harden and Parsons instead of having Asik coming off the bench to spot D12. For sure the Rockets will have to move more than just Asik to acquire Aldridge but they certainly have the assets available to do so were the opportunity to present itself.

I personally don't see the Rockets winning any NBA Titles without 1 more major move. Asik and Lin own the 2 highest salary slots and both at some point should be expendable.

it appears we are of like minds on this subject

[rocketrick]

In this topic I would like to discuss the value of asik and the reasons for keeping him on the team.
 
Asik is about the 7th best center in the NBA right now and carried the defensive load of the entire rockets team. Without asik we would've been nowhere near the playoffs. He is a double-double machine who is a stone wall guarding the paint. Now as of last season he has relative no offensive game besides an occasional hook, but mainly catch and dunk. He also has stone hands and no jumpshot but has proven to make clutch freethrows. It should also be of note that he only average 30 minutes. 
 
Now you may ask that the Turkish Hammer is redundant now superman has landed, but I disagree entirely. He would go from being the 7th best starting center to the best backup center in the league, but the logic behind keeping him is quite obvious. They say asik will be mad due the fact he will only play limited minutes. The fact is he only played 30 minutes a night and being Howard coming off of a couple of major injuries, you might not want to overwork D12 and rest him quite often. That's where asik comes in. Then asik and howard will be used in lineups to close out games with defense and rebounding and to battle against large teams such as Memphis and Indiana. Another major reason is should Dwight be injured, our team will not implode because we can move asik up to the starting lineup. Also we would have 48 minutes of best rim protection in the NBA and the premier 1-2 punch at center. When asik was on the court last season, our defense was a top 10 and when he was off we were one of the last so our defense average was mediocre. Now with D12, Omer, and everyone improving on defense we can easily break the top 5 defense along with the best offense in the NBA. That is a combination that spells champion.
 
On a side note, a demo and Asik tandem would destroy 2nd units coming off the bench. Just an afterthought.

I still distinctly remember how great Demo was going to be last year and well, ummm, anyway let's just say that he's a rookie and go from there. But to say he and Asik together are going to "destroy 2nd units" this season seems more hyperbole than fact. Believe me, as a diehard Rockets fan, I hope you are right but I've been following the Rockets much too long which helps keep my expectations in check!

[rockets best fan]

Hey RBF, you know I have mentioned countless times in these forums and weeks before the Rockets were in the D12 Final Sweepstakes how much more of a trade chip Asik is and would become were D12 to join the Rockets.

Asik is easily the most valuable trade chip the Rockets have and I fully expect that Morey and the Rockets will get more than full value when the time comes.

you know it funny to me that the same people who argue that Asik isn't enough to garner a good offer on the trade market think he can't be replaced on our team

Edited by rockets best fan, 30 July 2013 - 08:06 AM.

[rocketrick]

This topic was meant for reasons of keeping asik because of his value to the team, but what do you expect to trade him for and make Greg smith or Camby your backup center which isn't a great idea.

Morey signing Camby and Aaron Brooks was brilliant. Everyone then instantly thinks, oh that means Asik and Lin are going to be traded by this time next week, etc.

Couldn't be farther from the truth in my opinion. Instead, I believe Morey and the Rockets are even more better positioned to make moves at the Trade Deadline in February without having to worry specifically about receiving players back from the trade partner that play the exact same position.

So what I am trying to say is that the Rockets have much more flexibility with Asik and not have to worry about a backup to D12 when that trade eventually occurs. Could be in February at the Trade Deadline or perhaps next summer, who knows? However, Camby as the backup C means there is no reason to worry about making a specific trade including a backup center in return.

Same can be said of Jeremy Lin. Now that the Rockets in effect have 4 PG's in Lin, Beverley, Brooks and Canaan, again they can make a move, if necessary and when the right opportunity arises (most likely Lin) and already have enough depth at PG to not require a backup PG in return.

Just brilliant, brilliant thinking by Morey and the Rockets! And in the meantime, the Rockets are solid all the way from 1-15 on their bench by having quality bench players like Camby and Brooks ready to fill in when injuries arise, etc. in the meantime.

[Buckko]

So you do agree that Asik is a valuable player and thus would be a vital trade chip at some point when the Rockets are offered the right player in return? I'd personally rather have Aldridge playing 30 minutes alongside D12, Harden and Parsons instead of having Asik coming off the bench to spot D12. For sure the Rockets will have to move more than just Asik to acquire Aldridge but they certainly have the assets available to do so were the opportunity to present itself.

I personally don't see the Rockets winning any NBA Titles without 1 more major move. Asik and Lin own the 2 highest salary slots and both at some point should be expendable.

 

you know it funny to me that the same people who argue that Asik isn't enough to garner a good offer on the trade market think he can't be replaced on our team

I say we wouldn't be able to get the right return value for what we need. Our guards are horrible on defense so we make up for it in 48 minutes of elite rim protection in D12 and asik from slashers.

Edited by Buckko, 30 July 2013 - 08:22 AM.

[Buckko]

Morey signing Camby and Aaron Brooks was brilliant. Everyone then instantly thinks, oh that means Asik and Lin are going to be traded by this time next week, etc.

Couldn't be farther from the truth in my opinion. Instead, I believe Morey and the Rockets are even more better positioned to make moves at the Trade Deadline in February without having to worry specifically about receiving players back from the trade partner that play the exact same position.

So what I am trying to say is that the Rockets have much more flexibility with Asik and not have to worry about a backup to D12 when that trade eventually occurs. Could be in February at the Trade Deadline or perhaps next summer, who knows? However, Camby as the backup C means there is no reason to worry about making a specific trade including a backup center in return.

Same can be said of Jeremy Lin. Now that the Rockets in effect have 4 PG's in Lin, Beverley, Brooks and Canaan, again they can make a move, if necessary and when the right opportunity arises (most likely Lin) and already have enough depth at PG to not require a backup PG in return.

Just brilliant, brilliant thinking by Morey and the Rockets! And in the meantime, the Rockets are solid all the way from 1-15 on their bench by having quality bench players like Camby and Brooks ready to fill in when injuries arise, etc. in the meantime.

If we trade asik, smith would end up being the backup center and you do not want that. Camby is meant for insurance.

[rocketrick]

If we trade asik, smith would end up being the backup center and you do not want that. Camby is meant for insurance.

If the Rockets trade Asik, it probably won't come any sooner than the February trade deadline when more than 60% of the regular season has already been played. Perhaps not even until next summer.

In any event, the Rockets will be able to back up D12 with Camby if necessary. Perhaps Greg Smith, if he is even still on the roster by then.

I would expect the Rockets number one priority will be another front line player so losing Asik won't be that huge a hole for the Rockets to have to fill as whoever they acquire I suspect will be able to play some PF and some C if necessary.

[rockets best fan]

Morey signing Camby and Aaron Brooks was brilliant. Everyone then instantly thinks, oh that means Asik and Lin are going to be traded by this time next week, etc.

Couldn't be farther from the truth in my opinion. Instead, I believe Morey and the Rockets are even more better positioned to make moves at the Trade Deadline in February without having to worry specifically about receiving players back from the trade partner that play the exact same position.

So what I am trying to say is that the Rockets have much more flexibility with Asik and not have to worry about a backup to D12 when that trade eventually occurs. Could be in February at the Trade Deadline or perhaps next summer, who knows? However, Camby as the backup C means there is no reason to worry about making a specific trade including a backup center in return.

Same can be said of Jeremy Lin. Now that the Rockets in effect have 4 PG's in Lin, Beverley, Brooks and Canaan, again they can make a move, if necessary and when the right opportunity arises (most likely Lin) and already have enough depth at PG to not require a backup PG in return.

Just brilliant, brilliant thinking by Morey and the Rockets! And in the meantime, the Rockets are solid all the way from 1-15 on their bench by having quality bench players like Camby and Brooks ready to fill in when injuries arise, etc. in the meantime.

I agree on all but this...............I don't think the rockets will go through this season with either Lin or Asik on the roster after the trade deadline

[rocketrick]

I agree on all but this...............I don't think the rockets will go through this season with either Lin or Asik on the roster after the trade deadline

The beauty is Morey is not going to be forced to move either player this season unless it makes total sense for the Rockets. Personally, I'm fine either way. I completely trust Morey and the Rockets and if they are not able to move either Asik and/or Lin, then it is very likely because there was not enough value in return.