74 replies to this topic

[rocketrick]

You are right, D12 is not getting any younger.

However, if the Rockets had matched and kept Parsons that very likely would have ended worse for D12's and the Rockets goals of NBA Titles. Instead, as Morey puts it, there are literally hundreds of ways the Rockets can make moves without being tied to that despicable Parsons contract that gives them a better probability of winning NBA Titles.

And that's precisely why D12 chose to come to Houston.

[kdo]

It's being overused for my liking, but "it'll take time for the new roster to gel" is my concern.

 

Parsons was a proven cog, and gelled fine, so they'd only have to refine their plays over the summer. I can do without Asik and Lin, as they were role players, but having your starters "gel" is often difficult.

In any case, they've shown to gel pretty fast last year, but it's possible the reason may be because they're friends (Parsons being one of the "glue"). I'm just crosssing my fingers that with the musical chairs we're playing for various positions that it won't disrupt us much.

[rockets best fan]

I think we came out better for the big picture. Lin was mediocre and overpaid. Asik was unhappy and his impact on the team outside of the Portland series in the playoffs is being overblown. lets spend a little time breaking down what happened. Houston signed both Lin and Asik on poison pill contracts, used both players during the cheap years then traded both before the balloon payments kicked in. that sounds smart check. while Lin cost them a late 1st rounder and a later 2nd rounder they were able to turn Asik into a possible lottery pick. so in quick review they turned a couple of gambles from 2 years ago into a lottery pick after using the cheap years and cleared 16 mil from their cap. as for Parsons they let a 2nd rounder go who wanted max money. I like Parsons, but he is no where near worth that much. looking back on the decision to let him out of the contract now was the right thing to do. at least it allowed us to control the situation. whether Parsons left this year or next the effect would have been the same......we need a SF. the blessing is we found one at a cost to our liking who can also man the position with very little if any falloff. during the hold process we maintained the necessary flexibility to acquire a star when the chance presents itself. we lost 3 players and 2 mediocre draft picks.......two players who where of no use to us in Lin and Asik and got Ariza and a lottery pick. not to bad in my book

[SadLakerFan]

At the end of the day, it's not a bad situation.  It's just that it could have been better if we had not gotten hooked up with Bosh to begin with.  Different decisions would definitely have been made.  What would have happened (Lowry?), who knows.  This team will still contend, although I'd prefer to see McHale bumped upstairs.

 

On the bright side, Houston had a better free agency than the Lakers. . . .

Edited by SadLakerFan, 15 July 2014 - 12:59 AM.

[timetodienow1234567]

Sacre will be a superstar next year don't worry. The lakers will be fine.

[melvimbe]

At this time last offseason, we were solid at the 2,3, and 5  and pretty comfortable with the point guard situation.  We had hopes at the 4 and that turned out to be ok.  Are benched looked like it would be good with Asik and Lin plus up and coming players.

 

Now, this offseason, we are solid the 2, 3, and 5, a little less comfortable at the PG (without Lin), and comfortable at the 4 (though we know we'll be outgunned in some match ups).   We have no bench to speak of. 

 

The offseason isn't over, that's for sure, but it's difficult to see how the holes in the lineup are going to be filled, without overestimating the potential of our numerous 2nd round picks, or that Morey finds a FA that everyone managed to overlook. 

 

I can accept the logic of all the moves we had to make, but the hope was to see that top 5 lineup with Jones moving to the bench, or having 2 starting caliber wings with one playing 6th man.  We could be better this year, but it's hard to see right now.

 

And one thing I am a little concerned about, is that both our stars are more then capable of giving up on the Rockets and requesting a trade.  Howard has done it before, and Harden seems like the kind of guy who would if things aren't going well.  They do understand it's a business, but I do think that Parsons went a long way in the locker room.  If things don't go back positive as far as outlook goes, everything could collapse before Howard goes too far past his prime.

[thejohnnygold]

At this time last offseason, we were solid at the 2,3, and 5  and pretty comfortable with the point guard situation.  We had hopes at the 4 and that turned out to be ok.  Are benched looked like it would be good with Asik and Lin plus up and coming players.

 

Now, this offseason, we are solid the 2, 3, and 5, a little less comfortable at the PG (without Lin), and comfortable at the 4 (though we know we'll be outgunned in some match ups).   We have no bench to speak of. 

 

The offseason isn't over, that's for sure, but it's difficult to see how the holes in the lineup are going to be filled, without overestimating the potential of our numerous 2nd round picks, or that Morey finds a FA that everyone managed to overlook. 

 

I can accept the logic of all the moves we had to make, but the hope was to see that top 5 lineup with Jones moving to the bench, or having 2 starting caliber wings with one playing 6th man.  We could be better this year, but it's hard to see right now.

 

And one thing I am a little concerned about, is that both our stars are more then capable of giving up on the Rockets and requesting a trade.  Howard has done it before, and Harden seems like the kind of guy who would if things aren't going well.  They do understand it's a business, but I do think that Parsons went a long way in the locker room.  If things don't go back positive as far as outlook goes, everything could collapse before Howard goes too far past his prime.

 

[bladad]

At this time last offseason, we were solid at the 2,3, and 5  and pretty comfortable with the point guard situation.  We had hopes at the 4 and that turned out to be ok.  Are benched looked like it would be good with Asik and Lin plus up and coming players.

 

Now, this offseason, we are solid the 2, 3, and 5, a little less comfortable at the PG (without Lin), and comfortable at the 4 (though we know we'll be outgunned in some match ups).   We have no bench to speak of. 

 

The offseason isn't over, that's for sure, but it's difficult to see how the holes in the lineup are going to be filled, without overestimating the potential of our numerous 2nd round picks, or that Morey finds a FA that everyone managed to overlook. 

 

I can accept the logic of all the moves we had to make, but the hope was to see that top 5 lineup with Jones moving to the bench, or having 2 starting caliber wings with one playing 6th man.  We could be better this year, but it's hard to see right now.

 

And one thing I am a little concerned about, is that both our stars are more then capable of giving up on the Rockets and requesting a trade.  Howard has done it before, and Harden seems like the kind of guy who would if things aren't going well.  They do understand it's a business, but I do think that Parsons went a long way in the locker room.  If things don't go back positive as far as outlook goes, everything could collapse before Howard goes too far past his prime.

Doomsday scenario, but this is the most reasonable post i've seen in a while.

[Mario Peña]

Looks like one of the more unreasonable posts I have seen.

[bladad]

Looks like one of the more unreasonable posts I have seen.

Care to elaborate?

 

He talks about the strengths of the squad, the perceived weakness of a thin bench, the possibility that draft picks might not pan out, and possibilities of stunted development of important players.

 

It's not like Dwight hasn't given up on a team before (Lakers). People referred to Parsons as the "glue guy" as well. As good as Beverly is, the PG position is a toss up at this point depending on the development of Canaan or other signings (none of which look earth shattering). The Rockets settled on Ariza and whiffed in free agency. I think there is more than enough reason to express a slight bit of concern.

[Mario Peña]

I've elaborated all over this forum, go read it.

[thejohnnygold]

I'll say this...Miketheodio is right.  This could be a blessing in disguise.  All you Sprockets fans out there should be rejoicing.  We were fiscally responsible in free agency, are about to have to develop quite a bit of young talent, have been quietly snagging more and more European players, are focusing on improving through defense, and are starting to get a little continuity with the core of the roster (a little bit).  Now, there is no Popovich to speak of, but outside of Hollins (who hasn't exactly proven himself to the standards of this board despite the excitement over him) who was out there to replace McHale?  Curiously, we still have not added an asst. coach.

 

Still, you all know what time it is......

 

[Alituro]

With Parsons gone, I fully expect Beverley to assume the role of team captain. Whereas Chandler led the team with a pep rally type of enthusiasm, complete with Shaolin handshakes, little chants, flashing the "3" symbol, etc.. I expect Beverley will be the opposite, more of a drill sergeant type leadership. I think he will hold his teammates accountable for their mistakes and facilitate them getting pissed off when they are not playing well. Rather than looking like the "Super-best-friends" team, he will bring these guys out ready for battle and "tough" will be the word used to describe next season's Rockets rather than "fun to watch". I don't think the "tough" approach would have worked with Parsons and Lin on the roster.

 

As constructed now, and filling in the roster spots with young guys like Daniels, Covington, Capela, etc., I can see us a couple wins better than last season. Contenders? NO. We are still missing that one significant piece, and while Love is a very long shot, I think Rondo is obtainable and can push us over the top.

 

Keep in mind also, that with the exits of Lin, Asik and even Parsons, we, also, are exiting the beta stage of the Rockets' Harden-Howard years, as those players were drafted and accumulated to fit different roles than the ones assumed once we got our stars. Now Morey is putting in complementary players for his stars, however significant, and finding round pegs to fill his round holes. A flexible coach is in place to usher in the changes as they come. I think we will be better next year.

 

The only void that has me concerned, as always, is the one until the start of the season. while I'm disappointed it's been 20 years since a finals berth, I'm a Houston professional sports fan, so I'm used to it. I just want to see some Rockets games whatever the result.

[slick shoes]

That's what Jonathan Feigen has reported, that Capella is going to be signed by the Rockets. He may end up in the D-League for a good part of the season, but I am fine with bringing him over. If nothing else, he could become a valuable trade piece or, if he blossoms very quickly, a key rotation player for the Rockets. I look forward to seeing how he does in pre-season, etc. then will have a better feel for him then.

 

Do players on our D-League squad count against the cap? Still trying to navigate the minefield that is the CBA.

[thejohnnygold]

I wouldn't call getting arguably the best 3 & D player available (something 99% of us clamored for all last season) "whiffing".

 

We have debated Bosh's merits ad nauseum, but let's not forget that his addition was not a golden ticket to the finals.  It could have been a disaster.  Nobody knows.  Morey, like a great chef, knows you have to shop for the best ingredients.  Even then, it doesn't always come out the way you intended.  If we assume McHale is doing the cooking then don't we have to presume (at least, those of you who think he is no better than the gunk on the bottom of your shoes) that this was never going to work until he was gone?  We're wasting years of Dwight's prime! (...is what they shout from the rooftops).

 

Really?  How about Dwight figures out what an up-and-under-move is.  For goodness sake, he has the two best up-and-under guys ever sitting next to him.  That's not even advanced basketball.  It's almost like Dwight's personality prevents him from things like this.  He's too genuine of a person to want to "fake" anyone out.  Obviously, my armchair psychology is in jest, but seriously, Dwight, throw some fakes in there, please.

 

Getting back to Bosh, his addition solely won us the "best roster on paper" trophy.  Previous winners include last year's Clippers (in my opinion), the Thunder, the Mavericks, the Suns, and others.  (Yes, it is subjective, but the point is clear).  Plenty of teams with super-rosters don't  make it to that ultimate goal.  Stop reacting like Bosh took our championship trophy away.

 

Who here would place a bet on Bosh staying healthy for the next 4 years versus turning into Dwyane Wade over the next 4 years?  He has tons of mileage on those legs.  Remember, he came out after one year of college.  He is an old "30" with 11 seasons and 28,600 minutes played plus international ball as well.

 

Let's also not ignore that Bosh only mustered 2 playoff berths with the Raptors in 7 tries (both first round exits).  I'm not trying to trash him here--I'm trying to remind people that this is only significant because of how the mind perceives it.  Step back and breathe.  No one knows how it would have ended, but it seems most are standing on a championship podium, handing back the trophy, weeping, and looking back at what could have been.

 

Getting back to the "whiffing" (which sounds like some strange, new variation of huffing).  We also managed to move up in the first round from our slotted pick to New Orleans' spot.  Now, some of you seem to think NO is making the playoffs this season.  It's possible, but very unlikely.

 

Odds of winning this year's title:

 

Houston Rockets: 10/1

NO Pelicans: 66/1

 

Vegas has the Lakers at 50/1....which is strange to me.  Still, it's Cavs, Spurs, Bulls, Thunder and then Rockets.

 

So we got the lottery pick.  Nice.  That will get traded, and Morey has made no illusions about that, referring to it more than once as being "just like the pick that netted us Harden".  It's value lies in the unknown.

 

Consider, that the Jazz are stuck paying Hayward $63M and the Mavs are paying Parsons $46M while we are paying Ariza $32M.   Which contract would you rather have?

 

The fact that we haven't gone ahead and added the missing pieces to fill out our bench is interesting to me....methinks Morey's at the store shopping for more high end groceries....

[Alituro]

Do players on our D-League squad count against the cap? Still trying to navigate the minefield that is the CBA.

The ones on Rockets contracts do..Which is usually no more than one or two at a time..

[thejohnnygold]

Do players on our D-League squad count against the cap? Still trying to navigate the minefield that is the CBA.

 

If I'm correct--only some.  Capella would since he is a first-rounder.  Not sure about Johnson or Gentile (have they signed actual contracts yet?).

[slick shoes]

With Parsons gone, I fully expect Beverley to assume the role of team captain. Whereas Chandler led the team with a pep rally type of enthusiasm, complete with Shaolin handshakes, little chants, flashing the "3" symbol, etc.. I expect Beverley will be the opposite, more of a drill sergeant type leadership. I think he will hold his teammates accountable for their mistakes and facilitate them getting pissed off when they are not playing well. Rather than looking like the "Super-best-friends" team, he will bring these guys out ready for battle and "tough" will be the word used to describe next season's Rockets rather than "fun to watch". I don't think the "tough" approach would have worked with Parsons and Lin on the roster.

 

I may be nit picking here but I would also like to see less nae-nae/whatever else tomfoolery in the pregame and more focus on the task at hand. winning games. I understand that you can't win them all, but lets at least put away the teams that we SHOULD beat and do our best to compete with the teams that we COULD beat.

 

EDIT: I will also acknowledge that this is in fact a game. It should be fun. But it is also a profession which necessitates a degree of seriousness when it comes to earning the paychecks that you demanded.

Edited by slick shoes, 15 July 2014 - 02:28 PM.

[slick shoes]

If I'm correct--only some.  Capella would since he is a first-rounder.  Not sure about Johnson or Gentile (have they signed actual contracts yet?).

 

Hoping to see Johnson signed relatively soon. I like this guy as a combo guard depending on the match up.

Edited by slick shoes, 15 July 2014 - 02:31 PM.

[Steven]

Konstantinos "Kostas" Papanikolaou will save the Rockets season