64 replies to this topic

[rockets best fan]

I agree JG Howard has matured in this past year in Houston. only after that shot from Portland in the playoffs was the clay finally ready for the potter's hands. Dream's work with a healthy D-12 over the summer will not only add to the mechanics of his game, but change the mindset necessary to win at the highest level. I read Dream's quote and became excited for D-12. he has taken the reins of leadership. he has quit focusing on what's around him and started to look in the mirror.  he must stop waiting for some missing piece and find his answers in the mirror. we will only win if he leads us. in the last game of the Portland series I saw something change in him. I saw that player from the Orlando days emerge again. if this is the first time in 3 years he's been truly healthy that's an exciting prospect for future success. I'm not worried about him leaving because I think he found something we all search for at some point in our lives................HOME. 

[cointurtlemoose]

Agreed about Dwight opting out and resigning here. Being 31, looking for a max contract to finish your career, it seems like Houston, barring some sort of fiasco, is the favorite to get him back.

 

And of course, Dwight's health is pure speculation. Wasn't meaning to imply anything more.

 

It's interesting how the impending rise of the cap is going to mix with then, in turn, increased competition for major free agents. Everyone is gonna have cap room. How do yall think that plays in to Houston's strategy for luring future FAs?

Edited by cointurtlemoose, 19 October 2014 - 08:36 PM.

[Buckko]

KD! KD! Harden's super BFF KD!

 

Anymore questions?

[Losthief]

@jg

 

i agree, the only reason he left LAL wasn't because he 'wasn't happy' or 'couldn't take the pressure' or whatever they spinned it with. SImply put they wouldn't commit to building the team around him instead of Kobe. That is it. We did, and as long as we fulfill that (which I think we are, going more defensive) then I don't see why he would uproot everything again after he's just started regaining his image.

[cointurtlemoose]

KD! KD! Harden's super BFF KD!

 

Anymore questions?

 

BFFs 4lyfe, co-MVPs 4lyfe!! Not 7, not 8, not even 9!!

[rockets best fan]

@Lostheif

I think that's true to some degree. however I would lean toward a few factors having varied degrees of influence. what I think carried the most weigh and this is only speculation because none of us really know what factor swung the pendulum in our direction.....I think he wanted to compete now with a window of at least 6-7 years for a championship and we offered the best  chance to get that done. he was going to make his money either way, but he didn't want 2-3 years with older stars then a rebuilding process  he wanted to compete uninterrupted for the remainder of his years in the league. the youth of our team offers him that chance. I will agree Kobe's presence was a factor. however not in the sense he couldn't play with him, but Kobe's age, health and the remaining parts of that LA team was in decline and they had little FLEXIBILITY to change that for at least a couple of years. I'm positive Kobe's I can teach you how to win speech probably didn't help either

[clydesmoustache]

Geez, from the sounds of it you'd think there were a lot of abandonment issues 

Hahaha absolutely gold! I have struggled with this ever since Robert Horry left. "Don't leave me Big shot!" I know horry got traded but i struggled to actually think of a significant free agent that left the rockets. Would the most significant be dragic or artest? There are plenty that we traded before they left us. Maybe there is nothing to worry about. 

[thejohnnygold]

Agreed about Dwight opting out and resigning here. Being 31, looking for a max contract to finish your career, it seems like Houston, barring some sort of fiasco, is the favorite to get him back.

 

And of course, Dwight's health is pure speculation. Wasn't meaning to imply anything more.

 

It's interesting how the impending rise of the cap is going to mix with then, in turn, increased competition for major free agents. Everyone is gonna have cap room. How do yall think that plays in to Houston's strategy for luring future FAs?

 

Houston's strategy for luring free agents?  I think it stays the same.  We offer stability, top to bottom organizational competence, warm weather, huge metropolis that can appeal to just about anyone, quality team mates, access to all-time greats, and money...lots and lots of money.

 

Now, this is how I picture Morey's war room:

 

 

Contingencies piled on top of contingencies.  If we get Player X then we need to get players out of Groups C & D to compliment him, if Player Y then Groups A & F.....something like that.

 

Clearly, having acquired Harden and Howard--two legit studs--we are good enough to compete for a championship if we get an A+ supporting cast.  I know Morey prefers a third star because it's like cooking with a crock pot--just throw the ingredients together and it takes care of itself.  With our current two star model there is more attention that must be paid to the supporting cast.  I think Morey is doing a solid job of that.

 

 

This is our salary chart (it's not completely up to date, but we can work with it).  I put blue dots next to players who are not likely to be with us by the time KD is on the market.  I left Tarik Black because I think Morey is going to find a way to keep him around--the guy has some serious natural abilities that just need some refinement.

 

So, that is lots of potential cap space looming there.  Have our stars stayed healthy and productive?  Have our young guys turned into solid NBA players yet?  Have these pieces meshed into a well-oiled machine that is solid on both ends of the court?  Has Morey already traded for or signed his third star?

 

Nobody knows, but if I'm guessing I'd say the answer to all of those is YES.  What does that mean?  It means that, outside of Durant we may not even be in the market because our team is already set at every position.  

 

Is it not a good bet that one of Jones/Motie has seized control of the PF spot and is performing at a very high level?  If not, then we're probably rooting for Ryan Anderson.

 

At PG,  once again, either Beverley has flourished as Harden's sidekick, Johnson has developed into a solid sidekick, or we're looking at Rondo/Dragic.  Again, solid.

 

Ariza will have been with us 2 years and likely played very well for us.  Assuming we have a third star in tow there is no need to replace him--just refer to the flow chart above 

 

Obviously, SG and C are set.

 

I know everyone loves KD, but I think Morey has an eye on bigger things.  By bigger things I mean Anthony Davis.  I'm not counting on New Orleans succeeding in surrounding him with the right talent.  Davis comes up after the 2016-17 season.  Take a peak back up at our salary situation.  At that point, is it not conceivable that Davis is the most powerful force in the NBA--even moreso than Durant because of his defensive impact.

 

We could speculate forever on this one.  Has DeMarcus Cousins become the force he could be, or is he going to wind up like Derrick Coleman?  What about Wiggins?  Embiid?  Noel?  John Wall?  Antetokounmpo?  Someone else???

 

My dream scenario is we miss out on the feeding frenzy that is coming.  Many bad decisions will be made.  Many bad contracts handed out.  Many GM's will lose their jobs due to mis-handling their "free money".  I am hoping our team and roster are set (as much as it can be) and we cruise through and swoop in afterwards to pick up Mr. Anthony Davis to play alongside Dwight and James.

 

Don't forget, Harden and Davis have played on the US team for a while now--that's where it all starts.  Plus, Dwight and Anthony are clearly plotting their future together as evidenced by this photo   

 

 

I'm not positive, but I'm pretty sure they are talking about forming a big three in Houston   

[bboley24]

I can definitely see it in his brow.

[Buckko]

People would be wearing fake Unibrows and Beards in the stands which would not make for the most attractive looking fan base.

[thejohnnygold]

[YaoMan]

Harden, Howard and Davis would be the super team and, in my opinion, the favorites to win it all. Would remind me when Duncan came into SA and Robinson fulfilled most of the defense while Duncan put up 20 and 10. With Howard and Davis, there would be zero rebounds left...that would be a formidable front line.

[YaoMan]

Love this JG!

[Losthief]

the one thing i can't get out of my head from the salary chart....i totally forgot we were still paying scola's amensty.....

[Buckko]

Getting them checks scola.

[Buckko]

Another way to look at possible futures down the road JG if we get KD in 2016. Dwight and AD will both probably be resigning for 5 year max's with their respective teams in the 2016 offseason after the rockets sign KD to max, thus both their contracts will come off the books in the 2021 offseason leaving the rockets with the space to sign AD to his prime with a core of Harden and KD still in their's. This would continue one dynasty into the next. Hopefully the Texans win at least one championship before the rockets over take the spurs in championship total in this alternate timeline; and I am so sad we won't be seeing clowney tonight.

[cointurtlemoose]

I haven't been here long, but I'm learning: johnny's posts are very thorough and thought-out! Haha, I like it And dang, you're right, we've got a ton of flexibility after this season.

 

Also, I don't know if I'm remembering something or if I'm just making it up in my head right now: has Dwight said McHale was a factor for him signing in Houston? I feel like I remember that... Just wondering about McHale's potential in the 'lure' factor.

[Steven]

McHale was able to help allure D12 because of the post moves McHale is known for. I don't see McHale being a draw to anyone else, except maybe Kevin Love due to past history between the two, but that ship has already sailed.

[thenit]

Agree Steven

[Buckko]

Actually McHale has been known as a great recruiter. Might be one of the few reasons he's still around.