26 replies to this topic

[Red94]

New post: Houston Rockets acquire Denver Nuggets guard Ty Lawson
By: Rahat Huq

Morey, you magnificent bastard.  At the time of writing, the Houston Rockets just acquired Denver Nuggets guard Ty Lawson for literally the four worst players on their roster.  Recall that at free agent's commencement, I repeatedly stated that I preferred the avenue that saw the Rockets trade for Lawson over even potential acquisitions of Kevin Love or LaMarcus Aldridge.  And that rationale was assuming the team would have to give up Terrence Jones or the #18 pick.  Instead, because of "the DUI discount", as Forrest Walker put it, the team has landed a fringe All-Star at their weakest position, for basically a bag of trash.

 

Let's be clear: Lawson has serious issues and needs to get his life together.  But this deal, like Daryl Morey's acquisition of Ron Artest six years ago, was an absolute no-brainer and a risk they had to take.  In losing Josh Smith to the Clippers, and watching LaMarcus Aldridge sign with San Antonio, the Rockets took a serious step back in the Western Conference arms race.  But now, they can feel confident in entering the season with a rotation that can go toe to toe with any in the league.  Lawson gives the team the secondary playmaker they've never had in the James Harden era, and brings the serious offensive punch they glaringly lacked in the West Finals. Beverley shores up what will be a solid backcourt rotation.  And then, the team brings back Howard, Motiejunas, Ariza, Jones, Brewer, and Capela up front, while banking on K.J. McDaniels' potential.  The team now has veteran experience, offense, defense, and upside sprinkled all throughout the roster.

 

Just unbelievable to pull this off.  It wouldn't have been possible without Lawson's value plummeting, and the root cause there gives obvious concern.  But this risk had to be taken and keeps the Rockets alive in the West.

[majik19]

New post: Houston Rockets acquire Denver Nuggets guard Ty Lawson
By: Rahat Huq
 

Just unbelievable to pull this off.  It wouldn't have been possible without Lawson's value plummeting, and the root cause there gives obvious concern.  But this risk had to be taken and keeps the Rockets alive in the West.

 

 

Agree entirely with this. I think Morey has constructed a championship roster if Lawson can keep his life together. I absolutely believe this team can match up with the West's elite. 

[timetodienow1234567]

It's a great pick up on the court. And we gave up nothing. However...

It's going to be hard to root for him. I mean he's a great player but I hate guys who drive drunk. That's like putting a bullet in a revolver, spinning the chamber, and then aiming it at a crowd and pulling the trigger.

I'm glad he's getting help even if it's only to continue playing. Maybe some of it will soak in.

[tombrokeoff]

extremely excited with this.

[rockets best fan]

Agree entirely with this. I think Morey has constructed a championship roster if Lawson can keep his life together. I absolutely believe this team can match up with the West's elite. 

while I was against a Lawson trade what we did was basically stealing...............arrest that mask man..........oh that's just Morey  I agree Rahat we gave up basically a bag of trash. four players who were going to face a uphill battle to make this squad anyway. it's hard to be upset about getting rid of Prigs, Dorsey, Papa and N-Johnson. none were likely rotation players. I liked N-Johnson, but must admit he's not on Lawson's level. I told you guys earlier this off season Morey still had a rabbit in the hat. don't be surprised if he's not finished yet

Edited by rockets best fan, 20 July 2015 - 03:43 AM.

[Losthief]

Next years draft is supposed to be pretty weak, trading a late 2016 1st for a (probably) early 2017 2nd won't matter that much imho (might be a talent upgrade at that). Johnson/Papa are probably the best assets going out which is an absolute steal. Great pickup for the rockets. Certainly concerning about his habits and alcoholism is a serious hurdle, but its a low risk, high reward gamble that you have to make.

 

Honestly even if he doesn't work on the court i think he could work out as giving us a salary slot for trade for up to a 15.5 mil salary. And guess who makes 15.8 mil a year (a simple add of minimum salary guy). One DMC playing in Sacramento for a coach who hates him and loves, loves Lawson. Just saying.....as insurance that might be an option down the line. 

 

Hidden bonus, we have the roster slots to keep alan williams or glen rice jr. now if we want to I believe. Solid showings at the LVSL.

Edited by Losthief, 20 July 2015 - 04:26 AM.

[rockets best fan]

this leaves our depth chart looking like

 

Lawson/ Bev/ (Terry?)

Harden/ Brewer /KJ McDaniels/ Thorton

Ariza/ Brewer/Dekker

D-Mo/ T. Jones/ Harrell

D12/ Capela

 

that's a pretty deep team with good veteran stock flanked by promising youngsters. a very nice mix.

[Lucas Daniel Uribe]

Love the acquisition. He will be surrounded by NBA veterans who will help him. If he stays out of the clubs he can make Houston Elite for 2 years. #Rockets #Pursuit

[redfaithful]

How does it work financially? Using trade exceptions?

[Buckko]

Morey done good. Real good.

[Buckko]

I haven't posted in a year and I still have those warning points. Makes me feel like a badboy.

[Willk]

this leaves our depth chart looking like

Lawson/ Bev/ (Terry?)
Harden/ Brewer /KJ McDaniels/ Thorton
Ariza/ Brewer/Dekker
D-Mo/ T. Jones/ Harrell
D12/ Capela

that's a pretty deep team with good veteran stock flanked by promising youngsters. a very nice mix.

I'm liking that roster a lot.

[thejohnnygold]

How does it work financially? Using trade exceptions?

 

Not sure how it works.  The trade machine shows it as $8.4M in salary going to Denver with $12.4M coming in to Houston.  I've never learned how the draft picks factor in.

 

I'm a bit surprised, but I am already at peace with Morey getting Lawson.  He's not my preferred guy (Jennings) and the drinking is a big deal, but there is no denying that Ty Lawson fits this team's needs.  This trade is the epitome of the NBA adage "always trade four quarters for a dollar bill".  (It just so happens Lawson averaged nearly 10 dimes a game last season...coincidence?)

 

We've finally moved away from being over-loaded at PF and are now sporting a full arsenal of long, athletic wings: Harden, Brewer, McDaniels, Thornton, Ariza, Brewer, and Dekker.  (Harrell almost counts and I've got this feeling that he was born to defend guys like Draymond Green--we'll find out)

 

If teams want to "Small-Ball" then bring it on.  I'm excited about a "Jumbo" package with Harden at the point along with Brewer, Ariza, D-Mo, and D-12.  Ideally, we run the offense through D-Mo in the post, let Dwight crash the offensive glass, and defend like madmen   James Harden playing off the ball making cuts and taking catch-and-shoot 3's will be money in the bank.

 

Getting back to Harrell...I'm getting more and more excited about him.  He truly may wind up being the steal of this draft (outside of Jerian Grant!!!).  He's already got elite length, athleticism, and motor.  Looking at his college stats, one sees that he shot 24.3% from 3.  That doesn't get anyone excited, but it should.  That means he made 1 out of every 4 shots from deep and only needs to improve to 1 out of 3 to be a legit threat from deep. (Draymond Green shoots at that 32%-33% level; although, he seems to always hit the big ones)

 

I think he has the drive, discipline, dedication, and talent to get there.  Ultimately, this means we are still 3 deep at PF with a roster spot yet to be filled.....Paging Mr. Christian Wood   

 

I know I didn't say much about Lawson, but what's there to say that hasn't been said?  I think we'll have to wait and see just how it all works with him and Harden together on the floor.  Odds are it will be awesome 

[majik19]

One other thing I'm really excited about - the return of Ty Lawson - Corey Brewer fast breaks to the NBA... 

[John P]

I am a selfish jerk and still want more.

I think we can trade TJ for a Courtney Lee type player, solid perimeter D and decent shooting type.  

I realize we can't get or afford the actual Courtney Lee, but that is what ideally we could have to take Harden's place when he rests.

 

But really, what is not to love about this deal.

[Losthief]

Not sure how it works.  The trade machine shows it as $8.4M in salary going to Denver with $12.4M coming in to Houston.  I've never learned how the draft picks factor in.

 

I'm a bit surprised, but I am already at peace with Morey getting Lawson.  He's not my preferred guy (Jennings) and the drinking is a big deal, but there is no denying that Ty Lawson fits this team's needs.  This trade is the epitome of the NBA adage "always trade four quarters for a dollar bill".  (It just so happens Lawson averaged nearly 10 dimes a game last season...coincidence?)

 

We've finally moved away from being over-loaded at PF and are now sporting a full arsenal of long, athletic wings: Harden, Brewer, McDaniels, Thornton, Ariza, Brewer, and Dekker.  (Harrell almost counts and I've got this feeling that he was born to defend guys like Draymond Green--we'll find out)

 

If teams want to "Small-Ball" then bring it on.  I'm excited about a "Jumbo" package with Harden at the point along with Brewer, Ariza, D-Mo, and D-12.  Ideally, we run the offense through D-Mo in the post, let Dwight crash the offensive glass, and defend like madmen   James Harden playing off the ball making cuts and taking catch-and-shoot 3's will be money in the bank.

 

Getting back to Harrell...I'm getting more and more excited about him.  He truly may wind up being the steal of this draft (outside of Jerian Grant!!!).  He's already got elite length, athleticism, and motor.  Looking at his college stats, one sees that he shot 24.3% from 3.  That doesn't get anyone excited, but it should.  That means he made 1 out of every 4 shots from deep and only needs to improve to 1 out of 3 to be a legit threat from deep. (Draymond Green shoots at that 32%-33% level; although, he seems to always hit the big ones)

 

I think he has the drive, discipline, dedication, and talent to get there.  Ultimately, this means we are still 3 deep at PF with a roster spot yet to be filled.....Paging Mr. Christian Wood   

 

I know I didn't say much about Lawson, but what's there to say that hasn't been said?  I think we'll have to wait and see just how it all works with him and Harden together on the floor.  Odds are it will be awesome 

 

until selected it (draft picks) counts as zero dollars i believe. So don't know how this works moneywise either....we do have a trade exception from the josh smith stuff but I don't think you can combine that with players iirc.

Edited by Losthief, 20 July 2015 - 05:17 PM.

[Willk]

One other thing I'm really excited about - the return of Ty Lawson - Corey Brewer fast breaks to the NBA...

me too!!! Also, I'm looking forward to to Harden actually being able to shoot spot up corner 3s now that the rox have a PG who can be a playmaker

[majik19]

Little do we all know that Morey hired someone to push the drinks to Lawson so his value would drop. 

[majik19]

Also, Zach Lowe posted a piece on this that has me really pumped up for next season:

http://grantland.com...nch-in-houston/

 

Key quotes:

For the low, low price of four fringe players and a lottery-protected first-round pick, the Rockets just combined two of the very best drive-and-kick players in the league. You thought Houston was exhausting to defend last season? The Rockets just souped up the engine.

 

Harden sucks entire defenses toward him as he dribbles up high on the pick-and-roll, and if he spots Lawson’s defender tiptoeing into the paint, Harden can whip the ball to his new teammate. Give Lawson a head start like that, and you’re toast.

Houston needs to go for it now, and the Rockets have given themselves an honest chance to compete with San Antonio, Golden State, and Oklahoma City atop the West. Oh my god, the West.

Edited by majik19, 20 July 2015 - 07:50 PM.

[Fury]

More than anything else, I'm exited for the crazy bench mob that Lawson is going to lead.

Don't get me wrong, I fully expect Lawson to be in the starting lineup, but he will likely get pulled early for Bev. And then he and D-Mo can go to work in the 2nd. 

 

More than anything else, Lawson gives us insurance on the nights that Harden is playing like Game 5 of the Warriors series. The Beard is truly a top-5 player, but even top-5 guys have their off nights. Lawson is one of the very best attackers in the league, playing with the best attacker in the league. 

One specific play that I can't wait to see: Harden and D-Mo run a basic pick and roll. Harden whips it out to Lawson on the wing. Lawson has a full step on his defender, so the opposing big man has to step up.

Lob to Dwight. Flush.

It's gonna be poetic and explosive all at the same time. I can't wait.