61 replies to this topic

[Red94]

New post: Can the Rockets afford to be picky?

[tombrokeoff]

I'd be picky for at least a year. Morey has worked had to clear the roster of dead cap space and finally land 1 star. I don't want him to haphazardly wreck what he's worked so hard to achieve. I guess nothing is a sure bet, but I'd prefer less risk. Then again Morey has gotten himself out of bad contracts like Ariza, so idk.

[Furters]

I think that we have built such a good unit that it would be a little silly now to destroy everything now to get someone who MIGHT work out. Cousins (for example) might be great, but he could be poison too. For someone like him, I can see the Rockets having to give up at least 2 of Asik, Parsons and Patterson/Morris. For me, free agency would be a much more viable first option.

[el35]

I think what Morey meant is that, so long as the player is categorised a foundational in his book, then he is going to go get him no matter what position he plays. I very much doubt Josh Smith is in that class. Cousins, probably, and I think Morey will get after him if the Kings ever puts him on the market.

[goRockets]

If this is really a rebuilding year and the young Rockets are already doing quite well, I'd say let this core develop and see what they can become. Yes signing another superstar on paper will help you, but on the other hand it could be bringing in another ego into the mix that you'll have to deal with, and that super star may or may not be a good fit (skills wise and personality wise) with the team you already have. If I'm Morey I'd be very careful signing another player to a max contract, don't do it just because you have the cap room, because once it's done, you're stuck with it. Just look at Knicks, their big 3 contract for Melo, Amare and Tyson literally handcuffed their ability to sign or keep other young talents, like Lin. Another thing is I'm pretty sure if Asik and Lin continue to play better, their market value after 3 years will be much higher than what Rockets are paying them now, so Morey better leave enough cap to chase these players if he wants to keep them in Houston for the long term, and build a dynasty like the Spurs. I know that's long ways ahead, but 3 years goes by very quickly, he should also think about where he sees the team going in the long term also, and strategize not just based on short term return, especially when the West is so competitive, you really cannot afford to make too many mistakes signing ineffective personnel.

[redfaithful]

Parsons' best-value-for-money in-league deal expires the same time as Lin and Asik's, making that summer even more of a challenge. On the other hand, the new CBA will be in full impact, so I presume all teams will be more hesitant to sign large deals with anyone not at the superstar level.

[rockets best fan]

picky.......yeah we have put ourselfs in a position to be picky. the players we want must be be a superstar. josh smith just doesn't do it for me, neither does milsap, or big al. we need a player who other teams game plan for. only 2 players available fit the bill (IMO). rudy gay and cousins. rudy's contract is the problem in his case. cousins on the other hand is still in his rookie contract. yeah we can be picky just make sure we pick the right one. either (IMO) can take the rockets to the next level.

[amacbrooks12]

v

[amacbrooks12]

There's no point in going after Rudy Gay when we already have a superstar that has the ball in his hands 90% of the time. Not to mention we have Jeremy Lin who needs the ball as well to even be effective. I just don't see how Rudy Gay can help us when he'll barely touch the ball on this team. Our focus should be a game changing PF that knows he'll be the second option running pick and rolls with Harden and Lin.

[Rahat Huq]

regarding rudy gay: that's dumpster diving, the complete opposite of being picky. that would be a huge mistake to commit 15mill to gay when the team already has enough problems getting jeremy lin enough touches.

[timetodienow1234567]

Why don't they just improve bit by bit? I'd like them to trade for Jimmer Fredette. While not great, he would fit this offense and we need a backup PG/SG with no real person to play behind Harden/Lin. The Kings have a plethora of guards so he might be cheap. What do you all think?

[Alituro]

I think the key question on this issue is: Who is Harden tight with? After a season playing here, establishing himself as a superstar, and the Rockets proving they've got an exciting young core, what kind of talent can Harden convince to come over? This seems to have worked on BOS, MIA, NYK, and LAL in the past, why not Rockets? Did OKC extend Ibaka's contract? Who, on the Olympic squad could potentially be available? As stated below, there's always the fear of a clash of egos if another star is brought here, why not build on an already established camaraderie? Except for Cousins who is still just a maybe, IMO, everyone else mentioned on this thread, I would consider NOs.

[timetodienow1234567]

Alituro, on 08 January 2013 - 02:10 PM, said:

I think the key question on this issue is: Who is Harden tight with? After a season playing here, establishing himself as a superstar, and the Rockets proving they've got an exciting young core, what kind of talent can Harden convince to come over? This seems to have worked on BOS, MIA, NYK, and LAL in the past, why not Rockets? Did OKC extend Ibaka's contract? Who, on the Olympic squad could potentially be available? As stated below, there's always the fear of a clash of egos if another star is brought here, why not build on an already established camaraderie? Except for Cousins who is still just a maybe, IMO, everyone else mentioned on this thread, I would consider NOs.

What do you think of Fredette as a backup role player? They probably would only have to give up a 2nd round pick or someone of that calibre.

[amacbrooks12]

v

[amacbrooks12]

If were going to improve bit by bit, we should take baby steps and start with the bench. Espn rumors have JJ Reddick on the block and IMO he can produce more than Jimmer can. He can score points in a hurry, has a lethal 3 point shot, and can even put the ball on the floor to create another shot. Reddick would be a perfect fit for this up tempo team that likes to run fast breaks all day and jack up threes .. he would be more than a decent backup for Harden.

[timetodienow1234567]

amacbrooks12, on 08 January 2013 - 02:35 PM, said:

If were going to improve bit by bit, we should take baby steps and start with the bench. Espn rumors have JJ Reddick on the block and IMO he can produce more than Jimmer can. He can score points in a hurry, has a lethal 3 point shot, and can even put the ball on the floor to create another shot. Reddick would be a perfect fit for this up tempo team that likes to run fast breaks all day and jack up threes .. he would be more than a decent backup for Harden.

I agree, but Reddick makes quite a bit more than Jimmer and will command quite a bit more when he becomes a free agent. Since he's a GREAT role player and an expiring contract at 6 mil his price tag will be enormous. Jimmer's won't be as high plus he's young and is under contract for the next few years. But I would love Reddick but don't think he's available without giving up Parsons or some 1st round picks. He's definitely not worth that for this team.

[cdhthegreat]

I believe you can be picky to an extent. You can look at fit and price instead of making a mad dash at any "superstar" to hit the market. You don't have to throw max money at Smith for example (poor fit) but I'd consider throwing a large amount at Big Al (great fit next to Asik), Howard, and CP3. If you wait a year, signing Lebron becomes possible (which would be amazing).

No need to compromise what you've built to make a splash signing (or trade for that matter). I'm sure Morey's assessment has changed a ton since the season has started to take shape.

[Kade]

Alituro, on 08 January 2013 - 02:10 PM, said:

I think the key question on this issue is: Who is Harden tight with? After a season playing here, establishing himself as a superstar, and the Rockets proving they've got an exciting young core, what kind of talent can Harden convince to come over? This seems to have worked on BOS, MIA, NYK, and LAL in the past, why not Rockets? Did OKC extend Ibaka's contract? Who, on the Olympic squad could potentially be available? As stated below, there's always the fear of a clash of egos if another star is brought here, why not build on an already established camaraderie? Except for Cousins who is still just a maybe, IMO, everyone else mentioned on this thread, I would consider NOs.

No superstar is ever going to bypass BOS/MIA/NYC/LA and play for Houston, would you?

[Alituro]

No superstar is ever going to bypass BOS/MIA/NYC/LA and play for Houston, would you?

Maybe not, but there are plenty of stars on teams in cities way less desirable than Houston at the same time, and they may not be getting looks form those cities.. It's not like we're the Bobcats, Hornets or Kings. The opportunity to play with guys like Harden, Asik and Lin would be the allure more than the city.

I don't think role players are what we're talking about. Anyway what does Fredette bring that Douglas doesn't? Nothing IMO.

[hubeijames]

"We can't afford to be picky" was said back when smart money was that this would still be a .500 or under team, even after the Harden trade. A lot has changed since then.

I think with the success we're seeing Morey is less likely to take big risks than before. There is no reason to throw away assets or spoil the team's chemistry with a big trade when we're poised to make the play-offs and enter the off-season with max cap space. We'll make a play for a big free agent then (Morey seems to be good at that); trading will still be around if we can't get anyone.