Houston Rockets: Star Free Agent Possibilities for Next Season

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Yopu would take Mike MIller or Bonzi Wells over Josh Howard? It's just Kobe Allen JJ, and maybe Maggette who are great.</div>
What? Mike Miller averages more points than Howard even with Miller playing less minutes. Plus Bonzi Wells has been playing under very limited minutes and he's still averaging around two points less than Howard. The principle of players specifically playing either the guard or wing positions is ridiculous. Simply said, and player doesn't change depending on the position he plays on the court. Its not like the role of player changes depending on the position he plays. I mean, you wouldn't see McGrady playing like Jon Barry if Ryan Bowen went into the small forward spot. It doesn't change with defense either. Its all interchangeable.

 

I'm just trying to figure out how any of this has to do with Rockets free agents.

Oh yeah, IT DOESN'T!!!

You guys sound like a bynch of fans who've never played a game of ball in your life. Too much video games for you!!!

Now this thread has nothing to do with the topic anymore. Someone lock this b@st@rd of a thread up!

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting dakeem1:</div><div class="quote_post">I'm just trying to figure out how any of this has to do with Rockets free agents.

Oh yeah, IT DOESN'T!!!

You guys sound like a bynch of fans who've never played a game of ball in your life. Too much video games for you!!!

Now this thread has nothing to do with the topic anymore. Someone lock this b@st@rd of a thread up!</div>
Hey bro, cool off. Imagine if someone says this about a thread you made. Care for others' feelings after all. Such comments could also lead to flaming, something we'd avoid at all costs.

That being said, I don't even know why CF would consider Artest as a possible offseason acquisition. No one has said he's on the market and Indiana could receive much better value for him.

I'll leave the thread open, but if stuff like trading Yao for Artest or getting Paul Pierce comes up, it'll be locked.

 

tis line is sicker yao,t-mac,kidd,

 

i would want mike miller, all around because he can produce, although josh howard may be a better defender i really think miller would do great with us.

 

Sorry Trip. I just hate how off topic this got.

Now back on topic:

I don't see us getting a "star" free agent because we simply don't have the $$$ to pay for one. The only way is through a trade which will be hard to pull of without trading one of our stars. We could hope for a "Baron to Warriors" situation where someone wants our expiring contracts, but other than that, I don't see any noted stars joining us. Maybe some great role players who work well in our team.

As far as free agency goes, our best bet are the underrated role players who put up the numbers we're looking for. Either a PF who can rebound and block, or a pass-first point guard who racks up assists and steals. Block as steals are important if we are to be one of the best defensive teams in the league.

 

I see us adding two key pieces, in the frontcourt and backcourt, as well as adding a rookie with our draft pick...this team does not need a huge free agent boost, we just need certain pieces to help fit the puzzle...I would be happy with an Antonio Daniels/Chris Anderson/Wayne Simien offseason...either way, I have complete faith in Les and CD to finish this puzzle and make us championship contenders next season...

 

Daniels is good, but someone who prefers to pass rather than shoot is a better option. However, he is a very good passer when he wants to be. JVG may be able to change Daniels around. I also like his height as a PG which makes good defensive matchups. Plus he's a good ball handler.

 

I would like to see us get daniels come. I think he is probably the best PG in our reach.

IF that supposed trade of bonzi wells and a pick for sura, wesley goes down, it could really work out. We wouldnt have to look around too much in free agency and could pursue one guy with sufficeient cash.

I like mike miller coming too. Maybe we can change that trade up a bit and aquire him.

 

<div align="center"><u>Blasting Off For The Next Season</u>:
The Houston Rockets? Off-Season Preview - Part II</div>

The Houston Rockets are on their way to becoming a legitimate contender for the NBA title, but they aren?t there yet. In the first of a two part series, we will look at this season; the good and the bad, to assess the Rocket?s needs and possible moves in the off-season. I will also look at free agency.

<u>2004/05: The Good AND The Bad</u>

The Rockets started this season dreadfully but some slick moves by General Manager, Carroll Dawson, have changed all that. With the addition of David Wesley, Jon Barry and Mike James the Rockets jumped straight into the playoff race.

So what helped them win? Mac and Ming were always superb but the role players, new and old, stepped up. Wesley could hit shots when needed and possessed the perimeter defense that Jeff Van Gundy wanted. Jon Barry?s sweet shooting also helped propel Houston?s offense. Add Sura?s return from injury, a game winner from Scott Padgett, and Juwon Howard?s consistent effort and the Rockets blasted off.

Notice how all the players who stepped up were NBA veterans?

So what went wrong this season? I could talk about injuries all day, but the only thing that injuries prove is a lack of depth. Sura?s injury was quickly bandaged by THE ?COMING OF THE MESSIAH?, Mike James. Howard?s injury, however, was never solved. A power forward rotation of Ryan Bowen, Scott Padgett and Clarence Weatherspoon was not good enough. The Rockets also needed a natural, pass-first point guard that could distribute inside to Yao or dish it to T-Mac to create a shot.

So what do Houston need? Maybe the legitimate third scoring option that championship teams often have. They are also looking to fill in their hole at the power forward position and point guard.

<u>Team Chemistry Ratings</u>
I have compiled chemistry ratings based on a player?s 04/05 regular season statistics. I?ve made formulas based on what the Rockets need at certain positions and roles. Here they are:

<u>Power Forward and Back Up centers</u>
[rpg + (bpg x 5) + (FG% x 10)] divided by minutes per game

<u>Point Guards</u>
[(ast/TO x 3) + (spg x 7) + (FG% x 10)] divided by minutes per game

<u>Third Scoring Options</u>
[ppg + (bpg x 2.5) + (spg x 2.5) + (FG% x 10)] divided by minutes per game

<div align="center"><u>The Free Agent Market</u></div>

Next Season?s estimated salary cap: $46 million
Rockets? Payroll: $53.4 million
<font color="red">$7.6 million OVER the cap</font>
Money available: The Mid Level Exception (MLE)

<div align="center"><u>Power Forwards and Back up Centers</u>

Dan Gadzuric

Age: 27
Height: 6?11?
Weight: 240 lbs.
Chemistry Rating: 91.95%</div>

Gadzuric isn?t exactly one of the high profile players involved in free agent talks with the Rockets, but Houston can only offer the MLE, he is a practical choice.

The Chemistry rating is not an accurate description of Gadzuric as a Rocket, but the exceptionally high rating tells us that, statistically, he has what the Rockets want. He?s an exceptional blocker and rebounder and also runs the floor very well for a player his size.

His only problem is his lack of offense. The Rockets need a power forward who can hit the mid-range jumpshot when Yao dishes it off.

<div align="center">Chris Anderson

Age: 26
Height: 6?10?
Weight: 228 lbs.
Chemistry Rating: 88.69%</div>

The Birdman, Chris Anderson can develop in to a good offensive player. He?s a good dunker, and has hops, though I couldn?t imagine him actually needing to use it. Furthermore, he is a good shot blocking presence that could compliment Yao on the weak side. HECK! Just put Yao on the weak side!!!

Anderson is still not perfect though. He has to develop some post up skills and hold back from going overboard on offense.

<div align="center">Kwame Brown

Age: 23
Height: 6?11?
Weight: 243 lbs.
Chemistry Rating: 60.42%</div>

Potential; we hear it all the time when the NBA draft comes around, and it surrounded Kwame Brown in 2001. He has started off slow and that could make him affordable at the MLE, though I highly doubt it.Many GM?s are hoping for the Jermaine O?Neal incarnate when they probably dig deep into their pockets for Kwame.

So he?s got above average rebounding, and has displayed okay blocking in the past, but not this season. The only other thing that works for him is his incredible athleticism. If he is a late bloomer (like high school draftees often are) then the Rockets could acquire the third scoring option they?re looking for.

How about the downside? Well he has an awful attitude. If signed, Kwame may not even show up to Rockets training. He may just be the biggest gamble in this year?s free agent class.

<div align="center">Joe Przybilla

Age: 25
Height: 7?1?
Weight: 255lbs.
Chemistry Rating: 97.25%</div>

And you thought Gadzuric had a monster chemistry rating. Przybilla had a great season and has proved to be a banger down low. He?s a good rebounder, and has been exceptional with the swats.

So he had a great season, mind you it was a contract season. His numbers have risen uncharacteristically from his last for seasons. Maybe we ought to call this the Dampier Syndrome.

Other possibilities or rumours: Udonis Haslem, Tyson Chandler, Troy Murphy, Stromile Swift, Stephen Hunter, Vitali Potapenko.

<div align="center"><u>Point Guards</u>

Chris Duhon

Age: 22
Height: 6?1?
Weight: 185 lbs.
Chemistry Rating: 77.96%</div>

Duhon is another player with a lot of potential. He?s a good passer and an even better floor general; not to mention he thinks defensively. He seems like Jeff Van Gundy?s sort of Point Guard.

His only flaw is probably his lack of scoring, but the Rockets aren?t looking for a point guard who can score. Duhon is a snug fit.

<div align="center">Jeff McInnis

Age: 29
Height: 6?4?
Weight 179 lbs.
Chemistry Rating: 55.7%</div>

Thanks to his size, McInnis can post up against opposing point guards. Would that work well on a team with Yao Ming? Probably not, but at least there?s an extra option there. He?s also a good ball handler and has solid defense.

While being a bigger player at his position, it can pose problems when he defends faster guards. Other than that, he wouldn?t do a bad job. The only other issue is whether the MLE would be enough for him.

<div align="center">Earl Watson

Age: 26
Height: 6?1?
Weight: 190 lbs.
Chemistry Rating: 69.2%</div>

The little man, Earl Watson has been a solid guard for a number of years. He has developed a reliable mid-range shot and is one of the better perimeter defenders in the league.

Unluckily, he is not as good a playmaker as the Rockets would like to see in their point guards. None-the-less he would be a good addition to a defensive minded team like the Rockets.

<div align="center">Jason Kidd

Age: 32
Height: 6?4?
Weight: 210 lbs.
Chemistry Rating: 89.86%</div>

What can I say? Jason Kidd is? Jason Kidd. Just a season ago he was the reigning ?best point guard in the NBA?.

Kidd is not happy with his situation in New Jersey, even with the arrival of Air Cana... oh? I mean Air Jersey. Maybe a return to Texas could see Kidd finally get that championship ring. He?s a pass-first point guard with great defensive skill. That?s exactly what the Rockets want. Kidd could also be a candidate for Houston?s third scoring option.

However, if General Manager Dawson does NOT play his cards right, the Rockets could end up overpaying Kidd, who is reaching his decline. It all depends on how greedy that little Kidd is.

Other possibilities or rumours: Gary Payton, Darrell Armstrong, Jay Williams, Damon Jones

<div align="center"><u>Third Scoring Options</u>

Latrell Sprewell

Age: 34 (or was it 43?)
Height: 6?5?
Weight: 195 lbs.
Chemistry Rating: 62.76%

I?m shocked; Sprewell?s chemistry rating was above 2%. Well the only thing he could possibly give the Rockets is some scoring. And even then, he can?t score like he did a year ago.

Sprewell plays no defense. It racks my brain just wondering why Jeff Van Gundy ever liked him in the Knicks. Well I think that if the Rockets Sign Spree, any hopes of winning a title are gone. Houston has built great team chemistry, and Spree would do nothing but throw it away.

Shareef Abdur-Rahim

Age: 28
Height: 6?9?
Weight: 245 lbs.
Chemistry Rating: 73.15%

Many have stated that Shareef is a team cancer. Others argue that every team he?s been with has been cancerous to him. The only way to find out the truth is to put him with a legitimate contender.

His versatility at both forward spots could appeal to the Rockets. He could cover the power forward problem, or could play the small while T-Mac plays shooting guard. That would give the Rockets a large line up, and also provides the Rockets with strong rebounding and a scoring.

Shareef?s main problem is his defense, and there?s always the fact that he?s never been in the playoffs. But if he joins the Rockets, I?m sure that would end.

<u>Other Players</u></div>

These are players who the Rockets could also consider. They play similar positions on the court, and could provide instant offense off the bench:
Kyle Korver, Trevor Ariza, Gerald Wallace and DerMarr Johnson

<div align="center"><u>The Wrap Up</u></div>

Who will the Rockets pick? And will they get what they?re looking for? Taking Risks on players such as Kwame Brown could pay off, but they could also back fire. Playing it safe with a solid role player may be a better path to take. But in the whacky world of the NBA, who knows what will happen?​

 

Not sure if we can actually afford to sign Daniels. He's wanting the MLE and some teams are willing to give it to him. If we sign Antonio to the MLE, we won't have any money to get anyone else.

Miller is a great three point shooter, and he did play with TMac in Orlando, but he isn't a good defender and is inconsistent. Does bring some size but again I'd pick Wesley over him any day at SG. If I had to pick, I'd rather take Wells and all the baggage that comes with him.

 

Jeff Van Gundy did say the Rockets would look to make some big moves before Draft Day (in a recent interview).

The End of the Finals to Draft Day is a period I am readily awaiting. If we look back to the Spreewell incident, choking his coaches and what-not, look what JVG molded him into. I honestly believe Artest could be the same way. If he respects his coach enough, if he wants it enough, he can be one of the premier Guard-Forwards in the NBA. He wouldn't be up to super-stardom, and I don't think he has that kind of potential, but he can get pretty damn close. A guy who can drop 25 on you, and still hold you to 10. A guy that when walks onto the court, everyone is aware of his presence. If the Rockets aquired him, McGrady wouldn't have to always defend the teams' best players. Think of the Playoffs. McGrady and Bowen were guarding Dirk. McGrady had to pick up on the offense, something Bowen couldn't muster. With Artest, there would be no question, we would be able to score and defend. We would, quite possibly, have the best perimeter defense in the league, and if we were to make it to the WCF, or Semis, we could play the Suns or Spurs and actually compete. Artest isn't really liked by the Indy front office, or by anyone in the NBA front offices, but we could give him a new start. Only question is what we could give to get him. Outside of Mac and Ming, I would package anything, including our First Rounder.

Chris Anderson is another guy I like. Pure Effort. If our draft goes awry, and we end up with some second-grade Power Forward, I would look for the Rockets to add him to our Roster. He would love to get out of the situation he is in right now, and with the Rockets being Playoff Contenders, he would love to come here. He could get the crowd going and is a pretty exciting player.

Jay Williams is another guy, from the start, I have always liked. I recently read an article, and a few teams have been looking at him. He said he wants to go to a contender, which suprised me, since he is still so young. I'm hoping JVG has enough trust in him to make him an offer. After all, we do have Charlie-friggin-Ward on our team, don't we?

 

I was reading about the prospect of signing Jay on CF, and the writer mentioned a very good point. Would he be willing to go to a team where he'll play big minutes and he'll be expected to produce, one where blame would be placed on him if the team falters? Keep in mind, this guy hasn't played organized basketball for two years; how good could he be? He certainly isn't as conditioned as before and his speed and quickness could have left him. If he gets signed on to the Rockets, becomes Sura's main backup, would he be ready to face the high expectations?

Or, Williams could go to a team like Milwaukee or Toronto where expectations aren't high for the team, and he could play a role in the rotation while facing no pressure at all. It would allow him to re-condition himself at his own pace.

What would you choose if you were in Jay's shoes?

 

Hey Trip, why'd you remove the link?

 

Jay Williams is definitely a gamble. But he would be a 3rd string PG behind Sura and James. The pressure would be off him, but in the same time he would not play enough minutes to return to any form he had in college or as a rookie.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting dakeem1:</div><div class="quote_post">Jay Williams is definitely a gamble. But he would be a 3rd string PG behind Sura and James. The pressure would be off him, but in the same time he would not play enough minutes to return to any form he had in college or as a rookie.</div>
I think all you guys make good points. But don't forget Tyson Chandler. Chandler would be the PERFECT back up to Yao. If you ask me, I would feel better about losing Dikembe if we got a young energetic big man like Chandler. Also, I think we need a athletic FINISHING guard next to Tmac. How many times did you see Wesley get his lay up swatted by Dirk in the playoffs? I mean I'm talking about fast breaks. That's unacceptable. I just HOPE Van Gundy breaks out of his habit of going after these WASHED UP UNDERSIZED X Knick players. It's becoming annoying.
I'm not too sold on Chris Anderson. He's like another Ryan Bowen with a little athletism and no jump shot. We need SIZE and quickness. Somebody that's going to get you a couple offensive rebs off the bench.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting chineseafro:</div><div class="quote_post">Hey Trip, why'd you remove the link?</div>
The link that he posted also contains a forum, which is considered spamming, even though he doesn't mean to. Either way, the site he posted is CF, if you know what it stands for.

Chandler I think will be very hard to get. Teams under the cap like Atlanta would offer him a Okur-like contract, which the Rockets can't. Unless a sign-n-trade goes through, I doubt that Chicago would be prepared to let Tyson go so easily.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I'm not too sold on Chris Anderson. He's like another Ryan Bowen with a little athletism and no jump shot. We need SIZE and quickness. Somebody that's going to get you a couple offensive rebs off the bench.</div>
Are you kidding me?

Chris Anderson is 6-10 with a nice wingspan. He is a decent good shotblocker and rebounder- basically what we need at the powerforward or center position. Plus, he has the athleticism and youth which would go nicely with McGrady and Yao. The only things he needs to work on is not picking up stupid fouls and working on his jumpshot. Actually, because there is a big need for big men during this offseason, we might be lucky to nab him as a free agent.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting AznxBaller:</div><div class="quote_post">Are you kidding me?

Chris Anderson is 6-10 with a nice wingspan. He is a decent good shotblocker and rebounder- basically what we need at the powerforward or center position. Plus, he has the athleticism and youth which would go nicely with McGrady and Yao. The only things he needs to work on is not picking up stupid fouls and working on his jumpshot. Actually, because there is a big need for big men during this offseason, we might be lucky to nab him as a free agent.</div>

Luck to Nab him? What are you thinking? He's a slight upgrade of Bowen. Maybe a little more athletic, but still no offensive game. I can just see tes backing off Chris Anderson making him take jumpers while triple teaming Yao and Tmac. We need somebody who can HIT OPEN JUMPERS and go to the foul line. If you can't shoot, no matter how high you can jump, teams are going to back off you and exploit you're weakness. That's why I'm not too sold on Chris Anderson. I'd much rather pursue Stormile Swift.