I wouldnt want finley, because that would make us way over th salary cap and he isnt a defensive guy, but an offensive one. It would give us way too many people demanding the ball. We should try to get stoudamire in a trade. He is a true point gaurd, and that is the biggest missing peice on this team. He would demand the ball, but dont we need a 3rd scorer anyways. He can give us 15pts 7 assists a night. Also, then we could move james to the 2 behind wesley.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting bplld:</div><div class="quote_post">I wouldnt want finley, because that would make us way over th salary cap and he isnt a defensive guy, but an offensive one. It would give us way too many people demanding the ball. We should try to get stoudamire in a trade. He is a true point gaurd, and that is the biggest missing peice on this team. He would demand the ball, but dont we need a 3rd scorer anyways. He can give us 15pts 7 assists a night. Also, then we could move james to the 2 behind wesley.</div> It wouldn't put us over the cap that much. It is expected that Dallas will waive Finley, so he would technically be a Free Agent getting paid the big-bucks by Dallas, not us. I am thinking it's comparable to Mutumbo's situation. Like you said, we do need a third scoring option, and Stoudamire really does fill that role. I don't think he would demand the ball that much, any veteran would know that you need to take the backseat to Yao and Tracy. All the open looks he would get, that really could entice him. Yao was double-teamed so often last year, this year, teams are gonna throw a lot more double teams on him. Stoudamire could really benefit from either Yao or Tracy being doubled, and with the aquistion of Swift, we have another option to go to. But if Yao were to go down by injury (DEAR GOD I HOPE NOT), which of the point guards being mentioned would you be most comfortable with? Damon can score more than all of them, and the fact that he could tone down a bit and take the third scoring option really makes our whole team more lethal. Finley hasn't been the go-to guy throughout the whole game for quite some time, and I think he is at that point in his career that he will accept that. We all saw in the playoffs, when Finley scored in double-figures, Dallas won, when he didn't, they lost. He could be a vital part to our backcourt. The Rockets, need to size up to the competition. Billups-Hamilton, Parker-Manu, Anyone-Wade. I sincerely believe that Sura-Wesley are not going to be able to compete at full stretch against these guys.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting durvasa:</div><div class="quote_post">I don't understand why we need to load up on guards when we already have too many (Sura, James, Head, Wesley, Barry). What about a backup SF?</div> Its quality, not quantity that matters. Do you honestly think we can win a title with those guards? We've done alright with a Sura-Wesley vackcourt, but there is no way we are getting far with them. We need a starting PG who can get the job done who has playmaking abilities and good perimeter defense.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting durvasa:</div><div class="quote_post">I don't understand why we need to load up on guards when we already have too many (Sura, James, Head, Wesley, Barry). What about a backup SF?</div> I dont think we will "load" up on guards becuz i believe only 3 of the 5 you mentioned will be here when all is said and done. Head is staying, i wanna keep Sura for toughness, and we need a sparkplug such as James or Barry, This leaves us with the need for a decent sized SG that can play D and as a 3rd scoring option.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Dan Le:</div><div class="quote_post">Well I agree with a few and disagree with a few... Mike James - it's true what you wrote about him and his non-ability to change the tempo but I still don't understand why theres so much dislike for him all of a sudden, I mean during the season everyone loved Mike James I even recall someone saying they had a man crush on him! and now I rarely hear a good thing about him...</div> I Don't hate him. But he does remind me much like Francis the way he plays sometimes. He's a decent back up, but he plays so fast he doesn't allow Yao to get position down low. It's frustrating especially when Tmac is out of the game. Also, in a game 7, you're never supposed to get ejected
i dont like finley mainly because of what he did to us in the playoffs =x, thats the only reason i hate him but other then that i think he would be ok to have but there are many more options we could look at.
Is there still any way we can get damon jones? he was is a free agent and refused miami's offer so does that mean he wants big bucks? Or could he go to the home town rockets??
People have forgotten how good Mike James was for us. He had a poor game 7, but he was having a very good series before then. And he was pretty great during the regular season as well. He's definitely worth keeping. If we have him and Bobby Sura healthy for the season, then there really isn't a need to sign another PG. The position we should be looking at most is SF. A guy who's versitile, that could play SF or SG. Other than McGrady, I don't think we have a guy like that.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting durvasa:</div><div class="quote_post">People have forgotten how good Mike James was for us. He had a poor game 7, but he was having a very good series before then. And he was pretty great during the regular season as well. He's definitely worth keeping. If we have him and Bobby Sura healthy for the season, then there really isn't a need to sign another PG. The position we should be looking at most is SF. A guy who's versitile, that could play SF or SG. Other than McGrady, I don't think we have a guy like that.</div> You couldn't have watched the playoffs. The Dallas guards made us look like we were moving in mud. James was pretty good last season, but some of his decision making makes me a little weary. Plus he plays so fast that it doesn't really utilize Yao. Before Yao has a chance to get position on the block, James is either jacking up a shot, or dribbling till he's out of breath. I wouldn't give up on him, but if we can get a upgrade then so be it. The only thing that worries me about Sura is his health. Something tells me he'll never be 100% healthy.
Sura, at the probable 70% he was playing at last season, did a competent job at the one. He was able to get the ball to Yao and everyone else, and also put up some clutch points when needed. He is the incumbent starter at point guard and I feel should still be unless we sign Gary Payton. James is a good backup but his lack of playmaking abilities and me-first attitude prevents him from taking over the starter reins. I do like the idea of Earl Watson for the team. He is a good passer and can run the floor. He also has quick hands and will get you at least a steal per game. I don't see any harm in signing him, although it's unlikely we have the resources to sign him without giving up anyone due to us already having used the MLE on Swift. Stoudamire is a big no. Rock4life mentioned that during the years when Portland were contenders, Stoudamire was getting everyone the ball. I'd like to ask you a question: how would you explain the fact that Stoudamire averaged a mere 5.2 assists (half of league leader Jason Kidd) during the 99-00 season when the Blazers were a quarter away from the Finals? Stoudamire was no John Stockton in those years, the team was everyone for themselves, and Stoudamire himself was infected with that mentality. The team got that far on talent alone, and they eventually showed that the multi-superstar lineup would not bring a championship. Speaking about point guards, what about Chris Duhon?
Bulls will not let Duhon go without a sign and trade IMO. The only reason to let him go would be because they already have Hinrich and Gordon. If so, they will want PF's and SF's in return and we can't give them that. I think Duhon is perfect though
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Speaking about point guards, what about Chris Duhon?</div> I'd sign him without question. Sure, he's still young but definitely has the mentality of a floor leader and the maturity to play team ball. He doesn't demand the ball much, but he is still a great spot up shooter and can drain the three really well. Plus, he has the quickness to keep up with the faster point guards of the west. Good defender too- perfect fit for us.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Trip:</div><div class="quote_post">Sura, at the probable 70% he was playing at last season, did a competent job at the one. He was able to get the ball to Yao and everyone else, and also put up some clutch points when needed. He is the incumbent starter at point guard and I feel should still be unless we sign Gary Payton. James is a good backup but his lack of playmaking abilities and me-first attitude prevents him from taking over the starter reins. I do like the idea of Earl Watson for the team. He is a good passer and can run the floor. He also has quick hands and will get you at least a steal per game. I don't see any harm in signing him, although it's unlikely we have the resources to sign him without giving up anyone due to us already having used the MLE on Swift. Stoudamire is a big no. Rock4life mentioned that during the years when Portland were contenders, Stoudamire was getting everyone the ball. I'd like to ask you a question: how would you explain the fact that Stoudamire averaged a mere 5.2 assists (half of league leader Jason Kidd) during the 99-00 season when the Blazers were a quarter away from the Finals? Stoudamire was no John Stockton in those years, the team was everyone for themselves, and Stoudamire himself was infected with that mentality. The team got that far on talent alone, and they eventually showed that the multi-superstar lineup would not bring a championship. Speaking about point guards, what about Chris Duhon?</div> In all due respect to Stoudamire, that team where he averaged 5.2 assist, almost made it to the final that year (if it weren't for that 4th quarter lapse against LA). Also, that Portland team was very consistent through out the years that Stoudamire ran the point. Not saying he was the sole reason, but for a "so-called" shoot first PG, playing on team with a bunch of prolific scorers, he did a excellent job. In reality, I don't want a John Stocton type guard. The two best teams in this league have scoring PG's. Look no further than the Finals, San Antonio and Detroit. I just would prefer a guard that will distribute the ball fairly well, make smart decisions, and HIT OPEN 3's. Earl Watson is more of a defensive minded PG, but that's what we drafted Head for. Duhon puts great pressure on the ball, but that's what Luther Head is for. To balance it out, the Rockets would be best with another scoring threat that will make the defense pay for doubling Yao or Tmac.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Rock4life:</div><div class="quote_post">In all due respect to Stoudamire, that team where he averaged 5.2 assist, almost made it to the final that year (if it weren't for that 4th quarter lapse against LA). Also, that Portland team was very consistent through out the years that Stoudamire ran the point. Not saying he was the sole reason, but for a "so-called" shoot first PG, playing on team with a bunch of prolific scorers, he did a excellent job. In reality, I don't want a John Stocton type guard. The two best teams in this league have scoring PG's. Look no further than the Finals, San Antonio and Detroit. I just would prefer a guard that will distribute the ball fairly well, make smart decisions, and HIT OPEN 3's. Earl Watson is more of a defensive minded PG, but that's what we drafted Head for. Duhon puts great pressure on the ball, but that's what Luther Head is for. To balance it out, the Rockets would be best with another scoring threat that will make the defense pay for doubling Yao or Tmac.</div> That team got that far on talent alone. None of the players had chemistry with each other and Stoudamire didn't play into the team concept as well. The Portland team was also pretty inconsistent since the 01-02 season, and Stoudamire's passing game was so unstable that Mo Cheeks even played him at shooting guard. I agree, a PG who can hit the open three would be a big bonus, as there would be many open looks to get from double teams on Yao and McGrady. However, Sura couldn't hit a lot of threes last year but we still shot pretty well as a team. Guys like Wesley, James, Barry and Padgett might be enough, if the latter two return. Duhon would bring us passing, ball pressure, the ability to protect the ball and also hit the open three. Don't forget that Duhon shot 35% from three and also hit 8 threes in one game, a Bulls franchise record.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Trip:</div><div class="quote_post">That team got that far on talent alone. None of the players had chemistry with each other and Stoudamire didn't play into the team concept as well. The Portland team was also pretty inconsistent since the 01-02 season, and Stoudamire's passing game was so unstable that Mo Cheeks even played him at shooting guard. I agree, a PG who can hit the open three would be a big bonus, as there would be many open looks to get from double teams on Yao and McGrady. However, Sura couldn't hit a lot of threes last year but we still shot pretty well as a team. Guys like Wesley, James, Barry and Padgett might be enough, if the latter two return. Duhon would bring us passing, ball pressure, the ability to protect the ball and also hit the open three. Don't forget that Duhon shot 35% from three and also hit 8 threes in one game, a Bulls franchise record.</div> Well for one, that Portland team fell apart because they traded they're best player, Rasheed, and got rid of Bonzi Wells. Also, the majority of the team was upset for whatever reason. The NBA is a tough league, I don't know if a team can be successful with just "talent alone". Duhon is not a bad choice, but I just don't like two young PG's on a team that do similar things. I don't expect, and really don't want Wesley back. I love Barry and Padgett, but Mike James is iffy. He played well, but also has alot of "Francis" tendacies that drive me crazy. I'm definitley leaning towards a scoring PG. Sura has more heart than anybody, but he's coming off surgery and we don't know what to expect. Stoudamire would be consistent scoring threat.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Rock4life:</div><div class="quote_post">Well for one, that Portland team fell apart because they traded they're best player, Rasheed, and got rid of Bonzi Wells. Also, the majority of the team was upset for whatever reason. The NBA is a tough league, I don't know if a team can be successful with just "talent alone". Duhon is not a bad choice, but I just don't like two young PG's on a team that do similar things. I don't expect, and really don't want Wesley back. I love Barry and Padgett, but Mike James is iffy. He played well, but also has alot of "Francis" tendacies that drive me crazy. I'm definitley leaning towards a scoring PG. Sura has more heart than anybody, but he's coming off surgery and we don't know what to expect. Stoudamire would be consistent scoring threat.</div> I don't want this to shift to a Blazers argument but the fact is that the Portland team after the 99-00 season became overcome with egos and the star players like Wallace, Wells, Smith and Stoudamire started to become distant from one another. Whatever it was, Stoudamire simply wasn't able to pass the ball enough to keep everyone happy. Also, when Wallace was traded, Zach Randolph was already enroute to a 20/10 year. If you're leaning towards a scoring PG, then I can't see why you aren't satisfied with Mike James. He's one to give you instant offense off the bench, and isn't much different from Stoudamire, except that James is younger and faster. I also don't see the need for a scoring PG. The team had no true passers last year, and the addition of Luther Head didn't exactly solve the problem. Using the Spurs and Pistons as examples don't really count because both teams play within a team concept and everyone is able to get assists. Parker and Billups also have great size at point guard, something Stoudamire doesn't.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Trip:</div><div class="quote_post">I don't want this to shift to a Blazers argument but the fact is that the Portland team after the 99-00 season became overcome with egos and the star players like Wallace, Wells, Smith and Stoudamire started to become distant from one another. Whatever it was, Stoudamire simply wasn't able to pass the ball enough to keep everyone happy. Also, when Wallace was traded, Zach Randolph was already enroute to a 20/10 year. If you're leaning towards a scoring PG, then I can't see why you aren't satisfied with Mike James. He's one to give you instant offense off the bench, and isn't much different from Stoudamire, except that James is younger and faster. I also don't see the need for a scoring PG. The team had no true passers last year, and the addition of Luther Head didn't exactly solve the problem. Using the Spurs and Pistons as examples don't really count because both teams play within a team concept and everyone is able to get assists. Parker and Billups also have great size at point guard, something Stoudamire doesn't.</div> I don't think it's fair to put the blame on Stoudamire for the Blazers organization not keeping everybody happy. But we mine as well stop wasting our breath because he just signed with Memphis Payton is probably the best option now. Payton has always been my favorite player, he's not GREAT at this point in his career, but he definitley can get the job done.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Rock4life:</div><div class="quote_post">I don't think it's fair to put the blame on Stoudamire for the Blazers organization not keeping everybody happy. But we mine as well stop wasting our breath because he just signed with Memphis Payton is probably the best option now. Payton has always been my favorite player, he's not GREAT at this point in his career, but he definitley can get the job done.</div> I'm not blaming it all on Stoudamire, I just don't think that you should give him credit for something he doesn't deserve to. Would Payton be a great upgrade over Sura? With Head, if we add Payton, it would leave four deserving players who will have to share the minutes at the point, with no clear-cut starter amongst them.
