"I would think the only people I can be sure they won't change would be Tracy (McGrady) and Yao (Ming)," Rockets guard David Wesley said. "Other than that, it could be me, it could be anybody." THEeLINK Ah finally..too bad JVG isn't the one going. But say ur goodbyes to Wesley and Swift or Rafer (who would want him?). Hello to sprewell and lynch? Free Agents Latrell Sprewell Rodney White George Lynch Darvin Ham
I doubt we can free up the roster spot to sign a free agent immediately but I could see Van Gundy shifting up the rotations. Giving Lonny Baxter more playing time could be a pleasant surprise just like Andre Barrett was last season, but for a turnaround we just need the guys who're playing now to step up. Wesley is having an average season, Swift is largely underwhelming, and Anderson has been inconsistent. Some trades might have to be pulled, and I think we could see someone in the rotation right now be traded by year's end.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> Free Agents Latrell Sprewell Rodney White George Lynch Darvin Ham</div> All of those guys really aren't upgrades over Anderson, Wesley, or Barry with perhaps the exception of Sprewell. Even then he's a headcase and can make things a lot of worse for us so at this point I think it would be a big risk if we take him on. I really don't know what Van Gundy tinker with on the team. The only player that hasn't been utilized too much is Baxter, and even then he's playing behind two players that are better. However, even without skills, he can possibly add some energy onto the court for us, something we've been seriously lacking these games. Baxter gets my vote.
We need to get off to better starts. Unfortunately, no one on the team other than Yao and McGrady have played to a level deserving a starting position. We seem to play with more energy when Bowen is in the game. One lineup I think could be better is: PG - Head, Alston SG - Wesley, Barry SF - McGrady, Anderson, [Bowen] PF - Bowen, Swift, Howard C - Yao, Mutombo It would probably be a poor rebounding team on paper, but Bowen's infectous hustle just might make up for that. According to 82games.com, we get 77% of defensive boards with Bowen in the game, versus only 69.5% with him out. But 2/3 of his minutes have been at SF. Bowen has slightly better range than Howard, and that could allow for better spacing on the court. I wouldn't be surprised if Swift gets some DNP-CDs in upcoming games. I think Bowen will play more, and if its a choice between playing Howard and Swift, JVG will go with Howard. That's a mistake in my view. When Howard is on the court our offense has plummeted (93.4 pts/100 poss vs. 107.4 pts/100 poss), and defensively we haven't been any better either. It doesn't mean that if Howard is benched we'll suddenly become a very good offensive team, but I think it would improve significantly. Swift, in contrast, has been a relatively decent offensive player for us, but a poor defender (the opposite of expectations, incidentally). But while our team defense is good enough to mask Swift's defensive inefficiencies, our offense does not seem to be good enough to mask Howard's offensive struggles. The only clear-cut benefit Howard offers over a Bowen-Swift PF combination is rebounding. But there are more pressing concerns for us right now, namely shooting from the field and turnovers.
I can see the rockets pulling off a trade within the next 2 weeks.. There are a lot of players available right now.. ie. Denver needs a PF, likely want to get rid of Voshon Lenard who's a deadly 3 point shooter the Rockets would probably be interested in.. possible scenario might be Howard and one of our guards for Earl Watson and Lenard? Not sure if both teams would want to make trades within their own conference though. another possibility is Toronto again, who have players like Eric Williams and Aaron Williams who are good team players/role players. The problem is, who to send to Toronto.. they don't need another PF and their backcourt seems to be fairly solid with Calderon/James/Peterson.. I agree JVG should give Lonny Baxter some more PT - he may provide a spark that was missing... Of the FA's listed in the article I like Darvin Ham for his hustle and Sprewell for his ability to score (the Rockets NEED more scorers who are able to create a shot when opposing teams are focusing on Yao and TMac)
durvasa, I like the idea of playing Bowen more or even starting him, but I don't think that starting him over Howard and Swift is the solution. While it's true that Bowen has better range than Howard, Howard is much more consistent on his jumper and plays a pretty big role in our offensive set up. Bowen on the other hand is strictly a shooter, I doubt Van Gundy would want him to post up even someone six inches shorter. It is obvious, though, that the Rockets are a much better offensive rebounding team with Bowen mostly due to his hustle. One way I can see to give Bowen more playing time is to have McGrady shift to shooting guard and Bowen start at SF. That way, he can get 20 solid minutes without taking any away from Howard, who I believe is doing well in his role, and Swift, who I don't think we should give up totally on yet. His minutes should be cut, but still he should get 10 a game at the least.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Locke:</div><div class="quote_post"> While it's true that Bowen has better range than Howard, Howard is much more consistent on his jumper and plays a pretty big role in our offensive set up. Bowen on the other hand is strictly a shooter, I doubt Van Gundy would want him to post up even someone six inches shorter. It is obvious, though, that the Rockets are a much better offensive rebounding team with Bowen mostly due to his hustle.</div> So far this season, Howard's jumper hasn't been consistent at all. He his a better inside scorer, as you say, but overall his presence hasn't been of any benefit on the offense end for us, beyond some decent offensive rebounding now and then. The numbers say that the Rockets have been pitiful offensively with Howard on the court. Specifically, when Yao and Howard are paired together (which is a good chunk of the time, since they're both starters) the Rockets have only scored 82.2 pts/48min and have given up 86.7 pts/48min. When Yao and Swift paired together, the Rockets have scored 92.9 pts/48min and given up 87.0 pts/48min. Whatever Howard is doing on the offensive end for this team, it's not working. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">One way I can see to give Bowen more playing time is to have McGrady shift to shooting guard and Bowen start at SF. That way, he can get 20 solid minutes without taking any away from Howard, who I believe is doing well in his role, and Swift, who I don't think we should give up totally on yet. His minutes should be cut, but still he should get 10 a game at the least.</div> I thought at first that Bowen at SF, McGrady at SG might work. But I think it would mess up our spacing. We should have a couple of 3-point threats on the floor other than McGrady (who's going to be creating for them). Swift has been dissapointing so far, but I still think he's better for us than Howard. Howard is just too much of a drain for us offensively to warrant keeping him ahead of Swift.
I love Bowen's hustle, but he is not a NBA starter. I would love to see that GS trade be pulled off, but I doubt the warrior's management is that stupid.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting johnny33:</div><div class="quote_post"> I agree JVG should give Lonny Baxter some more PT - he may provide a spark that was missing... Of the FA's listed in the article I like Darvin Ham for his hustle and Sprewell for his ability to score (the Rockets NEED more scorers who are able to create a shot when opposing teams are focusing on Yao and TMac)</div> Actually, Sprewell was a terrible offensive player last year. He's basically just a jump shooter now, and he isn't particular good at that either. He doesn't get to the free throw line, and he doesn't create for others. I think we should skip on him.
i would like to see some trade....i realy think swift needs to be traded cause lonny isn't getting the minutes he need... hes a better rebounder than swift and howard... hes husler like bowen but better... we realy don't need swifts highlight right now at all....
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting MTran:</div><div class="quote_post">well, Dion Glover was just waived.</div> free up a roster spot? hrmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...
They should tracy T-mac,Bowen for Chris Bosh Mike James and Graham just kidding trade..hmm no sure yet...hmm
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting AznxBaller:</div><div class="quote_post">All of those guys really aren't upgrades over Anderson, Wesley, or Barry with perhaps the exception of Sprewell. Even then he's a headcase and can make things a lot of worse for us so at this point I think it would be a big risk if we take him on. I really don't know what Van Gundy tinker with on the team. The only player that hasn't been utilized too much is Baxter, and even then he's playing behind two players that are better. However, even without skills, he can possibly add some energy onto the court for us, something we've been seriously lacking these games. Baxter gets my vote.</div> Sprewell is definitely much better than Anderson. I figure he should be the next target for Houston. It seems that the whole summer trade turned out to be a failure. None of them can upgrade Rocket, not even as complements. CD need to think thoroughly before action.
I don't know about baxter..he owned the summer league but in the nba, it doesnt change that he's still undersized for his position and skinny frame. I don't know how it could be an upgrade.
what I've heard is that the spot will not be used on an available free agent such as darvin ham, sprewell, etc...I personally consider TMac, Yao, and Head as our only untouchables, but I think its most likely that Wesley and Anderson are targets...I think its still way too early to dismiss Swift or Alston, especially Rafer since he is the lone true legit PG on our roster...hopefully, we'll bring in a decent-sized swingman who can score and rebound and who is quick and agile...
If you're right, Shooter, then we're involved in either a multi-player trade or a trade where we get a player for a draft pick. Either way, definitely paves the way for something to be done.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Adrenaline:</div><div class="quote_post">I don't see anyone but the following being traded. Barry Westly Moochie Howard</div> I agree, I think that any one of them could be traded right now. Especially considering the shape we are in. And when KG is out on the market we (miracle) might lose one of our stars. Anythings possible.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> Sprewell is definitely much better than Anderson. I figure he should be the next target for Houston. It seems that the whole summer trade turned out to be a failure. None of them can upgrade Rocket, not even as complements. CD need to think thoroughly before action.</div> Sprewell is definitely not the player he once was. His game has deteriorated a bit and now he's restricted to more jumpshooting instead of driving it to the whole. Although thats decent, Sprewell doesn't really provide consistent energy on defense and that will cause a ton of problems for Yao. Even though I dislike Anderson's play, at least he's fast enough and agile enough to stay in front of his man. Plus, Anderson doesn't give you that whole "I'm a headcase, proceed with caution" thing going on. A lot of people were happy at Dawson's moves during the offseason. Well how swiftly the mighty have fallen...
