Oops, I just got back from school and saw that the game against is already on. Sorry, we don't celebrate MLK Day here in Canada and I didn't realize it's a public holiday. Anyways, the Hawks are up at halftime 49-39. Dikembe Mutombo, of all people, is leading the team with 10 points. Howard, Wesley and Alston have 8, 8 and 9 respectively, but outside of those four only two other Rockets have scored. Houston needs to get it going soon or Atlanta might embarrass us.
I forgot there was a game today also......49-39 doesn't sound good, especially with all the injuries we have.
78- 91.. with like 2 minutes left... juan had another outstanding game... same with mutombo... but it wasn't enoguh....
If we want to be practical about all this, it's probably better that we lose these games and get a high draft pick than hang around the 500 mark and barely miss the playoffs. And Howard did not have a good game. 20 points on 17 shots and 6 free throws, with only 6 boards and 5 turnovers in 43 minutes is mediocre, at best.
You probably mean draft lottery day and common at least have some hope. We all know that with all our player we will be very dangerous in the playoffs and we can all look forward to two new players next year anyways with our two draft picks. Barry is retiring and I don't see Sura so far off.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting durvasa:</div><div class="quote_post">If we want to be practical about all this, it's probably better that we lose these games and get a high draft pick than hang around the 500 mark and barely miss the playoffs. And Howard did not have a good game. 20 points on 17 shots and 6 free throws, with only 6 boards and 5 turnovers in 43 minutes is mediocre, at best.</div> Right now, we have the worst record in the West. I guess it's pretty safe to say that we won't be going anywhere this season if the team plans on just waiting out McGrady and Yao's return.
Will we have enough cap space for more free agents next year? I know Yao's getting a huge extension, which I wish he would cut down, but we got quite a few expiring contracts. Hope we don't get a Rafael Arajulo type of bust in the draft. Will we have enough cap space for more free agents next year? I know Yao's getting a huge extension, which I wish he would cut down, but we got quite a few expiring contracts. Hope we don't get a Rafael Arajulo type of bust in the draft.
Yao was allready given an extension. Yao is locked up till 2012 and Tmac is locked up around the same time. We don't have alot of cap space unless some players retire which I can see happening, but other than that I recommend saving this off season because of lack of talent and wait till 2007 when peirce, vince carter, billups, richard hamilton, and so many more become free agents.
We won't have the money to bring any of those guys in. TMac's contract is incremental and he'd be earning a crapload of money by the time the offseason of 2007 comes. Yao's extension will have kicked in and Swift's contract will have risen. We can only use our MLE, and I'd rather we spend it on some good players who know their role rather than another superstar.
I feel bad for you Houston fans, I really do. I thought they were ready to take the next step after last season, but injuries have just destroyed any chance of getting there. If you look at the history of sports, these type of seasons just bring a team closer together and usually leads to greatness shortly after. Even though the season and playoff hopes are likely over, there are some positives to keep an eye on. - Chance for player development - Chance for a quality pick in the draft lottery - Chance to survey the rest of the West and make the "right" moves - Chance for your two star players to completely heal - Chance for the players to learn how to win without TMac or Yao - Chance to really evaluate who fits and who doesn't I think this is the opportunity for JVG to really put his stamp on this team. Without TMac or Yao out there, he can start cracking down on anyone who doesn't play defense and give maximum effort. JVG needs to take advantage of this opportunity to start molding these players and get them specializing in specific roles for next season. I guess if you want to put it in perspective, the rest of the year should be used as an extended pre-season for the Rockets. I think the Rockets should unload players they don't plan on having next year immediately. David Wesley, possibly Deke (retirement), and Moochie. Bringing in new players now gives JVG and the coaching staff more time to work with them and gives these veterans a chance to win somewhere else. A lot of teams who will be in the playoffs could use Wesley or Deke, to give them an edge. Right now the goal for this team should be creating a foundation of hope for next season.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post"> I think the Rockets should unload players they don't plan on having next year immediately. David Wesley, possibly Deke (retirement), and Moochie. Bringing in new players now gives JVG and the coaching staff more time to work with them and gives these veterans a chance to win somewhere else. A lot of teams who will be in the playoffs could use Wesley or Deke, to give them an edge.</div>I strongly agree with this point. With very little time to play under Van Gundy in the preseason, Alston, Swift and Anderson all struggled early on. It's evident that Van Gundy's system isn't easy to adapt to and every new acquisition needs at least a few months to fully get it. Bringing in guys who we want now is better than doing it in the offseason. I think Wesley will stay around as he's a favorite and brings some veteran leadership and good defense. Mutombo though I don't see as someone who has a future with this team, and he definitely would be welcomed by another team who can do things in the playoffs. Some other guys we should consider trading now are Moochie Norris and Jon Barry.
Barry and Mutombo came back to play for the Rockets.. they might choose to retire rather than play for another team. Then again, they came back for a chance to win a championship, and it might be a good gesture to send them to a team with an actual chance to win it all this season. But Mutombo is the only backup C the Rox have, so I don't see how they can let him go now..
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting johnny33:</div><div class="quote_post">Barry and Mutombo came back to play for the Rockets.. they might choose to retire rather than play for another team. Then again, they came back for a chance to win a championship, and it might be a good gesture to send them to a team with an actual chance to win it all this season. But Mutombo is the only backup C the Rox have, so I don't see how they can let him go now..</div> Well worse case scenario you put Swift there, but the more likely scenario you get back player who can play Center for you now and then backup Yao Ming later on. And you're right, it is about making a good gesture for these two. Be upfront about the situation, tell them the season is basically a loss, and if you want the opportunity to win we'll try to get a deal done for you.
