I like Snyder, but unfortunately with McGrady, Francis, Bonzi, and Battier all on the team he may not get many opportunities this year. I think we should keep him on the roster, though. PG: Francis, James, Brooks SG: McGrady, Snyder, (Francis), (Wells) SF: Battier, Wells, (McGrady), (Snyder) PF: Scola, Hayes, (Battier) C: Yao, Butler, Mutombo That's 12 players right there. That looks pretty good to me. And I expect Alston and/or Head will be traded for another big (I think Jeff Foster would work out great for us). I'm not convinced Mutombo will be back.
First I would never ever put Francis at 2 or Bonzi at 3 ever Didn't Deke say he was coming back....Morey said he still plans on signing him WOW....so trading L.Head is OK with you... Brooks instead of L.Head on the opening day 12....WoW Thats just crazy anybody thinks like that with the PG the Rockets picked up The reason why I think L.Head is more valuable is because he can play both 1 and 2 even if his PG ability aint there..he still fit great in that role last year.... Rockets are in need of an upgrade 2nd or 3rd C/PF....not worth such a good shooter in L.Head Some are being very precautious about Scola, but if you don't think he is an upgrade to Hayes thats just more craziness....and think about the success a player like Hayes had last year in between the Stars...Scola was a gift and blessing Skip's value to give up has gone down now to other teams...especially in the west....but has risen in expendable value to the Rockets Nobody's going to offer much to make the Rockets Stronger.....Nene, Camby for spare parts...Never sign Evans the "ballsgrabber"....where is that even coming from in other threads....Calm down a little bit...Other than getting rid of guys I would be shocked to see any more quality guys fly in......Really Really hope I'm wrong Who is under the cap and needs a PG....I could see a trade exception for Skip Pick for Lucas
Look to see Chuck Hayes resign and maybe Mutumbo...but more than likely you will see draft picks for JL3(2nd rounder) and Alston(first rounder or TE)
<div class="quote_poster">moeinhouston Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">WOW....so trading L.Head is OK with you... Brooks instead of L.Head on the opening day 12....WoW Thats just crazy anybody thinks like that with the PG the Rockets picked up The reason why I think L.Head is more valuable is because he can play both 1 and 2 even if his PG ability aint there..he still fit great in that role last year....</div> I think Luther is one of our most valuable trade assets. He's young and he shoots lights out. But he's also very one-dimensional, he's a defensive liability, and he has zero PG instincts. We have two 6'3 combo guards on the roster already with Francis and James, so Head also seems a bit redundant. I think we're best served shopping him (along with Rafer) and maybe getting a PF/C and some draft picks. Rafer alone might not get us much; you got to sweeten the pot some. I'd also prefer to have Snyder than Head on the roster next season. I like Snyder's versatility, athleticism, and general upside much more.
This is interesting. Because I can see both Luther & Kurk excelling in Adelman's system. Right now, Kurk is our most athletic player and best finisher at the rim. In a up-tempo system he could be the most DANGEROUS player on the floor (Fans will DEFINATLEY love his highflying dunks). With all the aquisitions we've made, I don't see anybody as reliable as Head from the 3pt line. Maybe Novak, but he's still a project. I'd like to keep both. But with Bonzi back, Francis just signed, and Tmac playin 35-40mins a game, we might have to get rid of one (if not BOTH) of them. In my mind we still need a starting PF. Despite Durvasa's claim, we're activley in talks with Miami in aquiring Haslem. I don't know how if the talks are imminent, but we'll have to see............
<div class="quote_poster">Rock4life Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">In my mind we still need a starting PF. Despite Durvasa's claim, we're activley in talks with Miami in aquiring Haslem. I don't know how if the talks are imminent, but we'll have to see............</div> If the Rockets manage to trade Rafer for Haslem, I'll happily offer you my apologies. I'm pretty sure they'd expect more, but maybe I'm underestimating how desperate they are for a PG. <font color=""Red"">Edit</font>: Actually, they'd have to get more for the salaries to match. One possibility is Rafer-Lucas-Reed for Haslem. If Miami actually went for it, that would be awesome. But I think its a long shot. Good point about us missing Head's 3-point shooting. We still have Battier, who was excellent beyond the arc last year. And Mike James is a potent 3-point shooter as well. But it doesn't look like the 3-point shot will be as big a weapon for us this season, which I think you would welcome based on your criticisms last season.
<div class="quote_poster">durvasa Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Good point about us missing Head's 3-point shooting. We still have Battier, who was excellent beyond the arc last year. And Mike James is a potent 3-point shooter as well. But it doesn't look like the 3-point shot will be as big a weapon for us this season, which I think you would welcome based on your criticisms last season.</div> I think the 3pt shot will open the offense up tremendousley if we can knock'em down. Excluding Luther, the problem is who's gonna take that 3pt shot willingly and knock it down with efficiency. Battier's efficiency is high, but he's known to not take many shots. Novak is a question mark as far as him playin consistent minutes. Head's our only real 3pt specialist, meaning that's really his only job. I'd like us to trim the roster down and try our best to keep Luther. He's gonna be a bigtime player in this league.
What do you guys think of trading Rafer for Jeff Foster, straight up? The trade checks out, and we'd be getting a great rebounder, with playoff experience, who can play the 4 or 5 positions. I think he'd be a perfect fit for us.
<div class="quote_poster">durvasa Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">What do you guys think of trading Rafer for Jeff Foster, straight up? The trade checks out, and we'd be getting a great rebounder, with playoff experience, who can play the 4 or 5 positions. I think he'd be a perfect fit for us.</div> Jeff Foster? C'mon Durvasa. You can't be serious. We need somebody the opposite of Yao. That's athletic, energetic, and able to fly up & down the court. However, Jeff Foster's another "JVG" type player who probably won't be in the league much longer. I'd rather have 12 guards than another player who's prime has passed him. Hell no
<div class="quote_poster">Rock4life Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Jeff Foster? C'mon Durvasa. You can't be serious. We need somebody the opposite of Yao. That's athletic, energetic, and able to fly up & down the court.</div> Well, you listed several candidate big men in another thread, certainly not all of them are athletic, energetic, and fly up and down the court -- e.g. Webber, Haywood, Jackson, Smith. Actually, Foster fits that description better than any of those listed players. Foster is fairly quick and has good size which has made him one of the best per-minute rebounders of this decade. For a big, he runs the floor pretty well, and he moves well without the ball. He's a good defensive player, though limited offensively. Most importantly, he's experienced and can back up two positions for us effectively. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">However, Jeff Foster's another "JVG" type player who probably won't be in the league much longer. I'd rather have 12 guards than another player who's prime has passed him. Hell no</div> On one hand, you say you want a player with experience, and on the other you talking about not getting a player who's prime has passed. I just don't get it.
<div class="quote_poster">durvasa Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Well, you listed several candidate big men in another thread, certainly not all of them are athletic, energetic, and fly up and down the court -- e.g. Webber, Haywood, Jackson, Smith. Actually, Foster fits that description better than any of those listed players.</div> Well considering Yao's lack of footspeed, Haywood's size, athleticism & shotblocking skills could give us what Cato brought us when he played for the Rockets. Webber's passing and experience in Adelman's system could be highly beneficial. Marc Jackson's ability to play BIG would take alot of pressure off Yao, plus he's able to play more minutes than Foster. So I don't quite see how Foster's a better fit than ANY of those guys. <div class="quote_poster">durvasa Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">On one hand, you say you want a player with experience, and on the other you talking about not getting a player who's prime has passed. I just don't get it.</div> Ur narrowing it down to one quality. But there are different variables. Webber for example, has the right IQ to start in an Adelman ran system. His passing can give Yao (as well as Tmac) many EASY buckets from which they didn't get many of last year. Haywood's blocking & rebounding will trigger many fastbreaks. In other words, we want somebody with experience but qualities that an Adelman ran system can use. Foster's not that big of an impact player in my eyes
<div class="quote_poster">Rock4life Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Well considering Yao's lack of footspeed, Haywood's size, athleticism & shotblocking skills could give us what Cato brought us when he played for the Rockets. Webber's passing and experience in Adelman's system could be highly beneficial. Marc Jackson's ability to play BIG would take alot of pressure off Yao, plus he's able to play more minutes than Foster. So I don't quite see how Foster's a better fit than ANY of those guys.</div> Well, I'm not sure Marc Jackson is any more capable of playing big minutes than Jeff Foster. He had more games in which played big minutes last season, but that has more to do with the rotations than anything else. And Foster has actually averaged more MPG each of the last 3 season. Also, Haywood and Jackson are both more natural centers, and they don't have the same foot speed as Jeff Foster. If we acquired Jackson, he wouldn't be playing PF full time anyway. So him being able to play more minutes per game is a moot point, even if true. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Ur narrowing it down to one quality. But there are different variables.</div> Agreed. I was merely responding to your statement, where you seemingly narrowed it down to one quality. Obviously I misunderstood. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Webber for example, has the right IQ to start in an Adelman ran system. His passing can give Yao (as well as Tmac) many EASY buckets from which they didn't get many of last year. Haywood's blocking & rebounding will trigger many fastbreaks. In other words, we want somebody with experience but qualities that an Adelman ran system can use. Foster's not that big of an impact player in my eyes</div> Fair point about looking to get a player who fits into Adelman's system well. I'm still not sure what kind of deal Webber is expecting; he may simply be out of our price range. It's at least something worth looking into. As for Haywood's fit, I don't remember any of Adelman's previous teams having a dominant shot blocker or defensive rebounder. Foster is a better rebounder than Haywood regardless, he runs the floor better, and he moves without the ball on the offensive end better. Personally, I think he'd be a much better fit. And given how our roster is structured, I think Foster would get more minutes with us than Haywood (or Jackson) would. I also don't think it makes much sense for a team with Yao Ming on it to be paying 5-6 million per year for a backup center, which is all Haywood could ever be here.
When considering a PF, I really dont think we need to pull for someone all that athletic and a scorer. Like McGrady said in an interview, we need someone that can run and play some defense.
<div class="quote_poster">Umair Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">When considering a PF, I really dont think we need to pull for someone all that athletic and a scorer. Like McGrady said in an interview, we need someone that can run and play some defense.</div> Run, play defense, and rebound. That's Jeff Foster to a T.
If we can get him for cheap and with enough left on the MLE, i think we should sign him. He is an excellent rebounder and plus their aren't that many good Free Agents left on the market.
I like Jeff Foster and always have. He's been a starter for several great Pacer teams and his rebounding is simply amazing. This is a guy who can be a 10/10 player if given the minutes. He doesn't need the touches to get the points as he can easily average 5 offensive rebounds a game as a starter. His defense is also excellent. If you want to go up against Tim Duncan or Carlos Boozer, I'd much rather have Foster or Hayes than Webber. Rock4life, I don't know why you would want Webber. His IQ is about the best thing he brings to a team. His passing skills are great, but when Adelman has said he plans on using Yao in the high post, where would Webber's passing skills be utilized? Foster would be great to play inside and grab 2nd chance points.
<div class="quote_poster">Locke Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Rock4life, I don't know why you would want Webber. His IQ is about the best thing he brings to a team. His passing skills are great, but when Adelman has said he plans on using Yao in the high post, where would Webber's passing skills be utilized? Foster would be great to play inside and grab 2nd chance points.</div> Just because Yao might be in the highpost doesnt mean Webber can't switch with him. If I'm not mistaken, Webber & Vlade did that successfully in Sacramento.
Actually the Haslem for Rafer rumors are picking up some steam, and I can see why the Heat might pull the trigger. If the Rockets offer Alston, Head and Reed they get a serviceable starting PG for when Jason Williams invariably gets hurt, a shooter in Head to replace Kapono, and Reed who has played well when given minutes in the past. Though they might want Novak's shooting instead of Reed. The Heat are way over the cap and desperately need some depth. I'm just not sure trading their most consistent (and consistently healthy) player in Haslem is a good idea for them. They may just be waiting for Reed or Butler to become tradeable (2 months after initial trade) to pull the trigger, who knows?
Haslem would be awesome. But I still think its a dreamy trade. No gonna happen. I've always wanted Haslem in a Rox uni though.
