Re: Now that we have Mike James...What's next? Well, the Rockets have really fixed up their PG situation. At worst, the Rockets have added much-needed depth at the PG spot and could have a nice 2 headed monster at PG. But now there is a big hole at the PF spot to fill. Through trading one or 2 of the players that consist of the logjam that is the PG/SG spot, or Battier, the Rockets do have trade bait. Through free agency, the Rockets can possibly sign a PF very worthy of starting on this team. Through the draft, the Rockets could possibly get a steal and find a player perfect for this team. Here are some very real possibilities for the Rockets this offseason:-Trading Sura (expiring contract, not going to be playing), V-Span, Kirk Snyder and this year's first round draft pick for Ron Artest. At first I was opposed to this due to attitude, especially concerning his offensive mentality to be first or second option, but the more I look at the trade...I like it. We would be giving up very little to get a fantastic defender and very good 3rd option offensively. Unfortunately he isn't a great rebounder, but he can defend the 4 better than someone like Battier. As someone else told me...to get to the next level, you must take risks. The Bulls took a risk with Rodman, and it was a huge reason they won 3 straight rings after MJ came back from his first retirement. Lakers took a huge risk in trading a proven all-star center for a SG out of HS named Kobe Bryant. Spurs took chances on overlooked and under-hyped players and they payed off big time (Bowen, Ginobli, Parker). Pistons took a big chance in signing Rasheed Wallace (and journeymen like Ben Wallace, Chauncey Billups, Rip Hamilton). Heat took chances with aging players who had never won before (Walker, Zo, Williams, Payton, etc..). The Artest deal could be the deal that pushed the Rockets to the next level.- Battier, Sura and draft pick for Rashard Lewis. With Mike James, I think that there would be too much scoring, too little defense/rebounding in the starting lineup. The PF spot would need to be upgraded big time with a great shotblocker/defender/rebounder (see below).-Trading something for Marcus Camby. With his contract and the Nuggets' stacked frontcourt, he will possibly be traded. I feel this would be an awesome move if done. Getting Camby is an instant boost defensively at the PF position, gives Rockets athleticism, gives Rockets much better rebounding, and gives them more offense than someone like Hayes.-Trading Battier for Chris Wilcox. I have never really been a fan of this deal since we'd be giving up a better quality player for a role player that the Rockets simply need. Give me more talent over a role player who simply fills a position.-Through free agency, signing someone like Chris Webber, Antonio McDyess, etc... Of course there are signings that just won't happen, but there are some possibilities out there. Don't have a list of PF's entering FA so I am not exactly sure who is their best options. Here is the lineup I would most like to see next season:James/AlstonT-Mac/Head/Snyder/Lucas/draft pick (all depends on the Camby trade)Lewis/NovakCamby/HayesYao/DekeThat lineup woudld be great for Adelman's offensive-minded system. Much more athletic, more scoring, and the Rockets would even improve in the rebounding department. You also get a fantastic defender in Camby. Is this lineup likely? Probably not, but is a possibility. If I was to pick only one trade, it'd probably be the Camby deal.
