Is it possible for the Rockets to acquire Gary Payton for the upcoming season. He was clearly handcuffed by Phil Jackson last year, and I still think he has all-star caliber years left in him, if given the right system. He's a good defender, and he knows how to run a team. Now that Shaq has left the Lakers, he might like to come and play with Yao.
Gary Payton has already said he wants to remain a Laker. Phil Jackon is gone and so is the triangle offense, so look for him to stop complaining and improve his game. The Rockets do need a PG, but who? Fisher was my top pick for you guys, but now he's gone.
Maybe Damon Jones from the Bucks? I'm not sure his status on being a FA or not, but I feel he would be a good fit. He's shown last season he's capable of being a good PG and I think he would do a very nice job.
Payton craves an open, freelance offensive style, and that is not JVG's style...as far as who our PG is gonna be, i've heard various rumors surrounding Nick Van Exel and Damon Jones. Those two are heavily considered to be the leading frontrunners, as the market has slimmed down considerably over the past week or so. The Rockets better hurry because they still have to choose a free agent big man backup to fill a roster spot. I think its very likely that Jones becomes our PG, as it would seem that Van Exel's itchy trigger finger and lack of defensive intensity would be intolerable in a JVG system.
I thought Derek Fisher was a shoe-in to be the starting PG in Houston, but the Warriors offered him a huge contract. Two guards who would fit into the Rockets plans would be Eric Snow or Antonio Daniels IMO. They both excel in a structured offense and they can hit the mid range jumpers. Neither should take much to acquire, and would be nice role players for Yao and T-Mac. I like Daniels a little better than Snow because he's younger and more athletic. He also has more range on his shot and has become a very good on the ball defender. How about Nachbar for Daniels straight up?
Gary Payton wouldn't fit in with the Rockets simply because he is a shoot first-pass second type of player. Not to mention, the Rockets will run an inside-out style of offense. The most likely player to fill in at point has got to be Eric Snow if they can work a trade. Other than that, there aren't any real quality free agent point guards left. Maybe Mike James (restricted), Kenny Anderson, Brevin Knight, Shammond Williams are possible acquisitions through free agency, but I seriously doubt it. Most likely, I think Van Gundy is pushing hard to sign his boy Charlie Ward.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting tradebark:</div><div class="quote_post">Don't think the Sonics are interested in yet another SG/SF though at least i hope not </div> True, but the Sonics might not be able to resign Daniels after this season, and they could be without Radman as well. These are a lot of IFs, and Nachbar is not much of an impact player. The Sonics might be able to do a multi player deal and acquire Juwan Howard instead. Possibly Daniels and Booth for Howard? <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Seattle trades: C Calvin Booth (4.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 0.4 apg in 17.0 minutes) PG Antonio Daniels (8.0 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 4.2 apg in 21.3 minutes) Seattle receives: PF Juwan Howard (17.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 2.0 apg in 35.5 minutes) Change in team outlook: +4.1 ppg, +1.1 rpg, and -2.6 apg. Houston trades: PF Juwan Howard (17.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 2.0 apg in 35.5 minutes) Houston receives: C Calvin Booth (4.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 0.4 apg in 71 games) PG Antonio Daniels (8.0 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 4.2 apg in 71 games) Change in team outlook: -4.1 ppg, -1.1 rpg, and +2.6 apg. TRADE ACCEPTED</div> Works on salary cap wise and both teams would benefit.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting johnny33:</div><div class="quote_post">I don't want Calvin Booth or Antonio Daniels, they both suck.. and Booth got a fat contract</div> Booth is a terrible player, but he wouldn't get much PT on the Rockets. He would be there to play 10 mins at the most and foul opposing centers hard. However, he would simply be a filler to get Daniels to the Rockets. Daniels does not suck though, and is far better than any point guard the Rockets have on their current roster. He's not a household name, but he quitely led the league in assists to turnover ratio, averaging 4.2 assists in only 21.3 mins. If he played starter minutes he would average about 9.5 assists per game, which would put him in the top 10 players in the league in assists. Daniels has had the benefit of playing for some of the best coaches in the league and has playoff experience and toughness. He would fit right in with JVG's style of play, because he prides himself on defense and is an unselfish player with the ball.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">Daniels does not suck though, and is far better than any point guard the Rockets have on their current roster. He's not a household name, but he quitely led the league in assists to turnover ratio, averaging 4.2 assists in only 21.3 mins. If he played starter minutes he would average about 9.5 assists per game, which would put him in the top 10 players in the league in assists. Daniels has had the benefit of playing for some of the best coaches in the league and has playoff experience and toughness. He would fit right in with JVG's style of play, because he prides himself on defense and is an unselfish player with the ball.</div> maybe i'm biased tho, because i saw him stink it up in Vancouver... he doesn't have the quickness to keep up with most of the better PG's in the league and he doesn't penetrate and he doesn't break down defenses. My guess is that his assist to turnover ratio is high because all he did in Seattle was pass to the guy on the 3 point line (Allen, Barry, Lewis) and that's how he got most of his assists. His game has matured a bit since, but I don't think he's starter material for a contender - especially since he was only the starter in Seattle because Barry got injured.
