Author Topic: Please tell me the Rockets aren't this stupid (Read 7038 times)

austro · « **on:** February 17, 2009, 05:01:11 pm »

Rockets in talks with Nets about McGrady/Carter swap.

I'm no great fan of McGrady, but replacing him with Carter? Just say no.

The Nets are understandably worried about McGrady's injury history, so they've proposed another option. It's particularly noteworthy for being worse than any trade that's ever been proposed in here:

Quote

The Nets have countered with a proposal that would send Carter and Josh Boone to the Nets [sic] for a combination of Ron Artest, Shane Battier, Luther Head and Carl Landry.

Why not throw in Yao, Alston, and Scola, too? Think of the salary cap room that would free up!

Andyzipp · « **Reply #1 on:** February 17, 2009, 05:13:13 pm »

Guy on the radio after me today suggested (and by that, I mean he said) that McGrady's latest knee issues surfaced after he learned that the Rockets are actively shopping him.

GreatBagwellsBeard · « **Reply #2 on:** February 17, 2009, 05:22:44 pm »

Carter's actually having his best season in quite some time. I'd take him. T-Mac seems to have worn out his welcome on and off the court with the Rockets.

hostros7 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 17, 2009, 05:30:22 pm »

I had hoped T-mac would take all the criticism and shove it down the talking heads' collective throats but that looks more and more unlikely every day. T-mac is decidely not an "Astro."

HudsonHawk · « **Reply #4 on:** February 17, 2009, 05:40:54 pm »

Fuck McGrady. If he'd get off his ass and play basketball, none of this would even be discussed.

TheWizard · « **Reply #5 on:** February 17, 2009, 08:27:40 pm »

I don't get McGrady. I'm not him, so I can't say if he really can't go.. but the fact he keeps looking for 2nd opinions and reasons he can't play has really turned me off.

And Carter is having one of his better seasons. I don't think its an unreasonable trade if the Nets pay McGrady's salary.

Bench · « **Reply #6 on:** February 17, 2009, 09:10:21 pm »

Quote from: GreatBagwellsBeard on February 17, 2009, 05:22:44 pm

Carter's actually having his best season in quite some time. I'd take him. T-Mac seems to have worn out his welcome on and off the court with the Rockets.

Isn't Carter a FA after this season? If so, there would be no reason for him to slow down no matter what team he's on. Only one thing motivates that guy.

Bench · « **Reply #7 on:** February 17, 2009, 09:10:39 pm »

Quote from: Andyzipp on February 17, 2009, 05:13:13 pm

Guy on the radio after me today suggested (and by that, I mean he said) that McGrady's latest knee issues surfaced after he learned that the Rockets are actively shopping him.

You were on the radio?

TheWizard · « **Reply #8 on:** February 17, 2009, 09:19:26 pm »

Quote from: Bench on February 17, 2009, 09:10:21 pm

Isn't Carter a FA after this season? If so, there would be no reason for him to slow down no matter what team he's on. Only one thing motivates that guy.

I think he's not a FA for another 3 seasons.

MikeyBoy · « **Reply #9 on:** February 17, 2009, 09:26:39 pm »

Quote from: TheWizard on February 17, 2009, 09:19:26 pm

I think he's not a FA for another 3 seasons.

Team option in 2012. Carter is due $40 MM over the next two seasons plus a $4 MM buyout option for 2012. McGrady is due $23 MM next season and is a free agent after next year. The Rockets would save a lot of money by keeping Tracy, but it's not my money so I say trade his fucking ass.

Andyzipp · « **Reply #10 on:** February 17, 2009, 11:00:43 pm »

Quote from: Bench on February 17, 2009, 09:10:39 pm

You were on the radio?

Yes. Weekly segment (15 mins) with David Nuno on 1560 AM. More to come.

Taras Bulba · « **Reply #11 on:** February 17, 2009, 11:08:31 pm »

Interesting piece on the Rockets and Battier by the guy who wrote Moneyball:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/15/magazine/15Battier-t.html?_r=2&ref=magazine&pagewanted=all

Bench · « **Reply #12 on:** February 17, 2009, 11:20:26 pm »

Quote from: Taras Bulba on February 17, 2009, 11:08:31 pm

Interesting piece on the Rockets and Battier by the guy who wrote Moneyball:http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/15/magazine/15Battier-t.html?_r=2&ref=magazine&pagewanted=all.

You're getting better and better at giving links.

otterjb · « **Reply #13 on:** February 17, 2009, 11:57:54 pm »

McGrady - out for the year with microfracture surgery:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3914888

Taras Bulba · « **Reply #14 on:** February 18, 2009, 08:16:05 am »

Quote from: Bench on February 17, 2009, 11:20:26 pm

You're getting better and better at giving links.

I AM NOT AN ANIMAL!

TheWizard · « **Reply #15 on:** February 18, 2009, 11:53:45 am »

Quote from: otterjb on February 17, 2009, 11:57:54 pm

McGrady - out for the year with microfracture surgery:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3914888

Says McGrady. The whole thing is so weird to me.

First of all, that of all people yelling Stephen A. got the scoop on this. And then, this is coming from McGrady, not from any team doctor. He keeps searching for that second opinion. And finally, that he announces this when his name is cropping up in trade rumors. He is one of my favorite players, so I keep giving him the benefit of the doubt and telling myself I'm just buying into these conspiracy theories. But its getting harder...

TheWizard · « **Reply #16 on:** February 18, 2009, 05:44:14 pm »

Seems Adelman isn't too pleased with the way McGrady handled it..

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3916786

otterjb · « **Reply #17 on:** February 19, 2009, 02:19:36 pm »

"

POSTED: Feb. 19 -- 3:05 p.m. ET
Marc Stein: Looks like we have a fairly significant three-way deal that has been submitted to the league just before the trade deadline.
NBA front-office sources tell ESPN.com that Orlando is acquiring Rafer Alston from Houston to fill the void created at point guard by Jameer Nelson's shoulder injury.
The Rockets will receive Memphis guard Kyle Lowry, Orlando forward Brian Cook and perhaps two other minimum-salaried players to make the finances work.
The Grizzlies will receive a first-round pick from Orlando.

"

hostros7 · « **Reply #18 on:** February 19, 2009, 02:31:50 pm »

Anyone have any insight as to how/why this makes sense? Rafer can be infuriating at times, I agree, but he plays good D and the Rockets are already thin at guard. Does this mean AB starts with lowry and berry backing up?

Andyzipp · « **Reply #19 on:** February 19, 2009, 02:36:02 pm »

Quote from: hostros7 on February 19, 2009, 02:31:50 pm

Anyone have any insight as to how/why this makes sense? Rafer can be infuriating at times, I agree, but he plays good D and the Rockets are already thin at guard. Does this mean AB starts with lowry and berry backing up?

This means that the Rockets are going to sign Sam Cassell off of waivers as soon as he is released.

MikeyBoy · « **Reply #20 on:** February 19, 2009, 02:41:37 pm »

Quote from: hostros7 on February 19, 2009, 02:31:50 pm

Rafer can be infuriating at times, I agree, but he plays good D

I disagree with Rafer playing good defense and that might be why the Rockets went after Lowry, he is an excellent defender. A PG that plays great D comes in handy in the Rockets division.

hostros7 · « **Reply #21 on:** February 19, 2009, 02:47:37 pm »

Quote from: MikeyBoy on February 19, 2009, 02:41:37 pm

I disagree with Rafer playing good defense and that might be why the Rockets went after Lowry, he is an excellent defender. A PG that plays great D comes in handy in the Rockets division.

Admittedly, I know nothing of Cook or Lowry, but the deal seems to exacerbate the Rockets match-up problems with guys like DWilliams--and just doesn't really add up to my limited knowledge. Rockets give up a starter at a position where they are thin for two guys who don't get a whole lot of minutes and memphis gets a 1st round pick?

Listen, Morey has earned confidence, imo, but just wanted to hear some insight such as what you offered on Lowry given that I don't follow the NBA really outside of who's playing the Rockets.

MikeyBoy · « **Reply #22 on:** February 19, 2009, 02:55:45 pm »

Quote from: hostros7 on February 19, 2009, 02:47:37 pm

Admittedly, I know nothing of Cook or Lowry, but the deal seems to exacerbate the Rockets match-up problems with guys like DWilliams--and just doesn't really add up to my limited knowledge. Rockets give up a starter at a position where they are thin for two guys who don't get a whole lot of minutes and memphis gets a 1st round pick?

Listen, Morey has earned confidence, imo, but just wanted to hear some insight such as what you offered on Lowry given that I don't follow the NBA really outside of who's playing the Rockets.

I don't have an answer for you. I was just passing on that Lowry is known for his defense, I know nothing of Cook.

MusicMan · « **Reply #23 on:** February 19, 2009, 05:11:22 pm »

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

This is why I stick to baseball. NBA trades make no sense to me.

BUWebguy · « **Reply #24 on:** February 20, 2009, 10:45:56 am »

Apparently the Rockets had been after this guy for some time:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/6272098.html

The Spleen · « **Reply #25 on:** February 20, 2009, 02:23:34 pm »

This team is built around three former superstars who have already played the last healthy seasons of their careers.
The only choices are 4-5 more years of first round exits, with maybe a lottery season or two mixed in if the Injury Meter goes too far into the red... or stripping the franchise down to the bare metal and starting over. The big problem with the second option is that Ming'Grady Artest's trade value is dropping faster than the Dow...

hostros7 · « **Reply #26 on:** February 20, 2009, 02:37:28 pm »

Quote from: The Spleen on February 20, 2009, 02:23:34 pm

This team is built around three former superstars who have already played the last healthy seasons of their careers.
The only choices are 4-5 more years of first round exits, with maybe a lottery season or two mixed in if the Injury Meter goes too far into the red... or stripping the franchise down to the bare metal and starting over. The big problem with the second option is that Ming'Grady Artest's trade value is dropping faster than the Dow...

Bullshit. T-Mac's as good as gone (starting next season hopefully). Artest is gone if they want him to be. Yao is the best or 2nd best center in the league. The Rockets have one of the best benches in the league. This team could be one of the most dangerous teams in the NBA in the next year or 2 if the cap space is used wisely, and, so far, Morey has done absolutely nothing to make anyone think he will do anything to the contrary.

MusicMan · « **Reply #27 on:** February 20, 2009, 03:25:29 pm »

Yao is going nowhere, even if his game declines, which it has not. Too much $$$ at stake for the Rockets to move him.

S.P. Rodriguez · « **Reply #28 on:** February 20, 2009, 03:45:28 pm »

Not to pile on, but have to agree that statement was premature. Yao is finally starting to show his full capability. Is he injury prone? It looks like it. Does McGrady bruise like a grape? Hell yeah. Is Artest mental? Definitely. But they can play well and play together if healthy. That said, now that McGrady is out for the year, I sure hope Artest asserts himself a bit more. From what I've seen, this is a far more balanced team when McGrady hasn't been on the court so this could mean good things. Well, until they traded Alston. That decision confuses me. But like someone else said, Morey seems to pull some moves out of his posterior and, so far, they've worked.

TheWizard · « **Reply #29 on:** February 20, 2009, 04:28:44 pm »

I really don't understand trading Rafer either. His shooting wasn't great, but he was a good ball handler that didn't turn the ball over too much. But I'm not an NBA GM. Guess we'll see how it plays out.

ybbodeus · « **Reply #30 on:** February 20, 2009, 07:06:17 pm »

Lowry/Brooks is probably a better combo long term than Rafer/Brooks, but Alston did seem to be a good teammate. He caught his fair share of grief here, but I liked his game when it was on; that wasn't enough, though.

This team will still be fortunate to get out of the first round, with or without Rafer at the point. At least he got traded to a legitimate contender in a nice town. I doubt he's too ticked off. Does he have any quotes in response to the trade that would counter that?

austro · « **Reply #31 on:** February 20, 2009, 09:30:01 pm »

Well, Brooks certainly made a case for himself tonight.

matadorph · « **Reply #32 on:** February 20, 2009, 09:36:03 pm »

Rafer was 1-9 shooting tonight for Orlando. I like the guy and wish him well, but I won't miss his insane streakiness.

Brooks is a fun player to watch.

DVauthrin · « **Reply #33 on:** February 21, 2009, 10:11:30 pm »

Brooks can play and I won't miss Alston. I really don't understand fans sometimes.

matadorph · « **Reply #34 on:** March 10, 2009, 03:19:12 pm »

Quote from: Taras Bulba on February 17, 2009, 11:08:31 pm

Interesting piece on the Rockets and Battier by the guy who wrote Moneyball:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/15/magazine/15Battier-t.html?_r=2&ref=magazine&pagewanted=all

In the three weeks since that NYT article was published Shane Battier has become the face of the burgeoning sabermetric movement in basketball and Daryl Morey the New Hero of statnerds everywhere. Bill Simmons interviewed Morey this week on his ESPN podcast gig. I tried to listen but lost interest as soon as they started talking about the use of statistics in baseball.

TheWizard · « **Reply #35 on:** March 10, 2009, 03:26:32 pm »

Brooks is a fun player who can score in bunches, but I'm a huge Lowry fan from what I've seen. He's very comfortable running an offense. Late in games, I'd actually prefer to see Lowry in there. He seems more comfortable with basic ballhandling and distributing of the ball. There have been times these past few weeks where Brooks can't get open for the inbounds pass after a made basket or isn't comfortable bringing the ball down the court when a player is pressing him.

Andyzipp · « **Reply #36 on:** March 10, 2009, 04:18:44 pm »

Quote from: TheWizard on March 10, 2009, 03:26:32 pm

Brooks is a fun player who can score in bunches, but I'm a huge Lowry fan from what I've seen. He's very comfortable running an offense. Late in games, I'd actually prefer to see Lowry in there. He seems more comfortable with basic ballhandling and distributing of the ball. There have been times these past few weeks where Brooks can't get open for the inbounds pass after a made basket or isn't comfortable bringing the ball down the court when a player is pressing him.

Brooks = Allen Leavell with a better shot.

matadorph · « **Reply #37 on:** March 10, 2009, 04:29:09 pm »

Quote from: Andyzipp on March 10, 2009, 04:18:44 pm

Brooks = Allen Leavell with a better shot.

Allen Leavell! Now there's a name I haven't heard in a long time.