State of the Roster

[TheMan44]

The Rockets still have a bout 80 forwards and 1 Center and 1 PG.

Well, the cuts will start happening soon within next 3-4 weeks. Their roster looks like something from that of an NFL team: http://espn.go.com/nba/team/roster/_/na ... on-rockets

They literally have to cut a little less than 50% of the guys. Guys like Aldemir, JaJuan, Greg Smith, Sean Williams, Simpson, Brockman, Harrellson - none of them will stick.

[Mr. E]

The Rockets still have a bout 80 forwards and 1 Center and 1 PG.

Actually, we currently have 4 PG's (tho one might be better as a SG).

Lin, Machado, Douglas & Livingston. I'm thinking that Douglas will spend time backing up SG and PG.

As for Center- yeah, it's just Asik right now. The backup minutes will likely go to whichever of the low-salary/unguaranteed types who show that they can play a bit of 5. A lot of people around here seem to think that Harrelson will be one of those guys. Even Morey pointed him out as one of their guys going forward.

Most of our PF army will be cut if there is no need for them as salary filler in a trade.

[TheMan44]

Most of our PF army will be cut if there is no need for them as salary filler in a trade.

Yeah most the cuts will be power forwards. Although I did like Harrellson as backup center, but I think it's forgone conclusion that he's being cut or has been cut.

I think when all is said and done, the 6 big men will be the following:

C: Asik, Motiejunas, Smith
F: Patterson, Jones, White

[Teckon]

Players with guaranteed contract:

1. K Martin
2. C Parson
3. P Patterson
4. M Morris
5. T Douglas
6. J Lin
7. O Asik
8. S Livingston (partial guaranteed)
9. G Forbes
10. D Mo
11. J Lamb
12. R White
13. T Jones
14. J Johnson
15. J Brockman
16. G Smith (partial guaranteed)
17. Williams (non guaranteed if waived by 1 Aug)
18. Harrilson (non guaranteed if waived by 15 Aug)
19. Forston (non guaranteed)
20. Simpson (non guaranteed)

So whats the problem?

Those guys with non guarenteed contract wont make the team. The 15 players with contract will be the one to stay

There is around $5.9 million worth of non-guaranteed or partial guaranteed salaries which are valuable trade chips for Morey. I doubt Morey would just waive them without trading to get some return for them. Meaning one or two of the guaranteed contract may also be dealt together with the non-guaranteed/partial guaranteed salaries for a better player.

I expect only 14 rosters spots with guaranteed salaries going to the season and have 1 vacant spot to add any valuable players in trade (using available cap space) should an opportunity arise. All these is assuming there is no Dwight trade taking place. before season start.

[TheMan44]

Ahhh yeah....http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/22 ... ster_Trade

[highrangeslang]

Big changes coming I bet.

[jimtxsanders]

Ahhh yeah....http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/22 ... ster_Trade

2008 Celtics ≠ 2012 Rockets
I must have missed the part when we had a young big man with great potential (Jefferson at the time) to package a trade around OR a hall of fame caliber player in his late prime to build around and recruit players (PP). We've been loading up on players since Morey arrived and we have yet to see it pay off. Remember Melo in 2010, Gasol in 2011, Dwight/Bynum/Jmith in 2012... Morey shut your face and stick to the plan.
Step 1: Roll the ball out with Asik, Motie, Royce, Lamb, & Lin.
Step 2: Win between 20-25 games, thats it!
Step 3: 2013 Draft: Take Noel or Zeller
Step 4: 2013 FA: Sign best available who will come
Step 5: Repeat untill you strike gold
Show me a team that at least one of it's stars wasn't drafted by that team. Its how its done.
You are allowed to trade depth spots 9 and down, don't touch the rest of the team.

[Folie a deux]

Ahhh yeah....http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/22 ... ster_Trade

2008 Celtics ≠ 2012 Rockets
I must have missed the part when we had a young big man with great potential (Jefferson at the time) to package a trade around OR a hall of fame caliber player in his late prime to build around and recruit players (PP). We've been loading up on players since Morey arrived and we have yet to see it pay off. Remember Melo in 2010, Gasol in 2011, Dwight/Bynum/Jmith in 2012... Morey shut your face and stick to the plan.
Step 1: Roll the ball out with Asik, Motie, Royce, Lamb, & Lin.
Step 2: Win between 20-25 games, thats it!
Step 3: 2013 Draft: Take Noel or Zeller
Step 4: 2013 FA: Sign best available who will come
Step 5: Repeat untill you strike gold
Show me a team that at least one of it's stars wasn't drafted by that team. Its how its done.
You are allowed to trade depth spots 9 and down, don't touch the rest of the team.

Not that I disagree with your general opinion;

2001 Lakers

Shaquille O'Neal - Magic
Kobe Bryant - Hornets (Charlotte at that time)
Rick Fox - Celtics
Ron Harper - Cavaliers
Horace Grant - Bulls
Isaiah Rider - Timberwolves
Robert Horry - Rockets
Brian Shaw - Celtics
Tyronn Lue - Nuggets
Greg Foster - Bullets

Derek Fisher, Devean George, and Mark Madsen. Huge stars, really. (Fisher only played in 20 matches that season)

2004 Pistons

Ben Wallace - Undrafted, started his NBA career with the Bullets
Rasheed Wallace - Bullets
Chauncey Billups - Celtics
Rip Hamilton - Wizards
Corliss Williamson - Kings
Elden Campbell - Lakers
Darvin Ham - Also undrafted, started his NBA career with the Pistons
Mike James - Undrafted (WTF), started his NBA career with the Heat

There was obviously Tayshaun Prince, who was a consistent performer but never was a star and probably was the "weakest link" in that team. Other people drafted by the Pistons were Mehmet Okur (not anything like his time with the Jazz), Darko Milicic (the Human Victory Cigar) and some other people who didn't really get any minutes.

[texasholdem]

charlotte drafted kobe but traded him to LA that day so he's pretty much a Laker draft pick.

[j0r0d]

What happens to Kevin Martin... He will start over Lamb if no trade.

Hopefully he starts....plays his ass off (contract year) and re-ups his value before we can trade him.

Or, who knows, maybe this new influx of rooks is the exact 'change of scenery' and inspiration he needs to renew his vigor and enthusiasm for the game. (Like the birth of a child invigorating the defunct and doomed matrimony of a shotgun wedding). We'll see the KMart of old.. The 25ppg slashing, spinning, fading, flopping...uhmm. And instead of smirking on that bench in his Bee Gee's style navy suits with redundant gold buttons, he'll be smiling on the court, as he watches his man drive past.
Ah screw it. Trade him asap.

[jimtxsanders]

Not that I disagree with your general opinion;

2001 Lakers

Shaquille O'Neal - Magic
Kobe Bryant - Hornets (Charlotte at that time)
Rick Fox - Celtics
Ron Harper - Cavaliers
Horace Grant - Bulls
Isaiah Rider - Timberwolves
Robert Horry - Rockets
Brian Shaw - Celtics
Tyronn Lue - Nuggets
Greg Foster - Bullets

Derek Fisher, Devean George, and Mark Madsen. Huge stars, really. (Fisher only played in 20 matches that season)

2004 Pistons

Ben Wallace - Undrafted, started his NBA career with the Bullets
Rasheed Wallace - Bullets
Chauncey Billups - Celtics
Rip Hamilton - Wizards
Corliss Williamson - Kings
Elden Campbell - Lakers
Darvin Ham - Also undrafted, started his NBA career with the Pistons
Mike James - Undrafted (WTF), started his NBA career with the Heat

There was obviously Tayshaun Prince, who was a consistent performer but never was a star and probably was the "weakest link" in that team. Other people drafted by the Pistons were Mehmet Okur (not anything like his time with the Jazz), Darko Milicic (the Human Victory Cigar) and some other people who didn't really get any minutes.

Since 1980 there have only been 2 teams that have won an NBA Championship without a draft pick they picked becoming a hall of famer(assuming wade becomes a HoF). 83' 76ers and 04' Pistons. Of all the other teams that won, Kobe was the only one picked outside the top 10. Call it an opinion if you like, but it's pretty solid. Yes thats has a lot to do with only 6 teams winning the championship between 1979and 1998, but still the foundations of those teams were a drafted top five pick. Tank a year, possibly create a dynasty.

[inquisitive]

Marc Stein ‏@ESPNSteinLine
Houston, I’m told, actively chasing Delfino, who’s at 15+ ppg on 49% shooting at OLY. Celts want him but can’t afford him, Doc Rivers says

[000001]

was up with the eduardo najera rumor is morey stupid ?

[inquisitive]

i really think Lamb will be a star in this league!

[TheMan44]

i really think Lamb will be a star in this league!

Lamb will most definitely be going a lot of damage once he gets his feet wet and understand NBA offense. A lot of teams wanted him - so glad Rockets snagged him. Definitely a future all-star.

As for the Delfino talk, meh, he's whatever. We can use him but he won't be a difference maker. He's never been an impact player.

[mys_ticked]

Sorry I didn't manage to backtrack the last 15 pages, but just wondering...is Jerome Jordan still on Rockets or has he been waived?

Also sharing a nice read http://truesports44.blogspot.sg/2012/08 ... r.html?m=1

Houston Rockets: Analyzing the Roster

With Dwight Howard going to the Lakers in the 4-team blockbuster trade a few days ago, the Houston Rockets probably come out as the biggest losers of this offseason. The Rockets’ main focus this offseason was to overhaul their entire roster in order to acquire young players and draft picks that can be packaged in a deal to acquire Howard. Instead, Orlando traded Howard to the Lakers in return for a much lesser deal and the Rockets were left with an overabundance of young, yet some promising, players and picks.

I don’t think many people actually realize just how much the Rockets gave up this offseason in their quest for Dwight. The players that were either traded, waived, or let go via free agency include: Goran Dragic, Kyle Lowry, Luis Scola, Marcus Camby, Samuel Dalembert, Courtney Lee, and Chase Budinger. Right there is 7 guys who were key contributors and guys who all started games for the Rockets at some point last season. The only players returning to the team who started games last year are surprise rookie Chandler Parsons and guard Kevin Martin who could soon be on his way out the door. With the departure of most of their key players, the Rockets will be relying on the services of rookies and players who had limited roles last season.

Projected Starting Lineup
PG: Jeremy Lin
SG: Jeremy Lamb
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Terrence Jones/Royce White
C: Omer Asik

Looking at the possible starting lineup for next season, the Rockets look like they will be starting 2 rookies. I do admit that I am a big fan of each of their draft picks this year with Royce White being the most promising in my eyes due to his versatile skill set. Jeremy Lamb will be the one to take headlines though as he will most likely step in as the starting shooting guard with Kevin Martin either being shown the door or benched in favor of the rookie. Two more rookies who are not getting much notice are the Rockets’ first round pick in 2011 Donatas Motiejunas and undrafted rookie Scott Machado. Motiejunas will be the backup center or quite possibly the starting power forward while Machado hopes to make the roster after an impressive summer league performance. I think Machado can surprise people as the backup to Jeremy Lin. Machado did lead the NCAA in assists per game last season with good reason and it was a big surprise to see him go undrafted.
The Rockets did go out a splurge a bit in free agency this season grabbing Bulls’ backup center Omer Asik and last year’s midseason sensation Jeremy Lin. Asik has always been thought of as a great defensive center but his offense remains a work in progress. The hope is that with extended playing time, Asik can develop some semblance of a post game and give the Rockets a threat inside. Lin was the headlining acquisition for the Rockets as they gave him a largely backloaded contract to keep the Knicks from matching the offer. Lin will immediately step into the starting lineup and will immediately rejuvenate this fan base who has been looking for someone to step up and be the face of the franchise ever since Yao Ming retired. Lin must show that he can perform over the course of a full 82 game season but I do believe that he is up for the challenge. If he can improve his outside shooting and cut down on the turnovers, I think he is capable of averaging around 16 points per game and 8 assists.
This Rockets team goes into next season unproven and lacking chemistry as practically none of these players have ever taken the court together. Expect this team to be lottery bound but if Lin and the rookies can develop quickly, the Rockets can be back in playoff contention in the next 2 or 3 years.

[Mr. E]

Good read, but the starting PF will be Patterson (possibly Motie)

I think that Jordan was released right before we made the Asik offer official.

[MaxRider]

i think Motie will start at PF
Patterson post move is on the same level as Battier left hand hook (predictable)
his only offense is catch and shoot
Motie post move is better than his
unless he improved over the summer which we have no idea

[Mr. E]

And now we've added Carlos Delfino?

[Guy986]

Lin/douglas
Martin/lamb
Parsons/delfino
Pat/jones
Asik/dmo

White and morris to lead vipers to the dleague title.