State of the Roster

[texasholdem]

Ryan Anderson would be the perfect starting 4 for this team.

[Nebula1]

I'm liking Asik in his constrained role, Lin/Harden... They look good. The Rockets are still one big piece away, or maybe two moderate pieces, but they're growing and looking good (and fun) in the process.

What piece do you think that is?

I feel like it's a big time PF, but also a guy willing to move the ball. Not an Al Jefferson for example.. perhaps Paul Millsap? I don't think it's him either, but I do think it's a power forward and I do think it will be a free agent acquisition.

I think eventually Chandler Parsons will be a bench guy, but there is no hurry there as he's playing very well.

[tsherkin]

Anderson would be great. O-boards, decent defensive rebounding, willing ball movement, good movement away from the ball, stretch 4 with 3pt range...

He'd be ideal, yeah. Millsap, another solid choice. Other arrangements, as mentioned.

Frye/Dudley to open up the interior for Harden/Lin as a bench alternative to Asik.

They do need another defensive piece, though. Average D isn't going to cut it. Forward defense needs to improve and they need to cut down turnovers on the offensive end, too.

[Mr. E]

Why are people giving up on Lin?

I know that seeing some of the impatience can be frustrating, but I have a feeling we'll see comments like this (replacing Lin) for the duration of Lin's time in Houston (which is going to be a long time). As 713 improves together that should hopefully settle things down with the fans.

Lin/Harden/Parsons/Asik is a pretty sick core. We just need one of the kids to step up at the 4 or bring in a guy like Millsap or Anderson in the offseason.

[Nebula1]

Personally I think Kevin Love should be the target, but that's not realistic for a bit.

David West may be another option in the offseason.. Demarcus Cousins could be a realistic target for a trade this season.

[Icness]

I want to preach patience. This team is not designed to win this year. This is the year where Lin/Harden/Asik/Parsons learn to play together and we see who fits with them going forward. Getting the 7 or 8 seed and losing in 6 is as good as this team will do, and that's fine with me. They can grow into a very good team that can sustain being a legit top 4 Western team for years with smart additions in the offseason. I'd rather not do anything dramatic in season to sneak up to the 5 seed and never get past that.

[tsherkin]

West is OK. He worked for Paul, of course, but why would Indy give him up?

More importantly, he's kind of tepid in terms of his offensive efficiency and isn't really great at anything specifically. He's not really a better choice than Boozer, for example. I suppose the contract situation might be more advantageous but that's about it.

[Icness]

West is OK. He worked for Paul, of course, but why would Indy give him up?

More importantly, he's kind of tepid in terms of his offensive efficiency and isn't really great at anything specifically. He's not really a better choice than Boozer, for example. I suppose the contract situation might be more advantageous but that's about it.

How are his knees?

[Nebula1]

West is OK. He worked for Paul, of course, but why would Indy give him up?

More importantly, he's kind of tepid in terms of his offensive efficiency and isn't really great at anything specifically. He's not really a better choice than Boozer, for example. I suppose the contract situation might be more advantageous but that's about it.

West is a free agent and there really aren't many good options at 4 as free agents. I certainly wouldn't give him the house. Just looking for power forward to outright sign in the summer.


I agree patience is the key with the youngest team in the NBA. The Rockets are becoming a major force and I wouldn't think major changes are needed anytime soon.

I do think a deal around Patterson and Cousins could be intriguing.

[tsherkin]

West is a free agent and there really aren't many good options at 4 as free agents. I certainly wouldn't give him the house. Just looking for power forward to outright sign in the summer.

Yeah, if he's cheap and healthy, it's not a horrible idea.

I do think a deal around Patterson and Cousins could be intriguing.

McHale and Cousins would be interesting.

[90sAllDecade]

David West is 32 though.

He is a nice player I agree, and getting him cheaper, on a one or two year Dalambert type deal might be okay until we could find someone younger. Since he's older he'll probably want a longer contract for security, so that probably won't happen.

Oh yeah, and please say no to cousins.

Don't let potential fool you for a guy that's been a headcase at the high school, college and pro level, and could potentially destroy a young team's culture.

[tsherkin]

David West is 32 though.

He is a nice player I agree, and getting him cheaper, on a one or two year Dalambert type deal might be okay until we could find someone younger. Since he's older he'll probably want a longer contract for security, so that probably won't happen.

Agreed.

Oh yeah, and please say no to cousins.

Don't let potential fool you for a guy that's been a headcase at the high school, college and pro level, and could potentially destroy a young team's culture.

Mmm. But he produces certain things and shows huge promise in areas McHale knows a great deal about. Cousins is a little touched, but with that kind of tool set, I'd take a crack at him in Houston on a reasonable deal.

[Nebula1]

David West is 32 though.

He is a nice player I agree, and getting him cheaper, on a one or two year Dalambert type deal might be okay until we could find someone younger. Since he's older he'll probably want a longer contract for security, so that probably won't happen.

Oh yeah, and please say no to cousins.

Don't let potential fool you for a guy that's been a headcase at the high school, college and pro level, and could potentially destroy a young team's culture.

David West.. until you can throw a big contract at Kevin Love.. was my thinking.


Cousins.. you hope is kind of like Zach Randolph. Sacramento is completely dysfunctional and he may find a spot with Houston. But all of that would have to be looked at, as you suggest. I think Harden is a strong enough personality to get him to buy in.

[90sAllDecade]

I can see where your coming from, I personally think if cousins were to succeed anywhere, it'd have to be a veteran, disciplined team like the Spurs with dominant coaching/leadership. Either that, or he'd implode again and they'd trade him to preserve their winning culture.

I respects your opinions, I guess we'll see how it all plays out; he may become a Z Bo type star after all who knows? Anyhow, I'm just excited the Rockets are a talented, young team to watch and are relevant in sports talk again.

[Mr. E]

With reports now that both Patrick Beverly & James Anderson are signing deals with the Rockets I am even more convinced that a trade is in the works.

[Guy986]

After white is inevitably cut from the team, do we have 2 open roster spots to sign Beverly and Anderson?

[Mr. E]

After white is inevitably cut from the team, do we have 2 open roster spots to sign Beverly and Anderson?

1) Harden
2) Asik
3) Lin
4) Parsons
5) Patterson
6) Morris
7) Smith
8) Douglas
9) Delfino
10) Cook
11) Jones
12) Machado
13) Aldrich
14) Motiejunas
15) White

so...nope. Still need to clear out one more space. I guess that could happen by cutting Machado, but I'm still thinking trade.

[Guy986]

That settles it.

White and Machado to be cut.

White situation speaks for itself.
Machado is struggling in the Dleague, he aint gonna make it. And why would this team need 4 PG?


Why would Morey leak FA signing before a trade is official? There is no trade.

[No-Man]

Machado and Cook to be cut.

Lin-Douglas-Beverley
Harden-Delfino-Anderson
Parsons-Morris
Patterson-Jones-White
Asik-Smith-Aldrich-Motiejunas

[jwise44]

Not machado...anyone but machado:(