Nasty article about Dwight Howard.

[parson]

Ken Berger (CBSSports.com) has an article that is kind of depressing - if you're a Hawks fan. Here's the gist:

With six weeks to go before Howard becomes an unrestricted free agent, the team that is said to intrigue him the most is the Houston Rockets, according to multiple people briefed on internal conversations surrounding Howard's free-agent decision. The Rockets have a young star, James Harden, who has proved himself worthy of playing the leading role for the franchise; a budding 3-point shooting threat in Chandler Parsons; a defensive-minded coach in Kevin McHale; and Omer Asik, the kind of 7-footer Howard is believed to want next to him in the frontcourt.

In addition to the info about Howard preferring Houston, the idea that Howard wants Asik to play beside him completely ruins my day. I've been hoping that, if HOU gets Howard, we could SNT Smith for Asik.

Berger also points out that Howard would enjoy reduced taxes in Texas:

Also, by signing with a team in Texas -- where the Rockets and Mavs obviously reside -- Howard would reap substantial savings by paying no state income tax. According to some early estimates, Howard's tax savings in Texas could approach $10 million over four years.

The link is http://www.cbssports.com/nba/blog/ken-b ... by-rockets

[Jamaaliver]

I truly believe that HOU is the best option going forward for Howard.

Harden has 8-9 years as an elite player ahead of him. They have young talent like Parsons, Asik already on hand.

Out of the limelight of LA or Brooklyn.

Best possible scenario for him.

Though I think a frontcourt of Asik and Howard has flaws (clogging the paint on offense), that is a team I believe could make a run or two now AND after the Heat break up. Easily a 5-6 year run in that squad.

[Jamaaliver]

And this is the flaw in Ferry's capspace plans....it takes top talent on hand to attract top talent in Free Agency.

We should have traded Josh last season. Rudy Gay or Harden would be much more attractive to players than just an empty roster.

[ATL Boy]

Asik and Howard at PF and C will be a huge disadvantage for the Rockets, neither can step out and shoot the outside shot, and neither is really good on offense. I do agree that the Rockets are a much more attractive destination but it would be in their best interest to trade Asik if they do get D12.

[parson]

And this is the flaw in Ferry's capspace plans....it takes top talent on hand to attract top talent in Free Agency.

As if Horford and another max FA were nothing.

[Geaux_Hawks]

Asik and Howard at PF and C will be a huge disadvantage for the Rockets, neither can step out and shoot the outside shot, and neither is really good on offense. I do agree that the Rockets are a much more attractive destination but it would be in their best interest to trade Asik if they do get D12.

That takes away his appeal for them though as he specifies that he wants Asik next to him..

[ATL Boy]

Asik and Howard at PF and C will be a huge disadvantage for the Rockets, neither can step out and shoot the outside shot, and neither is really good on offense. I do agree that the Rockets are a much more attractive destination but it would be in their best interest to trade Asik if they do get D12.

That takes away his appeal for them though as he specifies that he wants Asik next to him..

I know but I'm saying that he needs to change his mindset, trading Asik for a true PF would be the best move to win

[MaceCase]

Looking beyond this, does anyone get a smirk at the thought of Dwight getting constantly tutored by McHale and Dream? Yea, I know it stings right now but wow at the possibility of him gaining even just half their moves.

[Geaux_Hawks]

Looking beyond this, does anyone get a smirk at the thought of Dwight getting constantly tutored by McHale and Dream? Yea, I know it stings right now but wow at the possibility of him gaining even just half their moves.

Which it is probably in his best interest to go to Houston even more. It would really help extend his career after he loses his athleticism.

[azuresou1]

I smirk when I think about how clogged on offense the paint is gonna be if Houston tries to run Asik AND Dwight at the same time. That's just asking for teams to pack the paint and double Harden and force Lin to beat them with the jumpshot.

[ATLHawksfan21]

I think it comes down to if Paul wants to leave LAC or not. We aren't going to land Dwight or Paul individually but I think Dwight would take ATL with Paul over Houston with Harden if Paul decides to leave LAC.

[azuresou1]

I think it's pretty clear we either land both, or we land neither. I'm inclined to believe we land neither.

[dms269]

And this is the flaw in Ferry's capspace plans....it takes top talent on hand to attract top talent in Free Agency.

We should have traded Josh last season. Rudy Gay or Harden would be much more attractive to players than just an empty roster.

We didn't have nearly the pieces that Houston gave up for Harden though.

[Jamaaliver]

And this is the flaw in Ferry's capspace plans....it takes top talent on hand to attract top talent in Free Agency.

We should have traded Josh last season. Rudy Gay or Harden would be much more attractive to players than just an empty roster.

We didn't have nearly the pieces that Houston gave up for Harden though.

I've heard this argument, and I must say I disagree.

Houston gave up Kevin Martin, Jeremy Lamb, 2 1st rounders and a 2nd rounder.

We easily could have offered Josh Smith, Jeff Teague our 2 first rounders this year and a second rounder.

Lamb made no real contribution this year, and Kevin Martin was a very poor substitute for Harden.

Either way, we could have made a comparable offer. Josh would have been a much better 2nd banana to Durant once Westbrook got hurt than Kevin Martin did.

And Harden's stock was at an all time low after his poor showing in the Finals. And Josh's stock was at an all time high after his stellar season.

imagine Devin Harris, James Harden, Kyle Korver, Al Horford, Zaza as our starters last year. With Harden and Horford as the building blocks going forward. Easily a playoff team. Even with an injured Zaza.
That still leaves Lou Will and Jenkins backing up PG/SG.

[Jamaaliver]

And this is the flaw in Ferry's capspace plans....it takes top talent on hand to attract top talent in Free Agency.

As if Horford and another max FA were nothing.

But how do we attract 'another max FA' to sign in the first place?

Remember: Lebron turned down NJ with Brook Lopez and Devin Harris.
Lebron turned down NY even after Amare signed with the Knicks.
Lebron turned down CHI even with Derrick Rose and Joakim and Tom Thibodeaux.

Bosh signed in MIA because Wade was there. Lebron signed with MIA because bosh and Wade were there (and having a proven winner in Pat Riley didn't hurt.)

Either way, we'll get to see just how attractive we are on July 1st.

[Jamaaliver]

Asik and Howard at PF and C will be a huge disadvantage for the Rockets, neither can step out and shoot the outside shot, and neither is really good on offense. I do agree that the Rockets are a much more attractive destination but it would be in their best interest to trade Asik if they do get D12.

Precisely!

In the last 20 years, all dominant Centers that won titles had a PF who could step out and hit long jumpers. Thus, clearing the paint for one-on-one post ups.

Olajuwon and Horry.
Shaq and Horry.
Robinson and Duncan.
even Ben Wallace had Rasheed Wallace

They'd be great on the boards, but defending them wouldn't exactly be rocket science.

[Geaux_Hawks]

I've heard this argument, and I must say I disagree.

Houston gave up Kevin Martin, Jeremy Lamb, 2 1st rounders and a 2nd rounder.

We easily could have offered Josh Smith, Jeff Teague our 2 first rounders this year and a second rounder.

Lamb made no real contribution this year, and Kevin Martin was a very poor substitute for Harden.

Either way, we could have made a comparable offer. Josh would have been a much better 2nd banana to Durant once Westbrook got hurt than Kevin Martin did.

And Harden's stock was at an all time low after his poor showing in the Finals. And Josh's stock was at an all time high after his stellar season.

imagine Devin Harris, James Harden, Kyle Korver, Al Horford, Zaza as our starters last year. With Harden and Horford as the building blocks going forward. Easily a playoff team. Even with an injured Zaza.
That still leaves Lou Will and Jenkins backing up PG/SG.

And I will disagree with this. The only way we could have even topped Houston was if they dumped Perkins too, and even then, I find it hard for them to look over a young potential replacement, an expiring and beneficial stop gap, a potential lottery first, plus another first.

Martin still provided OKC with spacing, and was a more than capable 6th man. He shot the ball very well, and was very efficient and effective shooting. To say he was a poor substitute is asinine.

OKC has the Raps pick to grab a young big to add to their core if they choose. One of Zeller, Len, Adams, or OLynyk would be a great addition for the future. None of our first could come close to that with Harden on the team.

Then you have the problem of having Teague being redundant, with them already having Maynor and Jackson. Josh Seems interesting for them, but Westbrook isn't the PG Josh needs. And this all dependent on if Perkins is included more than likely.

[Jamaaliver]

And I will disagree with this. The only way we could have even topped Houston was if they dumped Perkins too, and even then, I find it hard for them to look over a young potential replacement, an expiring and beneficial stop gap, a potential lottery first, plus another first.

Martin still provided OKC with spacing, and was a more than capable 6th man. He shot the ball very well, and was very efficient and effective shooting. To say he was a poor substitute is asinine.

OKC has the Raps pick to grab a young big to add to their core if they choose. One of Zeller, Len, Adams, or OLynyk would be a great addition for the future. None of our first could come close to that with Harden on the team.

Then you have the problem of having Teague being redundant, with them already having Maynor and Jackson. Josh Seems interesting for them, but Westbrook isn't the PG Josh needs. And this all dependent on if Perkins is included more than likely.

I hear and acknowledge you. Even if I think marking it as asinine is a bit harsh.

Let's just say that if we offer Josh, Teague, Jenkins, Houston's 1st rounder & a second rounder for Harden, Maynor, Perry Jones III and whatever extras needed to make it fit...I think OKC would have had to consider it.
we can at least make a reasonable offer. And Josh's value was at an all time high last Fall.

Remember, Josh avg more points, rebounds, blocks, steals than Harden last season.

Now if that TOR jumps to top three...maybe it's a different story. (Is it top 3 protected?) Otherwise, it'll only be a few picks ahead of ours.

[Jamaaliver]

I mean if I offer a guy to you (Josh) who avg more points, rebs, steals, blocks, and assists than your guy (Harden), you really wouldn't even consider it?

Even if it increased the chance of winning a champioship THIS SEASON?!?

Even if it meant strengthening your only weakness (frontcourt scoring, post scoring)?

You mean they wouldn't even consider obtaining a guy who trumps your player in every single tangible category?

Wouldn't even mull it over? For a minute? Because Kevin martin and Jeremy Lamb are....better?

[Jamaaliver]

I mean...you told me Josh was pretty fantastic, and that this was a weak year for the draft.

But OKC wouldn't even possibly, maybe for a second even consider an offer for a player who has been superior in every single statistcal category?