Houston readying full-court press for Bosh

[kingmalaki]

Found another little tidbit while digging through the forum at Clutchfans.com on another player that BC possibly has interest in from the Rockets. This is another summarizing of an interview this time from Richard Justice who is the man that wrote the "Rockets are preparing to woo Bosh" article from a couple days back. The interview was on Sports Radio 1560 am a couple days before he wrote the article that inspired the title of this thread:

Link:
http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showpost.php? ... stcount=29

Richard Justice spoke about this today on 1560 with John and Lance. Justice does speak with Morey on a regular bases so I do take his word on it. He did report that Morey was trying to acquire Ricky Rubio.

He stated that Morey will be there at Chris Bosh's house at 12:01AM to talk to him about wanting to come to Houston. He said that Morey and his team was already working on some videos for him to see. He went on to talk about how Houston probably has the best offer out there to make a SnT work. He talked about how Colangelo and Morey are really good friends and Bryan Colangelo has interest in Jordon Hill and Sergio Llull.

But Justice did make a great point that I've been trying to make. There's two parties you have to please. So if Morey can convince Bosh to come to Houston, you still have to please Toronto. Toronto doesn't want to lose him empty-handed. At least in Houston, Bosh can be the "man" here.

Don't know anything about Llull but there is atleast another possible name on the radar other than Jordan Hill that would possibly be included in a package young players, expirings, and first round picks for Bosh.

Justice basically writes whatever Morey tells him to. I can see us giving up Llull, especially if we are sold on Brooks and don't have to ship Chase off instead. But as I stated earlier, if Morey throws in multiple young prospects, then I don't see him throwing in multiple picks. Even restricted free agents could only fetch three #1's when there weren't that many options to sign them outright.

[Ripp]

DraftExpress profile regarding Llull:

WEAKNESSES:
- Ability to get to free throw line
- Ability to play at different speeds
- Mid-range game
- Out of control at times
- Stuck between 1 and 2
- Ability to defend position at next level?
- Ability to fight through screens
- Can NBA rookie scale compete financially w/other options?
- Relatively unknown
- Ability to finish around basket
- Ability to finish through contact
- Frail frame

Hometown: Mahon, Spain
Drafted: Rnd 2, Pick 4 in 2009 by Nuggets
Best Case: Jose Calderon
Worst Case: Sani Becirovic

Raps already have Llull

But on a serious note, if his upside is Jose Calderon, we already know that building with both him and Bargnani is not going to be a great fit on the defensive end. If Bargnani becomes your primary piece after Bosh leaves, then it will make some sense to grab additional pieces that complement him...namely rebounders and defenders at the 1, 2, and 3.

[Los Manos]

DraftExpress profile regarding Llull:

WEAKNESSES:
- Ability to get to free throw line
- Ability to play at different speeds
- Mid-range game
- Out of control at times
- Stuck between 1 and 2
- Ability to defend position at next level?
- Ability to fight through screens
- Can NBA rookie scale compete financially w/other options?
- Relatively unknown
- Ability to finish around basket
- Ability to finish through contact
- Frail frame

Hometown: Mahon, Spain
Drafted: Rnd 2, Pick 4 in 2009 by Nuggets
Best Case: Jose Calderon
Worst Case: Sani Becirovic

Raps already have Llull

But on a serious note, if his upside is Jose Calderon, we already know that building with both him and Bargnani is not going to be a great fit on the defensive end. If Bargnani becomes your primary piece after Bosh leaves, then it will make some sense to grab additional pieces that complement him...namely rebounders and defenders at the 1, 2, and 3.

It's a bad comparison, Llull is quicker, faster and able to get into his man on defence. He does not have Calderon's control over the game but his shooting is on par from anywhere on the floor.

[ATLTimekeeper]

Ask for it all. Leave them their core and take all the prospects and picks. Houston can't get a player of Bosh's caliber with everything else, not even close, so it's up to them to pull away over what amounts to baubles. I don't care much for Sergio, although I think he might be a decent pg at the next level, he's not a prized prospect by any means and you know with Euros, they might never come over. He's a throw-in, just like Hill. The New York picks I would think should both be the center-piece, although I'm severely skeptical they'll be any good. But, I think the package begins with those and then BC should just clear out their cabinet and leave them with enough to compete for a ring (should be enough with Yao/Bosh/Scola/Hayes/Ariza/Martin/Brooks/Budinger/Lowry).

[Ripp]

^--- I've watched a few Llull highlights on Youtube, but not many of his games (as I suspect you have done.) So maybe you are correct about his defense, despite this profile. It is just a bit worrisome that they make such a big deal about his defense. We've already seen the difficulty on the defensive end that European prospects have when transitioning to the NBA. Hopefully you are right.

[OAKLEY_2]

if Morey throws in multiple young prospects, then I don't see him throwing in multiple picks.

If he wants Bosh and doesn't want to gut the core he most definitely will give up picks and young prospects. Why else would he stock them the way he did? Looks like this year's 14 and a Knicks pick would be included for sure with Jeffries/Battier the salary balast. I think Hill would be in this deal and the rights to Llull. On top of Rasho, and Antoine Wright all off the books this year, Jeffries, Reggie, Banks and Bellineli would all all expire in 2011 which is almost a max contract worth of expirings. MLSEL would love BC for that as good housekeeping. All these bodies could be replaced with entry level drafted players or longer contracts for exprirings. It seems like Morey has set the table and it is really up to Bosh not to play ball. Bynum, while a better return, represents risk all in one basket.

[Ducksplatt]

Here is an interesting article on him from January 22, 2010:
http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/introdu ... 01_21.html

“He’s unique as a very athletic international guard,” says Hinkie. “He’s a combo guard but one who is playing significant minutes at the point guard spot for a very demanding, very good, execution-oriented coach in Ettore Messina. But Sergio has been playing really well in that system. He is not your prototypical ball-moving, distributor, calming influence type point guard; he’s been much more of an athletic, attacking, multi-position, up and down, good-shooting, good-driving athlete.

“He has great speed, NBA speed, which makes him interesting and unique for an international point guard. He defies a lot of the stereotypes you might want to put on guards coming from overseas. He’s a gifted, active, committed and high energy defender who can defend multiple positions. He’s often called on to guard twos and ones. One of the things he combines with that, which you don’t really see as much, is that he can really shoot the ball. He’s shot the ball well from three and he’s proven to be a good and improving standstill shooter.”

NBADraft.net:
http://www.nbadraft.net/players/sergio-llull
NBA Comparison: Raul Lopez (pre injury)

[Ducksplatt]

Not sure if this is threadworthy so I thought I would add it here:

I would think that Bryan needs to be very careful in the process of resigning of Amir Johnson if indeed Bosh is S&T'd to Houston and Jordan Hill is one of the players coming back. A pretty good young player (at least what he showed in Houston). But I was looking at the stats and compared him to Amir (a little ode to Supersub). I also just compared his numbers in Houston as he was actually being used:

Amir vs Hill (Avg's):
Name Min Pts Reb Asst BLK FT%
Johnson 17:41 6.2 4.8 0.6 0.8 63.8%
Hill (Hou) 16:11 6.4 5.0 0.6 0.5 66%

Seems that they are somewhat equal in what they bring to the table. And also, if Bosh does indeed leave, I understand that Bargs is going to slide back to PF. That means three PF's (with two doing the same thing).
Listen...I really like what Amir brought to the Raptors this year...but does it make sense to sign him to the MLE if the Raptors may be getting something similar in return...for pretty much half the price for the next 4 years? Maybe they should look to use their MLE on a defensive Centre. Or packaging Amir out in a S&T (though I am not sure if they can do that).

Mind you, if Bargs is going to stay at Centre, then I think you definately keep them both and let them feed off each other/compete (similar to Derozen and Weems).

[OAKLEY_2]

It would be easier to just keep Bargs at centre and have a guy like Hassan Whiteside as back-up with both Amir and Hill in the fold. You do not want to let Amir go. Way too young and promising. Both Hill and Amir at the position would be paid a third of what it cost Bosh to patrol there.

[Kevin Willis]

Is it possible for Chicago to get Bosh Snt, sign Lebron or Wade outright? Can they pull off a lineup of

Rose
Bosh
Noah
Lebron/Wade
scrub

If they can Chicago would be a dynasty. And if that threat is possible it would have to sweeten Houston's offer.

[kingmalaki]

if Morey throws in multiple young prospects, then I don't see him throwing in multiple picks.

If he wants Bosh and doesn't want to gut the core he most definitely will give up picks and young prospects. Why else would he stock them the way he did? Looks like this year's 14 and a Knicks pick would be included for sure with Jeffries/Battier the salary balast. I think Hill would be in this deal and the rights to Llull. On top of Rasho, and Antoine Wright all off the books this year, Jeffries, Reggie, Banks and Bellineli would all all expire in 2011 which is almost a max contract worth of expirings. MLSEL would love BC for that as good housekeeping. All these bodies could be replaced with entry level drafted players or longer contracts for exprirings. It seems like Morey has set the table and it is really up to Bosh not to play ball. Bynum, while a better return, represents risk all in one basket.

I agree that picks will have to be added. I just don't think he will have to add multiple young players and multiple picks. There are proposals on here asking for Hill and Chase/Lull, and then our pick plus both of the Knicks picks. That's like 4-5 young prospects. Restricted free agents don't even net that much, so I don't see why an unrestricted one would in a summer where he has other good options. I can see something like Hill and both of the Kincks picks, or Hill and our pick and a Knicks pick, or Hill and Lull and a Knicks pick and cash...but the whole boatload? If there has been a deal like that I would love to see it. The closest are the K-Mart and JJ trades, and those only included 3 young prospects (3 picks for Martin, 2 picks and Diaw for JJ).

[kingmalaki]

Is it possible for Chicago to get Bosh Snt, sign Lebron or Wade outright? Can they pull off a lineup of

Rose
Bosh
Noah
Lebron/Wade
scrub

If they can Chicago would be a dynasty. And if that threat is possible it would have to sweeten Houston's offer.

Houston won't have to up the ante to compete with a team Bosh can go to outright, or one that he chooses to go to. Either he will pick Houston or he won't. Now if he only picks two teams that have to S&T for him and then tells Toronto I'm fine going to either one, then that's different. But why would he give Toronto that much leeway to decide his future. That makes no sense.

[deeps6x]

Found another little tidbit while digging through the forum at Clutchfans.com on another player that BC possibly has interest in from the Rockets. This is another summarizing of an interview this time from Richard Justice who is the man that wrote the "Rockets are preparing to woo Bosh" article from a couple days back. The interview was on Sports Radio 1560 am a couple days before he wrote the article that inspired the title of this thread:

Link:
http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showpost.php? ... stcount=29

Richard Justice spoke about this today on 1560 with John and Lance. Justice does speak with Morey on a regular bases so I do take his word on it. He did report that Morey was trying to acquire Ricky Rubio.

He stated that Morey will be there at Chris Bosh's house at 12:01AM to talk to him about wanting to come to Houston. He said that Morey and his team was already working on some videos for him to see. He went on to talk about how Houston probably has the best offer out there to make a SnT work. He talked about how Colangelo and Morey are really good friends and Bryan Colangelo has interest in Jordon Hill and Sergio Llull.

But Justice did make a great point that I've been trying to make. There's two parties you have to please. So if Morey can convince Bosh to come to Houston, you still have to please Toronto. Toronto doesn't want to lose him empty-handed. At least in Houston, Bosh can be the "man" here.

Don't know anything about Llull but there is atleast another possible name on the radar other than Jordan Hill that would possibly be included in a package young players, expirings, and first round picks for Bosh.

Why would Morey be going after Rubio when he has Brooks? Everyone seems to think Rubio is going to be a top three point guard. I just don't see it. He doesn't have CP3's offense. Might have his passing ability. Doesn't have Rondo's speed. He could be great on D and passing, but if he isn't a scoring threat, how could he be top three?

Maybe BC asked Morey to see if he could get Rubio as part of a Bosh package??? What would you rather have for Bosh. Three good prospects (J Hill, and two first rounders) or one great prospect (Rubio)? I'd take Rubio even though he won't be coming over for another year.

[deeps6x]

Is it possible for Chicago to get Bosh Snt, sign Lebron or Wade outright? Can they pull off a lineup of

Rose
Bosh
Noah
Lebron/Wade
scrub

If they can Chicago would be a dynasty. And if that threat is possible it would have to sweeten Houston's offer.

Houston won't have to up the ante to compete with a team Bosh can go to outright, or one that he chooses to go to. Either he will pick Houston or he won't. Now if he only picks two teams that have to S&T for him and then tells Toronto I'm fine going to either one, then that's different. But why would he give Toronto that much leeway to decide his future. That makes no sense.

He might have a handshake deal with BC to give Toronto that option. "Don't trade me this spring and I'll give you two or three teams to try and make a S&T deal with."

[OAKLEY_2]

or Hill and Lull and a Knicks pick and cash...but the whole boatload?

The price and the cost is willingness to pay. Draft picks are 50/50 at best so 2 picks is like 1 prospect. Hill is a more known commodity than #14 2010 or number 20 2011. It should be 2 picks, 2 prospects as Jeffries is a salary dump and Battier could be returned after being waived. What would happen with Battier might affect what the take away actually is would it not? The 2010 and 2011 are average picks and with the 2011 it gets worse as the Rockets surely get better. If Battier is agreed to go back I could see there being another pick or prospect or player being thrown in and a pick being taken away. Colangelo is not big on picks. The Raptors have a 20 year old shooting guard whose weakness is shooting and is probably a better 3, an overpriced Turkoglu at the same position so is there room for Battier with Turkoglu and Derozan and Weems all able to play there? Houston does have the best assets no question so it remains to be seen if that improves their bargaining position or not. What is left to be determined is will CB$ be willing to consider Houston if there is a Lakers deal on the table? Houston has better parts long term, the Lakers have immediate help in theory.

[Spragga]

From the rockets board.

Morey was on 790 this morning and while most of the conversation was just back and forth banter and largely irrelevant, some interesting notes:

1) Team is likely to move from their draft position again as they like to maximize assets. Whether up or down or out is unclear.

2) Team will definitely pay luxury tax next year.

3) Team will definitely use the MLE this offseason. Edit: Also said that the entire MLE will be taxed.

4) Les has given Morey the go ahead to take on big contracts if need be to get a star player. He is all in and only asks that Morey "be smart" with the money, but has given him no limitations. The question was obviously a reference to Turkey Glue.

its official, the 2010/2011 nba champions are your Houston Rockets . . .

I would love for the Hedo part to be true.

[dagger]

I can see something like Hill and both of the Kincks picks, or Hill and our pick and a Knicks pick, or Hill and Lull and a Knicks pick and cash...but the whole boatload? If there has been a deal like that I would love to see it. The closest are the K-Mart and JJ trades, and those only included 3 young prospects (3 picks for Martin, 2 picks and Diaw for JJ).

The one notable difference is that in both of the examples you are giving, the main player was traded into cap space. In this situation, the Raptors would be required to take back at least $12.5 million in non-core contracts including Jared Jeffries and other scrubs. There would be an additional value assigned to taking on those contracts.

[Ripp]

I've thought about it a bit...if you are the Rockets and you manage to grab Bosh, you almost don't want to give those Knicks picks away. Securing Bosh decreases the chance of LeBron going to the Knicks. If they spend big money on lesser talents (e.g., Joe Johnson+Boozer), then the'll at best be a ~40 win team in the East. Those Knicks picks could be extremely valuable, and gain value if CB doesn't go to the Knicks. Strong incentive to keep them, I think. Plus the optics of using the Knicks picks + Jordan Hill to sign Bosh look bad...no reason to make Walsh look like an idiot.

[Fairview4Life]

I've thought about it a bit...if you are the Rockets and you manage to grab Bosh, you almost don't want to give those Knicks picks away. Securing Bosh decreases the chance of LeBron going to the Knicks. If they spend big money on lesser talents (e.g., Joe Johnson+Boozer), then the'll at best be a ~40 win team in the East. Those Knicks picks could be extremely valuable, and gain value if CB doesn't go to the Knicks. Strong incentive to keep them, I think. Plus the optics of using the Knicks picks + Jordan Hill to sign Bosh look bad...no reason to make Walsh look like an idiot.

Yeah, really, what's the point of giving anything up at all? All of that stuff is useful. Keep everything, it's basically up to Morey and what the Raptors are looking for in a trade from a team over the cap has no bearing at all. There certainly won't be any negotiations at all and there's definitely no reason to give up anything of value to secure the services of a top 3 PF in the NBA.

Maybe you should think about it a little bit more.

[Yuri Vaultin]

I've thought about it a bit...if you are the Rockets and you manage to grab Bosh, you almost don't want to give those Knicks picks away. Securing Bosh decreases the chance of LeBron going to the Knicks. If they spend big money on lesser talents (e.g., Joe Johnson+Boozer), then the'll at best be a ~40 win team in the East. Those Knicks picks could be extremely valuable, and gain value if CB doesn't go to the Knicks. Strong incentive to keep them, I think. Plus the optics of using the Knicks picks + Jordan Hill to sign Bosh look bad...no reason to make Walsh look like an idiot.

Yeah, really, what's the point of giving anything up at all? All of that stuff is useful. Keep everything, it's basically up to Morey and what the Raptors are looking for in a trade from a team over the cap has no bearing at all. There certainly won't be any negotiations at all and there's definitely no reason to give up anything of value to secure the services of a top 3 PF in the NBA.

Maybe you should think about it a little bit more.

I concur. I believe a MacDonald's buy one large fry and drink, get a Big Mac free coupon should seal the deal.