What I think might happen.........

Let’s be honest, although we want to see the Rockets get the best possible players, there is no reason to think that an All-Star like Jermaine O’Neal would come to Houston, when he go to the World Champion San Antonio Spurs (If Chris Webber doesn’t turn into Willis Reed on Saturday) or resign with the Pacers for Max Money. In the open market, if you want a championship Karl Malone and Gary Payton (the Lakers two weakest positions, would go to L.A.), but as we can see so far Karl Malone probably going to Dallas beginning in a sign and trade probably for Raef Lafrentz and others. Payton could go to San Antoinio, who is going to get better no matter what they do, but Tony Parker at 20, is getting better and probably help leads them to a championship this season. No need for Payton.

This is what I think might happen:
That Jason Kidd guy, he stays in Jersey. Jermaine O’Neal signs max deal with Pacers. Elton Brand signs one year tender w/ Clippers. Andre Miller ends up in Utah (Stockton’s Replacement). Gilbert Arenas and Corey Maggette end up in Denver (their backcourt play is horrible). I still think that Olowakandi ends up in San Antonio (they need a big man to protect Duncan). Gary Payton resigns in Milwaukee. Karl Malone moves on to Big D (I would have went to play w/ Duncan instead). Scottie Pippen goes to L.A. and gives them the veteran (a real point guard) for the million dollar exception and Juwan Howard goes in as Shaq’s new caddy. Were does this leave the Rockets. With all of the Clippers falling into place, I think Rockets are in the Odom race until he signs long term with the Clippers or signs with Miami. The Rockets need someone who is physical (an does not need the ball) if Dale Davis doesn’t resign in Portland or the Hornets decide not to resign PJ Brown I would do either one. Probably because Robert Horry is so loved and his home is here, he comes back to Houston instead for a 2 year contract for the MCE instead. Players likely on the move: Ricky Davis, anyone on the Toronto roster not named Vince Carter, Stackhouse opts for free agency, Portland moves Rasheed along because Zach Randolph is a player, Illgauskas possible, throw Marcus Camby in the mix, one or two of the young Pacers and the Atlanta Hawks are going to have a fire sale. The only big free agent I didn’t address was Alonzo Mourning. Miami has a ping pong ball (TJ Ford), Cap space and two solid veterans w/ bad contracts to trade. I see Zo going to Disney World for the MCE. As for the Rockets, you do your best to rid yourself of bad contracts without destroying the team. If you bring in Robert, Mo has to go. You don’t resign Posey (if Nachbar is the guy), you use Rice to help a team put themselves in position to talk to Duncan, Garnett, and Kobe Bryant (The Grizzles) he finally gets his own team. We need role players who don’t mind doing the dirty work, don’t dribble (at all), and can play D and hit an open shot. Moochie has bad contract (hopefully it has voidable years. Cato is a solid backup the should be moved for the right deal. Let’s see what happens.

 

Honestly, if there was another Ray Allen (character guy with a great jump shot), or a big man worth trading for I'd do it. Even a team with a high lottery pick, and young and upcoming star would do the trick for me (Ex: Memphis Lottery pick and say Pau Gasol, Shane Battier). Usually when you don't trade superstar for superstar you don't get equal value. Ask all the teams that traded for Charles Barkley.

 

I love the Houston Rockets, you have to be realistic. We have no cap space, who wants our forwards (we had the worst starting two arguably in the league), the Rockets have always gone after the big name free agent to get the middle market free agent (outside of Scottie Pippen). The reason I said we get Robert is because Why would Karl Malone come to Houston, when a. he can get his record in Dallas or b. win a championship in L.A. or San Antonio. Why would Jason Kidd or Gary Payton come to Houston when they can get max money with their teams or play for the Lakers or Spurs. Why keep getting younger to end back in the lottery. Look at the Spurs. Veterans Kevin Willis, Steve Smith, Steve Kerr, to go along with Ginobili, Jackson, Parker and the centerpiece Tim Duncan. They have a future hall of famer in David Robinson who took a role on HIS to be a champion, the Rockets don't have that. Glen Rice is our only "veteran" and if he was about championships, he would have stayed in L.A. Sure if the Rockets pull off a miracle and get O'Neal and/ or Jason Kidd, we should have no excuse but to win the championship. In 94 and 95 outside of Hakeem, Otis (one year) and Clyde how many other Rockets were going to the All-Star game? How many Lakers besides Kobe and Shaq are going? How many Spurs? Quality depth can't be measured in name value alone. Productive. Veterans with short term contracts are better than Cato (although he improved), Mo Taylor, Moochie. THINK!