Mission Accomplished! Rafer no longer a Rocket

by grungedave on Feb 19, 2009 2:17 PM CST in Whimsical Posts Comment 66 comments

Mark it down. February 19, 2009 -- the day the Dream Shake accomplished its sole initial goal. Rafer Alston has been traded. He is no longer a Houston Rocket.

It's time to celebrate!

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i think we can safely say, good riddance!

by fullo91 on Feb 19, 2009 2:21 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

and before i forget

so much for him being the leader of the team!

by fullo91 on Feb 19, 2009 2:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I don't get this

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/6271129.html

This is the kind of move that says we’re giving up on the season. You guys hate Rafer for his bad shooting. Well Kyle Lowry is shooting under 25% from three.

I said this in another post:

I know most of you will probably be celebrating this, but this is a major chemistry killing move if this shit is true.

We lose a great defender, a great passer, a floor leader and what looked to be like a locker-room leader. We lose another JVG-coached player. He was developing some fine consistency with Scola and was playing much better without McGrady.

There’s some other players to be named later going to us. I’m not sure what Brian Cook is going to give us. His 3pt % is nice but plays sporadically. Lots of DNPs in his game log.

The major piece we got out of the deal was the young, undersized, but speedy and athletic PG Kyle Lowry. He’s kinda like a Rajon Rondo. Still kinda similar to Brooks though so I’m still thinking WTF on this. Lowry is better defensively, but was on a terrible Memphis team. Is he ready to lead this Rockets team that will be playoff bound? He has zero experience in his career of playing in pressure situations.

This has got to be a money move if this is true. Rafer was one of my favorite players here and I sympathized with him more because of all the hate he got for his bad shooting. This is a sad day.

by goingforthecorner on Feb 19, 2009 2:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

experience is overrated

just roll with it. Morey knows what he’s doing.

by Only_A_Lad on Feb 19, 2009 2:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He knows what he's doing alright

Either he has tremendous confidence in Brooks offense outperforming his defense, or Alexander told him it’s time to dump a player for the future.

We didn’t even get a draft pick out of this.

by goingforthecorner on Feb 19, 2009 2:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

This is not a "sad day."

I think it is a money move, but the best part is not shooting % (and Lowry’s FG%, which you neglected to note, is higher), but SHOT SELECTION. I realize Lowry has a tendency to chuck it, but that was in Memphis playing for a crappy team. Here, with some direction, I think he can be a solid backup for us for now and won’t feel that he is entitled to shoot 13 times a game like Rafer did. He’s also great at getting into the lane and finishing, something Rafer often struggled with.

"I think girls are probably just better shooters." - Steve Novak

by Tom Martin on Feb 19, 2009 3:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hollinger thinks Lowry would start and loves his defense

This was DEFINITELY a money move. We are now under the luxury tax by $3 million due to this.

Also there’s still some other details we don’t know about. We’re supposed to get more small contract players and maybe a pick. In THAT case the trade doesn’t look as bad.

by goingforthecorner on Feb 19, 2009 3:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

all will be released

None of those other players will suit up for us.

by grungedave on Feb 19, 2009 3:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

also

when morey’s involved, im sure there are some intangibles that lowry and cook brings to their teams.

but im just not sure why they do this now especially with tmac out. rafer has played well when tmac is not in the games, and he doesnt turn the ball over.

im not that happy at this point, because lets be clear…its definitely NOT an upgrade. but lets see what lowry and cook bring to the table to change our minds.

by fiddycent on Feb 19, 2009 3:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

some fans over at 3QC seem happy.

why don’t you give em a reality check, haha.

by misterterrific on Feb 19, 2009 2:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

who they got now?

rafer is an upgrade over tyron lue or whoever they have over there. anyways, not sure how hard is it to lob the ball up to dwight howard

by fiddycent on Feb 19, 2009 3:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I know your thrilled, but I think this is a white flag salary move as well. I wouldn’t be surprised if Cook never even suits up for us. Rafer is much better when he’s not forced to play the role of spot-up three point shooter while watching Tracy walk the ball up the floor and play the isolation game (or occasionally Ron-Ron) . Rafer could run the offense. The Scola/Rafer pick and roll was a pretty good weapon. He always plays hard, which can’t be said about another member of this team who apparently only reports to Stephen A. I love Brooks, and I know very little about Lowry, but I think there’s a good chance Rafer will end up being missed. I’ve been pleased with Morey so far, but this is one move that I can’t get behind. If it works out I’ll be more than happy to change my mind.

by papabear on Feb 19, 2009 2:42 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

what i dont like

is we have 2 six foot point guards!! wtf!!

by fullo91 on Feb 19, 2009 2:43 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

yeah, that would suck

Man Chris Paul must suck since he’s only 6’, too.

by grungedave on Feb 19, 2009 2:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

dude cant you add?

thats 12 feet combined! unstoppppppable

by fiddycent on Feb 19, 2009 3:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I like this move for Houston.

Lowry is athletic, defensive minded and very strong. At least he will do a better job of guarding Deron Williams.

The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear.

by clarkpojo on Feb 19, 2009 3:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sweet

Thanks the good Lord he’s gone. Rafer won’t be dropping 5 three’s on us anytime soon.

I can now guaran-ass-tee that the Rockets will not make it out of the first round.

We bleed True Blue.
www.truebluejazz.com

by CB Jack on Feb 19, 2009 2:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

If he was healthy last year in the playoffs we might have advanced

I’m scared. Whether it’s the undersized Aaron Brooks or Kyle Lowry, your stellar PG is drooling now at playing Houston.

by goingforthecorner on Feb 19, 2009 2:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

good point

but alston is inconsistent if anything. i was actually looking forward to seeing him play without tmac out there, to see if he could keep his 10+ assists games up.

by fiddycent on Feb 19, 2009 3:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Awwwwww yeah

I wonder what other players we are gonna get besides Cook and Lowry

Check out motownballin.blogspot.com

by n1ck34 on Feb 19, 2009 2:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

unlikely to suit up

Cook will get released.
the two “minimum salary” players we get will also probably be cut loose.

by grungedave on Feb 19, 2009 3:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

But still

We could get a player that we might just give a shot to…like another Von Wafer. Also, CB Jack needs to go away

Check out motownballin.blogspot.com

by n1ck34 on Feb 19, 2009 3:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

IF McGrady comes back

then trading Rafer would make T-Mac better. In his best games this year, it was when he was handling the ball and getting triple doubles. But when he plays a true SG with Alston playing PG, he sulks and is much less effective. Also Rafer is less effective if Tracy does handle the ball. It’s definitely a good trade for Rafer, and it could be a good trade for us if T-Mac comes back.

But still I think this was a trade for the future more than anything.

by goingforthecorner on Feb 19, 2009 3:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Hahahahaa

T-Mac come back? There’s a reason he never got out of the first round. It’s the same reason there is no way in hell he’ll come back this year. And won’t work very hard on his rehab (as a kobe would). He’s done as a rocket. That reason is S-O-F-T. I expect the rockets to luck out next year as the insurance company pays his tab.

Meat? They're made out of Meat? Meat.

by ihavethemelody on Feb 19, 2009 3:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The problem with that is McGrady was capable of scoring just as much playing off the ball, but didn’t want to do it(or the oaches never made him) even though it made the team better….in Alsotn’s case much better. Instead we were stuck watching our team lose in the playoffs with Mac walking up the court and taking a contested 3.

by papabear on Feb 19, 2009 4:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Alston

even with all his faults, was and is a better player than Lowry. And this year, when watching the rockets play without McInjured So I Can’t Play Ever Wahh I’m A Softy, they were good enough to contend for a title. I’m not sure they are now. I love Brooks, and I think he’s a top 10-15 pt gaurd in the league in 2 or 3 years. Just not right now. And right now is what this team is after. And not even getting a draft pick? When Orlando obviously wanted this guy, and thinks all of their draft picks will be after the 25th the next couple of years? Unnacceptable.

Meat? They're made out of Meat? Meat.

by ihavethemelody on Feb 19, 2009 3:16 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

With a trade like this

I’m not sure if we are thinking “right now” anymore.

by goingforthecorner on Feb 19, 2009 3:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

But we SHOULD be

Yao is healthy THIS YEAR. Not an every season occurance with a 7’6" behemoth (see previous over 7 foot guy Bradley, Shawn; Oden, Greg; Walton, Bill etc). When one of the best players in the league with a good cast around them has a shot to make a title run, you take it. And if you aren’t going to take it you better make a move that lets you take it in the future. I don’t see how this does either.

Unless we’ll be trading for a superstar next year with mac’s expiring contract paid for by insurance and then resigning said star and Yao in the summer of 2010. Which is unlikely.

Meat? They're made out of Meat? Meat.

by ihavethemelody on Feb 19, 2009 3:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

just a thought

This helps our chances to re-sign Artest… maybe this was the goal.

by grungedave on Feb 19, 2009 3:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Assuming we even want to re-sign him

by goingforthecorner on Feb 19, 2009 3:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Do we have a choice now?

by fiddycent on Feb 19, 2009 3:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well yeah it's not like he's the only free agent this year

or we could just not sign anyone at all and prepare for 2010. Or use this extra space to make a trade during the offseason or during the regular season.

by goingforthecorner on Feb 19, 2009 3:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

no way

If we “give up” on ’09 and ’10, Yao will walk that summer.

by grungedave on Feb 19, 2009 3:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

you think so?

he said he would because his parents did at the same age, but thats leavin a lot of money on the table

by fiddycent on Feb 19, 2009 3:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yao is too loyal to leave

it would go against his character. To him, we drafted him, so he feels he should stay with us till he retires. Les will try his best to keep him for obvious reasons. What’s the motivation to keep Crazy Pills?

by goingforthecorner on Feb 19, 2009 3:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

hmm sounds like a quicker, smaller version of rafer?

scouting report from espn:

"A hyperactive ball of energy who was essentially playing his first pro season, Lowry might have been an all-defense selection if anybody watched Grizzlies games. On a team for which a lot of players were going through the motions, his extra effort stood out. Lowry drew 47 offensive fouls, the fourth-most in the league; on a per-minute basis, the only perimeter player to draw more was the Lakers’ Derek Fisher.

Lowry’s other defensive metrics were outstanding, too — among point guards he was sixth in blocks per minute, 12th in steals and seventh in defensive rebound rate. Overall, the Grizzlies gave up 5.7 points fewer per 48 minutes with him on the court.

The only reason he didn’t play more was his shaky outside shot, combined with a refusal to acknowledge its shakiness. Lowry took nearly two 3-pointers a game but made only 25.7 percent, a major reason his shooting percentage was so low. He was much better on long 2s, making 44.8 percent, but they were a less-utilized part of his arsenal. Lowry also killed himself at the line. He led all point guards in free-throw attempts per field-goal attempt, but converted only 69.8 percent. "

by fiddycent on Feb 19, 2009 3:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I like his defense

but it’s unknown if he makes this team better defensively compared to Alston. I think Lowry might have been the kind of player Morey has had his eye on for awhile and thinks he could blossom here.

by goingforthecorner on Feb 19, 2009 3:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think we all need to realize

that Morey can make mistakes too. It just doesn’t happen very often. See: Tim Pupura(sp?)
I think we will have to wait and see how this turns out, but I do have faith in Morey and all of his decisions.

by wescox10 on Feb 19, 2009 3:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

You can't just call it a mistake

It’s more like “going on a different direction”.

by goingforthecorner on Feb 19, 2009 3:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

honestly

if at the beginning of the season someone had told you that tmac and rafer would be replaced halfway through with lesser players, would you think they make an impact in the playoffs, or even make the playoffs?

this is yao’s team more than ever. we are 18-4 or somethin close to that when hes our leading scorer in the game. this is morey’s team more than ever as well.

by fiddycent on Feb 19, 2009 4:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

also

dont we also get another 2 players??? i thought i saw that somewhere…wtvr…i love this deal!

by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Feb 19, 2009 4:05 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

To make the salaries work, the Magic included in the Houston deal center Adonal Foyle and Mike Wilks along with Cook.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orl-magic-trade-alston-021909,0,4917590.story

by misterterrific on Feb 19, 2009 4:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

They'll all be dumped probably

by goingforthecorner on Feb 19, 2009 4:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Can we afford

to dump Foyle? At only 797k for this year, and with Deke as the only real backup center, why not just keep him on the roster?

Meat? They're made out of Meat? Meat.

by ihavethemelody on Feb 19, 2009 4:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He's terrible. I'd rather have Deke

Go to YouTube and search something like “adonal foyle backboard”

"I think girls are probably just better shooters." - Steve Novak

by Tom Martin on Feb 19, 2009 4:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Me too

But Deke isn’t exactly spry and young. Would you rather have foyle or chucky hayes as your backup center against Gasol, Odom, Duncan, Dwight, Etc? I’d like to at least have foyle as an option if hayes can’t handle the size.

Meat? They're made out of Meat? Meat.

by ihavethemelody on Feb 19, 2009 4:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh lord

If we kept Adonal…

"I think girls are probably just better shooters." - Steve Novak

by Tom Martin on Feb 19, 2009 4:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

They're going to Memphis

Updated on the article.

Basketballforum: Houston Rockets

by Cornholio on Feb 19, 2009 6:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Feigen's reaction

I look forward to hearing Adelman and Morey explain their motivation for this move.

Same here.

by goingforthecorner on Feb 19, 2009 4:20 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

As much as I like this deal

Same here. Or better yet, why lowry and not that 1st rounder? I like Lowry but I’m interested to hear the “press version” of what his thought process was. Hopefully it’s more than “We like him a lot.”

"I think girls are probably just better shooters." - Steve Novak

by Tom Martin on Feb 19, 2009 4:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

by Rockets on Feb 19, 2009 5:14 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

exactly

by natrix964909 on Feb 19, 2009 5:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Just got online

woohoo!!

Basketballforum: Houston Rockets

by Cornholio on Feb 19, 2009 5:54 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Brent Barry

I don’t think anyone benefits more from this trade and T-Mac being out than Barry. He has good chemistry with Brooks, and with AB getting more time, Barry’s time should increase as well.

by goingforthecorner on Feb 19, 2009 6:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs