Josh Smith, Luis Scola, and the Future

by Vivek Johnson on Jun 22, 2011 3:19 PM CDT

I've been doing a lot of reading about the whole Josh Smith trade scenario, and I've come to a few conclusions. I'd say the Rockets should welcome a trade, as long as it doesn't move Patrick Patterson or Chase Budinger, as I feel that they are the futures of this team. Speaking of which, the future is the only thing the rockets should have their mind on right now. Here are some things the Rockets should consider moving forward

Josh Smith: The reason I like the idea of having the soon to be former Hawk on our team is that he is still a developing player. He is young, athletic, and defensive. Sure he has some kinks that need to be ironed out, but he is the type of player a contender needs, along with a true star.

Luis Scola: In my opinion, the best player on our team. At almost 31, he is nearing the end of his peak years. If I were Morey, I would consider moving him while his value is still relatively high. I would love the prospect of trading him to a contender, say the Lakers, for Andrew Bynum. But alas, I'm not one to put out fires with gasoline.

Kevin Martin: I feel like we are all inclined to trade him. Yet for who, I don't understand. There really isn't another player at his position on the market that can do his job better than he can (I doubt Indiana will let Granger go.) He is still in his 20's (late) so fits perfectly with the team's plans. Trading him for another position would leave a gap at the 2 guard, which Lee cannot play alone.

Yao Ming: We all love you Yao, but I think your time is up. Sign and trade for a competent big, while we still can. I have a horrible feeling he's going to somehow end up in Miami though...

All in all, I feel like the Rockets aren't going to make any noise for the next 3 years. And during that time period, we should put all of our chips into preparing for the future. What do y'all think?

No cursing in title. No pirated material, such as links to online game streams. Do not cut/paste entire sections of content from other websites. Thanks.

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I would love to move Budinger

Draft a new SF that can split time with TWill

by jman012 on Jun 22, 2011 5:01 PM CDT reply actions

If....

If there is a way to acquire Smith w/out giving up the 14th pick, I’m super all in. Draft a big and acquire Smith, we don’t have to do another thing this off season. (PPatt, Martin, and Lowry are my untouchables.) Another possibility that may be in play is attempting to move up and take Williams. Minny is saying they are taking Kanter, if so see if we can flip the 14th, 23rd, and Dragic or Bud for the number 3. Flip Scola for a big (either in the draft or a robin lopez type, space eating mid tier big) and call it a day.

by Christopher Dion Harris on Jun 22, 2011 6:29 PM CDT reply actions

Agree except for two things

1. If we trade for Josh Smith, CBud becomes expendable. Thing is, why does everyone repeatedly forget about TWill (I’m pretty sure TWill plays that position)? Bud would be great coming off the bench, but TWill would suffice

2. On the Kevin Martin Debate, I really have no idea who we should trade for, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t ship him out.

by ppatsaboss on Jun 22, 2011 7:21 PM CDT reply actions

Actually

that is a pretty good reason for not shipping him out. There is no reason to get rid of him just to get rid of him.

by Bobbythegreat on Jun 22, 2011 8:45 PM CDT up reply actions

Know when to sell, know when to hold, know when to buy.

The theory on Kevin Martin is entirely basketball related to the immediate season following. There is no mind being paid to the simple fact that Martin will fetch you a hell of a lot. You make a lateral move at the position, slight downgrade, stock up all around.

If we get Smith without sending Martin out we’re in a hell of a good spot.

My beingadick-butnotbeinganannoyingdick skills, they're impressive.
-TCWIR paraphrased

by BD34 on Jun 22, 2011 9:03 PM CDT up reply actions

"You gotta know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em....."

Yeea I went there. In the words of Mad TV “Hiiii I’m Kenny Rogers.”

The BANHAMMER delivers the real justice
That's just turrible
The absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence
Bill, Bull and Clyde will be taking their talents to South Texas

by joshsm07 on Jun 22, 2011 10:36 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah i agree

if we can get a “hell of a lot” for him then sure do it. It just seems that a lot of people around here want to get rid of Martin just to get rid of him and that is a flawed position. I am just saying that if the deal can be done for Lee rather than Martin then you keep Martin and are better off for it.

by Bobbythegreat on Jun 23, 2011 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions

Lee is not the player Martin is but has a way better contract.

Facts are we should only trade either to get better. I keep hearing we should trade Martin because of his age and/or contract because we are rebuilding. That is only true if we are 3 or more years away and I do not think we are that far away. At 31 Trading Scola now makes sense. Most players are in there most productive years from 27- 31. If Josh Smith can play the 3, that will be a good fit. Everybody is tradable for the right deal. But we should not trade to just get rid of somebody. We have a good core and by losing Yao,s contract not a bad payroll. The only bad contract is Miller and this is the last year of it.

by arnold p on Jun 23, 2011 4:28 PM CDT up reply actions