Parsing Houston

by Tom Ziller on Feb 13, 2008 8:19 AM PST in Free Agency/Trades

I hadn't the chance to post on this yet (err, busy herding a cat), but The Bee's Sam Amick dropped a bit of a bomb in following up the Chris Sheridan rumors.

As for other possibilities, a dark, dark, darkhorse is Houston. I say that only on intrigue alone - Artest with former Kings coach Rick Adelman again, not to mention Tracy McGrady, Yao Ming and a pairing with Bonzi Wells that worked so well during the 2006 playoff run?!

The Rockets are on the playoff bubble, although they've won 11 of their last 12 games. To my knowledge, the two teams have not spoken. As for what the Kings would want, I can tell you that they are very high on Rockets rookie point guard Aaron Brooks out of Oregon. How high? There was some internal talk in June about shocking the NBA world and drafting Brooks at the No. 10 spot. He was taken 26th overall by the Rockets.

One trade that I'd have to think would make Geoff Petrie do back flips: Artest for Brooks, the expiring contract of Steve Francis ($2.4 million) and rookie forward Luis Scola ($2.9 million and signed through 2010).

The trade works, though I'm not sure how willing Daryl Morey would be to part with both Brooks and Scola -- grabbing Luis from San Antonio was considered a coup, and Houston picked Brooks higher than most expected him to go (which makes the assertion Petrie considered him at #10 rather shocking).

Still. Brooks is averaging 13 minutes a game this month. Scola is roughly the fourth option... when he's in the game, which is about the same as Chuck Hayes. Bringing Artest to town would help Rick Adelman's defense immensely, and Adelman's offense is one which seems to agree with Ron-Ron's freelance game the best. It's not quite a no-brainer for each team... but it's highly thoughtful.

Meanwhile, Morey doesn't seem opposed to making a move despite the team's recent success.

"You can't over-weigh the current play when you're evaluating what to do with the trade deadline," Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said. "You have to take a very dispassionate assessment of how close you are and make the right move that's appropriate for the team.

"We've never felt like we were out of it, so we were always looking for moves to upgrade the team this year. That hasn't changed.

"But we also feel like our future looks bright. If there is a player to be added, we definitely will. There's nothing imminent."

Keep this one on your radar. Unless you don't own a radar. Then I suppose you could just keep it in mind.

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Rick Adelman

I would love to know how Adelman would feel about this deal. Artest was at his best under Adelman and was on pretty good (public) behavior. Adelman is know as the ultimate player's coach (if you're a veteran, anyway).

Houston could use the boost to fortify their playoff slot (5 games separate 1 and 9 right now!).

I would have thought that Houston would go looking for a PG to improve themselves, but I guess Alston has been playing better. One other note - Scola is the only "big" power forward on the Rockets roster right now (Hayes is 6-6, Battier 6-8). Unless they had another deal brewing to bring in a 4, I have doubts that they would want to make this deal.

SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Feb 13, 2008 8:54 AM PST reply actions

On size

The thing which keeps me for being concerned about Houston's size: If they went Alston/Mac/Artest/Battier/Yao to start, they'd only be small at PF, big at the 2, 3 and 5, and average-to-slightly big at the 1. It'd help if Battier or Artest were better rebounders, but there's Bonzi for that, too. And Hayes.

I could see Mac playing some PG under Adelman in the playoffs, too.

by Tom Ziller on Feb 13, 2008 10:07 AM PST up reply actions

Excellent Points

Thanks for the insight.

SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Feb 13, 2008 10:11 AM PST up reply actions

Petrie's Radar is broken

Could someone lend Geoff Petrie their radar? His has been broken for the last couple years, and he doesn't seem to be in a hurry to fix it.

by Carl on Feb 13, 2008 10:11 AM PST reply actions

Kings

We need to keep Mike. I didn't buy his jersey (autographed) for nothing. He needs to stay in Sacramento.

I like the Bibby-Martin backcourt pairing.

I'd say you only part with Mike Bibby if you can get a solid power forward. (Jermaine O'Neal anyone???)

The Sacramento Kings: Where Amazing Happens!

by kingme18 on Feb 13, 2008 12:47 PM PST reply actions

Article On Houston's GM

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/28/sports/basketball/28morey.html?_r=2&ref=sports&oref=slogin &oref=slogin

by coolcatreportdotcom on Feb 13, 2008 12:53 PM PST reply actions

An Interesting

article......

Disclaimer: I am PRO-SACKINGS.

by ridnour8 on Feb 13, 2008 12:59 PM PST up reply actions

AB

I watched Aaron Brooks (in person here in Eugene) mature as a player during the 4 years he was at U of O. He developed his passing skills, always had the defense, and became the leader the Ducks needed in their elite 8 run last year. He is a family man, with a college degree with incredible hops as well. In addition Reggie would not have to hound him to play defense and his Basketball IQ is high. This trade works for me.

Disclaimer: I am PRO-SACKINGS.

by ridnour8 on Feb 13, 2008 12:54 PM PST reply actions

Trade em already

Reports are now out that Kidd is on his way to Dallas. Not that I really give a crap, in fact I think Dallas is gutting their team to get him but come on GP, pull the thumbs out of your ass and get rid of Artest and Bibby. Yea Bibby too.

I've said it before, I'd take a bologna sandwich for Artest and any expirings for Bibby.

"I drink your milkshake...I drink it up!!!"

by kangsfan on Feb 13, 2008 1:16 PM PST reply actions

I shook hands with GP once

I really hope that's not where he keeps his thumbs.

SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Feb 13, 2008 1:44 PM PST up reply actions

quick question

Something that I've been thinking about since the Pau/Kwame trade that popped back into my head after hearing about Kidd, do all these huge trades help or hurt our chances of unloading artest and bibby? Or do you guys think it doesn't matter?

I tend to go with it hurts our trade chances more than it helps. The line between legitimate contender and decent playof team is getting thicker and thicker. Before the Pau trade, you could argue that Artest to Denver or Bibby to Cleveland would make those teams better than the Lakers. Afterwards, not so much.

Muff rules. http://vegaskings.blogspot.com

by Muff209 on Feb 13, 2008 2:17 PM PST reply actions

petrie's thumbs

IMO these trades may increase the demand for Artest/Bibby but only if GP will settle for a reasonable deal(Klieza/Najera) and not try to get the world for every deal, which is seeming more and more likely. It seems that it is his theory that teams will become more desperate as the deadline nears and will give more for these players. However if these teams do not back off their stance, and we know GP isn't backing off his stance, then yet another deadline will pass with no action. The season is over, trade those that are not involved in the future and let the youngins play!

I have long been a GP supporter but my faith and trust is running thin. Pull em out, wash your hands, bite the bullet, and get on the damn phone.

"I drink your milkshake...I drink it up!!!"

by kangsfan on Feb 13, 2008 3:15 PM PST up reply actions

That's assuming

that the Kleiza/Najera deal is on the table, which we don't know for sure. A team with cap issues such as Denver might not want to part with an inexpensive young good player for a rent a player that they will not be able to afford to re-sign.

SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Feb 13, 2008 3:49 PM PST up reply actions

True However...

We don't know if the Kleiza/Najera deal is on the table, but from what I have gathered through various articles on the subject, we could have had this deal already but GP's insistance on tagging on Thomas to the deal has stalled the talks.

Now if Denver is worried about cap room, then why not tke a chance on Artest. He is technically underpaid for his production and like you said he's on rent for the remainder of the season so that will clear up cap space for them next season*.

*I'm such a homer, I'll find a reason to make it happen.

"I drink your milkshake...I drink it up!!!"

by kangsfan on Feb 13, 2008 6:25 PM PST up reply actions

Me Too....

I shook hands with him as well when the Kings played a preseason game at MacArthur Court against the Blazers.....hopefully its his left thumb only.

Disclaimer: I am PRO-SACKINGS.

by ridnour8 on Feb 13, 2008 2:19 PM PST reply actions

Warriors?

With Pietrus' trade demand does that help our chances of acquiring Artest?

Something like this maybe?

by sroufe on Feb 13, 2008 5:32 PM PST reply actions

Not to burst your bubble

But I came up with that idea a week ago. But I'm all for it if that's all the Dubs are willing to do.

I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Feb 13, 2008 5:36 PM PST up reply actions

Actually,

I remember your discussion, I just wanted to bring it up again following that article in the CC-Times yesterday...

by sroufe on Feb 13, 2008 5:45 PM PST up reply actions

good for you

I'm glad you came up with this idea a week ago however it didn't happen last week and it won't happen this week or next week either.

"I drink your milkshake...I drink it up!!!"

by kangsfan on Feb 13, 2008 6:29 PM PST up reply actions

BTW

Pookey, I'm just teasin ya;) No disrespect.

"I drink your milkshake...I drink it up!!!"

by kangsfan on Feb 13, 2008 6:31 PM PST up reply actions

LOL Thanx for the ego check

Always nice to have one now & again.

I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Feb 13, 2008 6:41 PM PST up reply actions

Wait a second....

I posted this trade! Trade machine stealing bastard!

http://www.sactownroyalty.com/story/2008/2/6/174928/1115#commenttop

It probably won't happen so its a moot point.

StR- Where Pookey is long, Otis is short and Section brings down the house.

by jjham15 @ Sactown Royalty on Feb 15, 2008 3:28 PM PST up reply actions

Dk I wasn't being adversarial

I just wanted to say I brought it up a week ago. And I agree with it if that's all the Dubs willl agre to. And thanks for the update. I always appreciate them.

I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Feb 13, 2008 5:55 PM PST reply actions