Rockets Determined To Trade Asik In Next Two Weeks

[jonathanlambert33]

https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/status/409011163578388480

https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/status/409011636817498112

 

[Pugz]

they better have dropped that asking price

 

[BwareDWare94]

Now I'm just worried about who Morey's going to send with him. No starters, Daryl. We finally found the right starting 5. Leave it intact.

 

[BwareDWare94]

I'm assuming Morey is trying to spin Aaron Brooks' recent play into a trade piece, even though he's an undersized guard that's only worthwhile in the right situation.

 

[jonathanlambert33]

Per ESPN NBA Insider Marc Stein, the Rockets are aiming to keep Asik out of the Western Conference, because they would rather avoid seeing the defensive-minded big man battle Dwight Howard in the postseason. Right now, it appears the Philadelphia 76ers are about the most logical landing spot for Asik.

 

[RipCity32]

How is Philly the most logical? I don't see why they would want Asik lol.

 

[jonathanlambert33]

I've been trying to figure that out too lol

 

[Pugz]

they make it sound like they fear him as a dwight stopper.

 

[RipCity32]

Yeah, that is exactly what they implied lol.

 

[Pugz]

they have to be just trying to boost his value.

 

[jonathanlambert33]

Marc Stein:

1. Keep your eye on Philadelphia. Front-runner would be overstating it, but the notion that the Sixers are a viable destination for Asik is increasingly making the rounds. And that certainly makes sense given (A) Philly's front office is run by a certified Asik fan in former Rockets exec Sam Hinkie and (B) Philly has a frontcourt player to send back to Houston in Thaddeus Young, whose skill set can click with Dwight Howard's, albeit not as well as seemingly unattainable dream target Ryan Anderson; and (C) there really isn't an Asik for Philly to draft with the high pick it's likely to snag in the 2014 lottery.

 

[elcheato]

Thad is a more talented version of Terrence Jones, so it makes sense, although I'm not sure why Philly wants Asik

 

[Pugz]

thad for asik is great for houston, although theyll have the same lesser version coming off the bench which would be weird.

 

[jonathanlambert33]

This thread will go to 5+ pages because yall said Thad is better than Terrence Jones.

 

[BwareDWare94]

Thad is a more talented version of Terrence Jones, so it makes sense, although I'm not sure why Philly wants Asik

 
Is he, though? Terrence has been excellent since he was moved into the starting role. I don't see how Thad is any better than that.

 

[BwareDWare94]

I like the prospect of Thad Young in Houston. I just don't know if he'll be as dominant rebounding the ball as Jones has been, or if he'll block shots like Jones has alongside Dwight. 

This may not be about who's the better player. It's about who plays best next to #12.

 

[elcheato]

You're talking about a 14 game sample size compared to an entire career. But you're right in a sense, PF isn't the Rockets biggest need right now. They could use a useful starting PG. Lin is perfect for the 6th man role, so I wouldn't insert him back, and Patrick Beverley just isnt starting material, especially next to a ball dominant SG. Well, next to anyone really

 

[BwareDWare94]

You're talking about a 14 game sample size compared to an entire career. But you're right in a sense, PF isn't the Rockets biggest need right now. They could use a useful starting PG. Lin is perfect for the 6th man role, so I wouldn't insert him back, and Patrick Beverley just isnt starting material, especially next to a ball dominant SG. Well, next to anyone really

 
I'm starting to agree on Beverly. His only role right now is to pester opposing PGs and not get in the way on offense. His 3 pointer is getting more accurate, but I just don't know if he's going to get any better.
 
The only reason I think the sample size is indicative of Jones' production level is because he's been relentless when it comes to effort. If he's a hustle player to go along with a nice variety of offensive skills, I think he'll maintain his production level. 

 

[elcheato]

Anyone who has a good 3point shot who willingly moves the ball around on offense would be an upgrade, and an easy fit in that offense. If the Lakers fall off and Steve Blake comes available for cheap, that's a decent stop gap. Not ideal, but a better fit than Beverley, who does little to space the floor for Harden/Lin/Howard. He's an easy candidate to double off of. You'd be foolish not to do it as a team.
 
I think it's unrealistic to expect him to maintain his current pace. I was a fan of Jones on draft night after really not being a fan during his college career, just because I believed his game fit the NBA a ton more. Didn't understand people calling him a tweener during the draft process, it was pretty clear to me that he would be a PF, and potentially a successful one. He looks like a keeper
 
And trading for Thad to me, would have nothing to do with Jones. The Rockets have to trade Asik, he's redundant beyond belief and doesn't fit with this team. Getting Thad Young for him would be really good value. But I don't see it happening anyway
 
SF: Parsons (28) / Young (10) / Casspi (10)
PF: Young (22) / Jones (20) / Parsons (6)
C: Howard (36) / Jones (12)

 

[BwareDWare94]

I wonder if DMo continues to get backup C minutes when Greg Smith comes back (and after Omer is traded, obviously). Donatas plays horrible defense, but he's such an offensive wild card that it's hard to keep him on the bench.