[sheltwon3Participant]

You could argue that Howard had a better team in Orlando the year they went against the Lakers and they did not win it all and now he has to play in the West. Depending on the match-ups in the West, getting past the 2nd round can be tough. Ask Clippers.

Houston still has more moves to do but right now hear is how they look.

PG Lin/Beverly
SG Harden/J. Anderson
SF Parsons/ T Jones
PF /G. Smith/Motie
C Howard/ Asik???

I have 30.5 million without Howard contract

I am guessing he is starting at 20 million so that is 50.5 million

NBA Salary Cap rumored at 58.5 million

Houston will have 8 more million left and possibly mid level exception

As of right now this is a really great team but there is still not lock they can win it all.

A lot comes down to health, other teams movement, and luck.

[tdigiParticipant]

I’ve got their salary at $51,961,124
So 6.5 mil approx
There is rumoured talk about a Ryan Anderson for Asik swap, Anderson makes 3 mil more than Asik.
Houston could take on Josh Smith in a sign and trade, that looks tricky to me because of the Lin/Asik balloon salaries of 30 million next year.
Houston doesn’t have a quality backup SF, Jones is a 4. Theres not much left at SF in free agency.
If an Asik for Anderson swap occurs then Houstons front court is loaded but the wings are extremely thin.
What would work is an Asik/Jones swap for Ryan Anderson
Then sign Corey Brewer as a free agent 3 years/14 mil

PG Lin-Beverly-Canaan
SG Harden-J. Anderson
SF Parsons-Brewer
PF R. Anderson-Smith
C Howard-Motiejunas

[tdigiParticipant]

I’ve got their salary at $51,961,124
So 6.5 mil approx
There is rumoured talk about a Ryan Anderson for Asik swap, Anderson makes 3 mil more than Asik.
Houston could take on Josh Smith in a sign and trade, that looks tricky to me because of the Lin/Asik balloon salaries of 30 million next year.
Houston doesn’t have a quality backup SF, Jones is a 4. Theres not much left at SF in free agency.
If an Asik for Anderson swap occurs then Houstons front court is loaded but the wings are extremely thin.
What would work is an Asik/Jones swap for Ryan Anderson
Then sign Corey Brewer as a free agent 3 years/14 mil

PG Lin-Beverly-Canaan
SG Harden-J. Anderson
SF Parsons-Brewer
PF R. Anderson-Smith
C Howard-Motiejunas

[stacebeansParticipant]

They would have to add more to the pot for anderson only because they have no other 4 and he can really shoot. A 3rd team will need to enter this trade

[tdigiParticipant]

I think an elite defensive centre and a very young promising forward are about the going rate for a guy who gives you 16 and 7. Houston knows Anderson complements Howard perfectly and New Orleans needs a Centre to replace Lopez who was just shipped out. Jones is thrown in because Houston needs to do this trade more than New Orleans and Asik has a 15 million dollar contract next year, so for NOP to take on that money, Jones is the payment

[tdigiParticipant]

I think an elite defensive centre and a very young promising forward are about the going rate for a guy who gives you 16 and 7. Houston knows Anderson complements Howard perfectly and New Orleans needs a Centre to replace Lopez who was just shipped out. Jones is thrown in because Houston needs to do this trade more than New Orleans and Asik has a 15 million dollar contract next year, so for NOP to take on that money, Jones is the payment

[tdigiParticipant]

Are you negging me bro? Your argument states that NOP have no other 4’s if they trade Anderson.

They have Anthony freaking Davis and I’ve put Terrence Jones in the deal.

In other words, they’re not losing a PF and they’re also gaining a starting Centre.

And also explain to me the three team trade, go for it.

I can assure you that not 3 teamer is required. Just a straight up trade that works well for both teams. if anything Houston could say no to this, they might love Jones and value him highly

[tdigiParticipant]

Are you negging me bro? Your argument states that NOP have no other 4’s if they trade Anderson.

They have Anthony freaking Davis and I’ve put Terrence Jones in the deal.

In other words, they’re not losing a PF and they’re also gaining a starting Centre.

And also explain to me the three team trade, go for it.

I can assure you that not 3 teamer is required. Just a straight up trade that works well for both teams. if anything Houston could say no to this, they might love Jones and value him highly

[stacebeansParticipant]

They would have to add more to the pot for anderson only because they have no other 4 and he can really shoot. A 3rd team will need to enter this trade

[tdigiParticipant]

I honestly don’t know why people run around negging these posts, not just on this thread. Can’t we just have a conversation about basketball, If something I’ve written is wrong or doesn’t make sense then write back.
btw i havent negged anyone on this post, someone browsing has i guess. Whats the point of being part of a forum if you don’t write back when you disagree with something.

[tdigiParticipant]

I honestly don’t know why people run around negging these posts, not just on this thread. Can’t we just have a conversation about basketball, If something I’ve written is wrong or doesn’t make sense then write back.
btw i havent negged anyone on this post, someone browsing has i guess. Whats the point of being part of a forum if you don’t write back when you disagree with something.

[stacebeansParticipant]

Im not talking about starters. When people add the “S” to words means “multiple”. That is what I meant by pfs. Jones can play the 4 at times because he is 6’9 and hasn’t devoleped as a shooter but he really is a 3 that can rebound and defend some 4’s.

True, some people look to unleash their anger on post for no reason. These are all opions until a article is attached such as a link to the roster of what the trade will look like after. Including all 15 players, not just the players who you can think of at the moment.

[stacebeansParticipant]

Im not talking about starters. When people add the “S” to words means “multiple”. That is what I meant by pfs. Jones can play the 4 at times because he is 6’9 and hasn’t devoleped as a shooter but he really is a 3 that can rebound and defend some 4’s.

True, some people look to unleash their anger on post for no reason. These are all opions until a article is attached such as a link to the roster of what the trade will look like after. Including all 15 players, not just the players who you can think of at the moment.

[rabidsnowmanParticipant]

He does NOT give Houston the “best chance to win it all” in any way. That honor stays in Miami, easily. In fact, I don’t see Houston as being better than San Antonio, and Golden State can even get in the discussion now that they added Iguodala. Houston was a playoff team that got about 10 wins better with the addition of Howard. Lets not forget that Dwight just left a team with a ball-dominant SG and the two of them couldn’t make the playoffs…and Harden is not much of an improvement over Kobe, if any at all.

Of course, if Houston can make a GOOD trade or sign a solid free agent, they could still move to the top spot in the West.

(As a Houston fan, I’m only marginally excited about landing Howard. His on court production is obvious, but he’s been a locker room nightmare and media crybaby everywhere he’s played. I fully expect it to continue in Houston, as soon as the first sign of trouble shows up.)

[SubZeroParticipant]

I don’t see Houston being better than San Antonio or Oklahoma City in the West and Miami and Indiana in the East. They could be better than the Clippers but I wouldn’t bet on it, and if Golden State stays healthy then I could see them grabbing the #4-5 seed. Also, I think that Memphis’s success relies on their new coach, so I’m not sure who will be better between them and Houston. Honestly, I’m not ready to say any team is a championship favorite just because they have Dwight Howard. I would’ve said so 4 years ago but after everything he’s done and what everyone said about the Lakers before last season when he got there, I definitely don’t think it’s a foregone conclusion that they’ll be championship contenders just because he’s there. Who knows, he might get ticked at Kevin McHale and Hakeem Olajuwon when they try to teach him how to play in the post.

Also, Miami definitely doesn’t have the best chance “easily.” They barely scraped by an Indiana team who’s only getting better, and were 5 seconds and a whole lot of luck away from losing to San Antonio. And if Derrick Rose comes back and plays like his old self, they could give Miami trouble. I don’t think Miami next year will be as good as Miami this past year, and I think there’s a chance they aren’t even the #1 seed in the East. Not likely, but it’s definitely possible

[SubZeroParticipant]

I don’t see Houston being better than San Antonio or Oklahoma City in the West and Miami and Indiana in the East. They could be better than the Clippers but I wouldn’t bet on it, and if Golden State stays healthy then I could see them grabbing the #4-5 seed. Also, I think that Memphis’s success relies on their new coach, so I’m not sure who will be better between them and Houston. Honestly, I’m not ready to say any team is a championship favorite just because they have Dwight Howard. I would’ve said so 4 years ago but after everything he’s done and what everyone said about the Lakers before last season when he got there, I definitely don’t think it’s a foregone conclusion that they’ll be championship contenders just because he’s there. Who knows, he might get ticked at Kevin McHale and Hakeem Olajuwon when they try to teach him how to play in the post.

Also, Miami definitely doesn’t have the best chance “easily.” They barely scraped by an Indiana team who’s only getting better, and were 5 seconds and a whole lot of luck away from losing to San Antonio. And if Derrick Rose comes back and plays like his old self, they could give Miami trouble. I don’t think Miami next year will be as good as Miami this past year, and I think there’s a chance they aren’t even the #1 seed in the East. Not likely, but it’s definitely possible

[rabidsnowmanParticipant]

But I can’t argue with any of that. I just felt that Miami deserves to be considered the favorite, after winning back-to-back, and having the best record in the league, until proven otherwise. But you’re right, there’s nothing easy about it.

[rabidsnowmanParticipant]

But I can’t argue with any of that. I just felt that Miami deserves to be considered the favorite, after winning back-to-back, and having the best record in the league, until proven otherwise. But you’re right, there’s nothing easy about it.

[rabidsnowmanParticipant]

He does NOT give Houston the “best chance to win it all” in any way. That honor stays in Miami, easily. In fact, I don’t see Houston as being better than San Antonio, and Golden State can even get in the discussion now that they added Iguodala. Houston was a playoff team that got about 10 wins better with the addition of Howard. Lets not forget that Dwight just left a team with a ball-dominant SG and the two of them couldn’t make the playoffs…and Harden is not much of an improvement over Kobe, if any at all.

Of course, if Houston can make a GOOD trade or sign a solid free agent, they could still move to the top spot in the West.

(As a Houston fan, I’m only marginally excited about landing Howard. His on court production is obvious, but he’s been a locker room nightmare and media crybaby everywhere he’s played. I fully expect it to continue in Houston, as soon as the first sign of trouble shows up.)

[rabidsnowmanParticipant]

J.A. Adande said it best:

“If Dwight was intent on a ring run, he should have forced his way to the Thunder in 2012 to play with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook in a lineup that could strike fear in the rest of the NBA for a decade.”

[rabidsnowmanParticipant]

J.A. Adande said it best:

“If Dwight was intent on a ring run, he should have forced his way to the Thunder in 2012 to play with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook in a lineup that could strike fear in the rest of the NBA for a decade.”

[Tongue-Out-Like-23Participant]

Trade TJones and Asik for Ryan Anderson.

Sign Brewer to a 3yr/15mil. Sign Dalembert and Delifno with the MLE and whatever we have left in the cap.

Start Beverly and bring Lin off the bench as our combo-guard 6th man.

Beverly / Lin
Harden / Delfino / Lin / Anderson
Parsons / Brewer
Anderson / Smith / Motie
Howard / Dalembert / Motie

————————————————

And even if that’s all a dream scenario, trading Asik for Anderson is a real possibility. Delfino loved playing in Houston and would come back. Greg Smith is as good as nearly any big man coming off the bench.

Beverly / Lin
Harden / Lin
Parsons / Delfino
Anderson / Motie
Howard / Smith

Still looks pretty solid to me. That’s two superstars and one perfect 3rd option with shooters to coat.

[Tongue-Out-Like-23Participant]

Trade TJones and Asik for Ryan Anderson.

Sign Brewer to a 3yr/15mil. Sign Dalembert and Delifno with the MLE and whatever we have left in the cap.

Start Beverly and bring Lin off the bench as our combo-guard 6th man.

Beverly / Lin
Harden / Delfino / Lin / Anderson
Parsons / Brewer
Anderson / Smith / Motie
Howard / Dalembert / Motie

————————————————

And even if that’s all a dream scenario, trading Asik for Anderson is a real possibility. Delfino loved playing in Houston and would come back. Greg Smith is as good as nearly any big man coming off the bench.

Beverly / Lin
Harden / Lin
Parsons / Delfino
Anderson / Motie
Howard / Smith

Still looks pretty solid to me. That’s two superstars and one perfect 3rd option with shooters to coat.

[benjo34]

I dont see Huston as top contenders in West,still there are teams like Spurs,OKC,Clippers and Grizzlies. I think that all eyes are on Clippers now,they got CP3,good shooter in Redick,good front line in Griffin and Jordan, and Rivers is one of the best

[rabidsnowmanParticipant]

The Clippers still have to deal with the top-heavy Western Conference. Good isn’t going to be good enough to win.

Also, Blake Griffin is a master of getting on Sportscenter, but his game doesn’t get you a lot of wins. Specifically, his lack of defense and sub-par rebounding are problems for the Clippers, who need both desperately. Trading Bledsoe for Redick didn’t improve their defense, after all. They also have a pretty big roster hole at SF for now.

Pretty sure they have the cap room to land a reasonable FA still though. That could make all the difference, if they get the right guy.

Speaking of free agents, if Houston can get a deal done around Asik and Lin going to Atlanta for Josh Smith, that will make them both favorites to win the West AND the most turbulent locker room in the NBA.

[rabidsnowmanParticipant]

Looks like Josh Smith just signed with the Pistons.

[rabidsnowmanParticipant]

Looks like Josh Smith just signed with the Pistons.

[rabidsnowmanParticipant]

The Clippers still have to deal with the top-heavy Western Conference. Good isn’t going to be good enough to win.

Also, Blake Griffin is a master of getting on Sportscenter, but his game doesn’t get you a lot of wins. Specifically, his lack of defense and sub-par rebounding are problems for the Clippers, who need both desperately. Trading Bledsoe for Redick didn’t improve their defense, after all. They also have a pretty big roster hole at SF for now.

Pretty sure they have the cap room to land a reasonable FA still though. That could make all the difference, if they get the right guy.

Speaking of free agents, if Houston can get a deal done around Asik and Lin going to Atlanta for Josh Smith, that will make them both favorites to win the West AND the most turbulent locker room in the NBA.

[benjo34]

I dont see Huston as top contenders in West,still there are teams like Spurs,OKC,Clippers and Grizzlies. I think that all eyes are on Clippers now,they got CP3,good shooter in Redick,good front line in Griffin and Jordan, and Rivers is one of the best

[Jester87Participant]

Nope, unless major changes in their roster (which is still possible), they’re going to be like the 5th-4th team in the WC but only if everything works perfectly. Right now I see many flows in their roster and they look a little bit like a disfunctional team, since they used to be a fast running team and now they get a big man that don’t like that kind of game. I don’t see many of their players being good compliments for Howard (Lin is the first that comes to my mind, since he likes to play fast court, slash, and can’t hit spot up jumpers) and others like Harden and Parsons, while they might be able to play with him, are not at their best in a slow pace game setting. Also they lack a decent bench (but that might be fixed signing some FAs) and have too many players that are just average at best on D to be a contender. So right now I don’t see them having any chances of winning the rim and I’m not even sure they’re moving in the right direction.

[Jester87Participant]

Nope, unless major changes in their roster (which is still possible), they’re going to be like the 5th-4th team in the WC but only if everything works perfectly. Right now I see many flows in their roster and they look a little bit like a disfunctional team, since they used to be a fast running team and now they get a big man that don’t like that kind of game. I don’t see many of their players being good compliments for Howard (Lin is the first that comes to my mind, since he likes to play fast court, slash, and can’t hit spot up jumpers) and others like Harden and Parsons, while they might be able to play with him, are not at their best in a slow pace game setting. Also they lack a decent bench (but that might be fixed signing some FAs) and have too many players that are just average at best on D to be a contender. So right now I don’t see them having any chances of winning the rim and I’m not even sure they’re moving in the right direction.

[ThepessimestParticipant]

To answer the question; Houston isn’t the favorite to win it all but they are in position to contend for an opportunity to win a championship. I think most are forgetting just how impactful a healthy engaged Dwight Howard is. Read my words clearly; Dwight impacts the game more than any player not named Lebron James. Notice I didn’t say Dwight is the 2nd best player in the league. I said HE IMPACTS the game more than any player not named Lebron James. He is the leagues most dominant rebounder, the leagues best paint defender, and offensively he may not be advanced but because of his athleticism and strength you must foul him and most teams have to double him. In Orlando we saw what happens when you have to double him with shooter surrounding him. And then there is this; no one uses a ball screen like James Harden who will open up opportunities for Dwight and actually throw him the ball if he is open.

And because of that; if healthy, he will impact Houston immensely.

What we need to do is step back; ignore the media who speaks with agendas and with personal biases that cloud who Dwight is as a player and remember this guy has been dominant 90% of his career.

I don’t care about his 8 baby mammas or his waffling during free agency or even his strained relationship with SVG. That stuff is important but it does not make any less of a player.

To hear the media tell it Marc Gasol, Noah, and Roy Hibbert are all better than Dwight all of a sudden… They are speaking emotionally.

Side note: Is there any more childish an act than to unfollow someone because they signed with another team? How childish was that?

[SubZeroParticipant]

“no one uses a ball screen like James Harden who will open up opportunities for Dwight and actually throw him the ball if he is open.”

….Steve Nash. Lol

[SubZeroParticipant]

“no one uses a ball screen like James Harden who will open up opportunities for Dwight and actually throw him the ball if he is open.”

….Steve Nash. Lol

[ThepessimestParticipant]

To answer the question; Houston isn’t the favorite to win it all but they are in position to contend for an opportunity to win a championship. I think most are forgetting just how impactful a healthy engaged Dwight Howard is. Read my words clearly; Dwight impacts the game more than any player not named Lebron James. Notice I didn’t say Dwight is the 2nd best player in the league. I said HE IMPACTS the game more than any player not named Lebron James. He is the leagues most dominant rebounder, the leagues best paint defender, and offensively he may not be advanced but because of his athleticism and strength you must foul him and most teams have to double him. In Orlando we saw what happens when you have to double him with shooter surrounding him. And then there is this; no one uses a ball screen like James Harden who will open up opportunities for Dwight and actually throw him the ball if he is open.

And because of that; if healthy, he will impact Houston immensely.

What we need to do is step back; ignore the media who speaks with agendas and with personal biases that cloud who Dwight is as a player and remember this guy has been dominant 90% of his career.

I don’t care about his 8 baby mammas or his waffling during free agency or even his strained relationship with SVG. That stuff is important but it does not make any less of a player.

To hear the media tell it Marc Gasol, Noah, and Roy Hibbert are all better than Dwight all of a sudden… They are speaking emotionally.

Side note: Is there any more childish an act than to unfollow someone because they signed with another team? How childish was that?

[Ghost01Participant]

TOL23- Pelicans reportedly have no interest in doing that trade, or Asik in general.

Back to the point on top…Of course the Rockets were the best situation. The Lakers are old, and have the thinnest roster in the NBA. They will be BAD this season. The Mavs have no one except an aging Dirk Nowitzki. The only thing that made more sense was the Warriors, and that would have relied on a S and T, which was unlikely.

This was the best move for Dwight, and yes this team is better than those Orlando teams. None of those dudes on Orlando came close to James Harden.

[Ghost01Participant]

TOL23- Pelicans reportedly have no interest in doing that trade, or Asik in general.

Back to the point on top…Of course the Rockets were the best situation. The Lakers are old, and have the thinnest roster in the NBA. They will be BAD this season. The Mavs have no one except an aging Dirk Nowitzki. The only thing that made more sense was the Warriors, and that would have relied on a S and T, which was unlikely.

This was the best move for Dwight, and yes this team is better than those Orlando teams. None of those dudes on Orlando came close to James Harden.

[Author]

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