If Witus (allegedly) called the shots when Morey was the GM, why is GM Stone (allegedly) calling the shots now? This would've had to be a decision reached higher up on the org chart, like Tilman or Patrick. Regardless of what "everyone knew," did Witus ever really have the ability to decide who we draft? Or did he just give his recommendations? (Not saying Eli can't spot talent, I'm just questioning why in this scenario Morey didn't make the final call, but apparently Stone does?)
I don't think Witus actually "called the shot" during Morey's time. And IIRC, Witus didn't want to take the GM position. Some people just want to be the advisor rather than the decision maker.
If Ime is here long term, I’m not mad if they trade th picks for a proven two way star. Ime isn’t a developmental coach. Nor is he a patient coach.
Because Tilman is a typical billionaire a-hole, it's not about competence. It's about how well you can suck up and "demonstrate loyalty"
It’s not that simple. Witus is one of the absolute best talent evaluators, especially in the draft and is why Sengun was drafted. However he doesn’t personality-wise meet some of the requirements of being a GM. If he ever decided to leave the Rockets, he wouldn’t have any issues getting a job. Daryl Morey would immediately hire him.
Stone would not be as favorable personality wise under Les Alexander.....we all know he preferred the best talkers.....(ehm McHale type) Someone who can draw the public and media in..... not with something like 'This is Not Our Year?' Looking as if he had not slept for 5 days with his tired goldfish look.
In short - very few people in the Toyota Center brain trust liked/wanted to work with TF. The environment became poor and TF was forcing deals and decisions that were against what Morey and Monte and Eli wanted. Stone had built up trust with TF by handling the sale. Morey/MDA/Monte all knew that Stone had started advocating for whatever TF wanted (Westbrook) and Morey felt betrayed. So Morey/MDA and others planned their exits and Stone got the job and has had it since. He knows how to maneuver politically with TF and other powerful people. Time will tell if he is a good GM or just a cautious/bright guy that knows how to cover his ass.
The handling of the ‘27 draft picks this summer will tell us everything about this organization. Ime will want to trade them for win now players. Those are a coach’s incentives, particularly Ime. Stone should want to hold them. It’s obviously what is in the Rockets’ best long term interest. But will Stone feel pressure? Is he making long term decisions or “rescue this iteration of the team” decisions? How about Patrick? Does he have an independent POV? Can he attenuate the short termism of a coach and maybe GM? We’ll see this summer.
Wow… of course it would be a year with one of the strongest draft classes in a while. This team just can’t get it together.
Could be referring to the WB trade. At any rate, tough to actually know how strong the draft will be 2 years out and hedging your draft picks with multiple other teams is smart. For BKN, what point is there to tank without your drafts for multiple consecutive years. Time will tell.
Trade FVV, DFS, Suns 27 pick for JH13; Sign WB0 to minumum; Reunite old Thunder team to beat the new Thunder team. More revenue from narrative of rivalry. Rockets will be able to be over the 2nd Apron for 2 years, right? Sign and re-sign whoever for that long then let contracts expire or trade to get back below 2nd apron. Keep 27' Nets pick. Likely be 1 to 10. Leaning to 5. They have potential with cap space but don't see them making the playoffs next year. Sign potential minimum level vets that fit Udoka's system and old Thunder. Robert Williams III (Ibaka). Matisse Thybulle (Sefolosha/Roberson). Injury prone makes them cheaper players but with elite skillsets. Don't need to play every game night for maintenance. Hire Chris Paul as an assistant coach. Revamp this offense. Have CP3 clash heads with the players, coaches, and refs. C: Sengun, Adams, Capela, Williams PF: Smith, Eason, Green, 2way SF: Thompson, Thybulle, Tate SG: Durant, Okogie, Undrafted rookie 2way PG: Harden, Sheppard, Westbrook This team could compete and beat any current team. Young guys can get mentoring from players with high basketball IQ, similar playing styles, and have chemistry from previous time. It's time to win it all.
