Unfortunately yes this is the perception around most of the league. This is exactly why the Rockets are no longer in a power position in instigating trades. A few months ago the perception that McGrady is a "salary move" was tempered with a "maybe he has something left." Houston effectively and inexplicably squashed that. And in doing so dramatically reduced their negotiating leverage. Another observation using the original analogy on Morey is that he's a bit too enamored of his own cards. If you're holding a pair, and reasonably sure the other guy has a higher pair, you gotta realize you have to bust up the pair or fold. Since folding is not an option in the NBA, Morey is going to have to give up Landry, Bud and probably something else to get something done in the offseason. He has to trust that what he's done with Landry and Brooks he can do it again and not be afraid to take a risk and gamble That's why Morey has Battier who'll sit on someone's knee during the scramble and Scola and Brooks who are excellent at running down those loose balls Yao doesn't have the reactions to nab. Yao is like a giant fulcrum to Morey who he's leveraging with complementary pieces on defense. Yao's "within space" as you say, given his massive eating of the space is essentially the entire painted area, if you include how his size, strength and leaning on the opposing centers helps his team grab boards compared to when he's not in the game.
Conspicuous in his thread absence...thacabbage. Thanks for the responses (and reps) from all that took the time to do so (Asian Sensation, et al). It is greatly appreciated. I would like to solicit a response from The Leafy One, though. Your opinion is valued, cabby. Chime in, my brotha.
