Despite going up 3-2 against the Warriors in the Western Conference Finals, the Rockets failed to win the series and the absence of Chris Paul played a huge part. The Houston point guard suffered a Grade 2 strain of his right hamstring, sidelining him for both Game 6 and Game 7 of the series.
After meeting with Paul, both Rockets general manager Daryl Morey and head coach Mike D’Antoni came away feeling optimistic about his free agency plans, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle writes. Paul will hit unrestricted free agency this summer and will be a highly sought-after free agent. In his first season with Houston, Paul averaged 18.6 PPG, 7.9 APG, and 5.4 RPG.
It has been believed that Paul, along with possible 2017/18 NBA Most Valuable Player James Harden, will help the Rockets recruit big name free agents this summer.
With an injury shortening his postseason and possibly costing Houston a trip to the NBA Finals, Paul was hit the hardest by the loss and will be on a mission to improve, according to Morey.
“He took it the hardest, I thought, because he knew if he hadn’t had the unfortunate injury, he’s dragging us the last (way to the Finals),” Morey said.“He’s been there before at those moments and got injured sometimes. Yeah, he took it hard. But you know what, he’ll be back. He’ll be back 100% and we’re ready to go.”
Imagine him in Philly. Just saying…
3-Peat
If Lebron goes there Capela is certainly as good as gone. So I’m guessing Lebron signs a 2-3 year deal to play with Houston and retires on the Lakers?
Yep, players go to the Lakers when their careers are winding down.
Explain how they can even sign a big name again. They can keep their existing roster, and both CP3 n Capela will get raises.
I don’t think that same team can win it next season, this was the year for that team and they failed. No way the Warriors let it get that far next season, if they get Lebron though than the Warriors are cooked.
It’s arguable that this same team could beat the Warriors if Paul plays the entire series.
If Iguodala was in the series I doubt the Rockets get that far. Only way they beat the Warriors next season is if:
1. Lebron James comes over
2. Capela becomes Anthony Davis lol
Paul didn’t cost the rocket the series, iguodala gave them a chance to be in it in the first place.
Iguodala didn’t give them a chance. He comes off the bench. You have 4 all-stars on the court for GSW and you think HE is the reason?
Paul gave Houston a chance, as demonstrated through 5 games. His absence in games 6 and 7 certainly made an impact, both mentally and physically.
Dude Iguodala was a Finals MVP 3 years ago. Yes he’s not the same athlete he was 3 years ago but the man has an insane basketball IQ and elite instincts on defense. No way the Rockets win that series if Iguodala was out there lol.
Iguodala was 1 of the main reasons Cleveland won 2 years ago, so ya…him being out matters. That doesnt mean chris Paul dodnt won multiple games by himself, but it’s also likely he wouldn’t have had that opportunity to do so, if AI played
Houston where better than Golden State, you cannot compare a HOF CP3 to a good player Iguodala, seriously, man. Also refs always help Golden State, they are the darlings of the league, you saw last night against Cleveland they didn’t win it was the refs (& JR)
lol this guy is funny
Funny because its true.
How can the rockets sign Paul and James do they have all that money under the cap
Sign and trade.. Gordon, Anderson, Nanu, cash and pics..
Thing is there’s other places James could S&T and Paul could sign. All the Cavs would want are expirings, probably. Gordon & Anderson have 2 yrs left.
I would actually like to see James play with Paul– someone smart.
I think he would like a Western team too, to knock that out. Or the Sixers. Or a lot of things. Still 65% chance of Cavs.
How much though? That’s the real question. I think CP3 is worth the max for how many games he plays…. 35mil max salary for him at 60 regular season games is 25mil… 4 year 100mil. If not, I trade him to Cleveland for love.
Harden
Gordon
Tucker
Love
Clint
Free agent/ pick
Green
Ariza
Free agent/pick
Free agent/pick
Trading Anderson can fill out roll playing positions…. 20mil
Keep him, sign him please. We all know he’s like a tire with a leak in it, ready to go flat, out of air. He’s the most overrated inconsistent player out there. Check his stats. A splinter or a boo-boo would DL him. Hamstring my ass. Did you see running around on the sideline. Choke? They might have won if he played. Keep him, please……