How the Rockets landed Dwight without tanking (And a flow chart!)

[LarBrd33]

If anything, Danny Ainge created a blueprint for taking a mediocre team, collecting assets, tanking, and coming out of the ashes with an immediate champion. 

I mean I doubt Ainge was the first to originate that approach, but he was doing the "collect assets, flip for star" thing well before Morray.  He also set the precedent for the recent "big 3" trend that is taking over the NBA.

[European NBA fan]

Although Morey deserves praise, Howard's choice was very much influenced by his LA experience last season. If Howard had been succesful with the Lakers, he would most likely have stayed. In that case, the Rockets would still be a very interesting young team with some great assets, but not close to being a contender. So it also takes a bit of luck to get there.

[D.o.s.]

Via Mike Prada on the SBN main page:

full size picture: http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2882831/rockets_dwight__2_.jpg

As we move forward in a new CBA where teams must spend 90 percent of the cap and fend off tanking accusations from fans, general managers will yearn for the ability to rebuild while keeping the team competitive. Daryl Morey just provided all of them the blueprint to doing just that.

Full article can be found here:
http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/7/6/4497948/dwight-howard-houston-rockets-daryl-morey-nba-free-agency

  An aside possibly, but I don't think many of the people who use the phrase "provided a blueprint" really understand what it means. They probably think telling someone to buy a lottery ticket provides them with a blueprint for winning powerball.

An apt analogy.

[LilRip]

how about this blueprint:

Celtics bought the 21st pick from the Phoenix Suns ----> Rajon Rondo

Ainge is a genius! All he needs to do is keep drafting a player of Rondo's caliber at a pick in the 20's and we'll be set

 

sarcasm aside, creating a contender always takes 1) luck, 2) timing and 3) assets. And fortune usually favors the brave AND patient.

[wdleehi]

The only issue with this is how many teams have tried this and got no-where?

[eugen]

How the Rockets landed Dwight without tanking ?? Simple...They have a good GM who manage the money issue in perfect way.

[D.o.s.]

The only issue with this is how many teams have tried this and got no-where?

I'd wager that it's about the same number that have tried to tank unsuccessfully. 

The real value of this, at least for me, is in looking at the ridiculous roster turnover as we enter a period that has the potential to see a lot of new faces cycling through Boston.

[Eja117]

A non-stop turnstile of players coming in and going out. Never really growing anyone or anything. Not developing a team. Fans never able to grow attached to anyone because they'll be gone in a year. Just showcasing 'em and trading 'em. Over and over again.

A different type of ugly.

Right, but that's kind of what rebuilding and pro sports is. And he does have a few draft picks with the team now

[LooseCannon]

The only issue with this is how many teams have tried this and got no-where?

If you're looking for a sure thing, it doesn't exist.

[BudweiserCeltic]

How the Rockets landed Dwight without tanking ?? Simple...They have a good GM who manage the money issue in perfect way.

If you were a Rockets fan and you saw how they were moving their pieces you would be crying for them to fire their GM because they have no pride or decency.

Can we get some consistency here?

[Fan from VT]

Tried to make my own Web. Hard! Gray means the Rockets let them walk. If they were key, I tried to fit them in the web.

I think there are some good lessons:
1. Capspace can matter.
2. Rockets did a great job of not paying to keep marginal players. They let a lot of ok to quite good players walk because they were waiting for a really good chance to strike. It's easy to say "well we're over the cap anyway, and we are a playoff team, so GOTTA keep jujuan johnson! but a few of those moves can really limit your options.

[tyrone biggums]

But...but...but tanking is the only way!!! Has Celticsblog lied to me?

[Cman]

The only issue with this is how many teams have tried this and got no-where?

I honestly find the Morey fascination baffling. Bird has done more with less in Indiana. The big difference is fewer trades so he's not in the limelight as often.

[rondoallaturca]

How the Rockets landed Dwight without tanking ?? Simple...They have a good GM who manage the money issue in perfect way.

If you were a Rockets fan and you saw how they were moving their pieces you would be crying for them to fire their GM because they have no pride or decency.

Can we get some consistency here?

You could arguably say the same thing about Ainge. Outside of the Big 3 (and not even, given Allen's constant trade rumors), everyone was up for grabs.

[Fan from VT]

The only issue with this is how many teams have tried this and got no-where?

I honestly find the Morey fascination baffling. Bird has done more with less in Indiana. The big difference is fewer trades so he's not in the limelight as often.

Happening in Dallas right now. Have to be good and lucky.