General manager Rafael Stone boldly laid out plans on the table at the end-of-season press conference. You say that if a team has a full $12.9 million in middle-class anomalous gold, isn't that a clear indication that they want to make a big deal in the market? This is not a small number, and it is enough for them to find a hard bone to fight in the market.
First of all, Stone is not the kind of person who shouts slogans casually. He is well aware that not every player with a big contract can come to the Rockets to shine. He wants the type that can fit into the team immediately and make an immediate difference on the pitch. There aren't many players like that, but you have to admit that just one can make a difference to the whole team.
Stone made it clear at the meeting that none of the existing boys on the Rockets are fuel-efficient lamps. They can play in the regular season and rush in key moments, and that's all been proven. So, Stone's confidence is full. But that doesn't mean he's satisfied. Taking advantage of the money, he had to bring the team up.
The current Rockets, although they lack a top big name, don't forget that their quasi-All-Stars and young cores are running fast on the court one by one, and they are as anxious as ants on a hot pot. Stone's idea is simple: if you have an experienced general, or a scorer who can play alone, won't the team be stable in the playoffs!
But this market, to be honest, is quite like looking for a needle in a haystack. You have to have vision and you have to be patient. Stone and his team have to work meticulously, not just by looking at the numbers, but also by looking at whether this person is really a good fit for the Rockets' Clippers tactics. For example, they may want a player who can withstand pressure when defending and expand when attacking. Such talents are easier said than found.
The Rockets' management and coaching staff are also not vegetarians. Together, they have to figure out which tactics work best for the team and how to adjust the squad to bring out the best in each one. Stone has a lot of confidence in these people and believes they can come up with a sound strategy.
Finally, when it comes to the $12.9 million, Stone's goal isn't just to buy someone back to make up the numbers. He's looking for the right guy to be paired with the young blood in the team, the kind of player who can bring chemistry. Either way, this summer's Rockets are definitely worth looking forward to. Their goal is not just to play well, but to go far in the playoffs. Now it's up to Stone to do what they do, and hopefully they'll find the secret weapon that can make rockets soar into the sky!