The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

October 2, 1999

“Rockets Send Pippen To Blazers in Seven Player Deal”

The Houston Rockets traded disgruntled F Scottie Pippen to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for swingman Stacey Augmon, F / C Kelvin Cato, G Ed Gray, F Carlos Rogers, G Brian Shaw, and F Walt Williams.

Notes:

• Augmon, Cato, Gray, and Shaw are all eligible to be free agents next summer.
• Augmon, Gray, and Shaw were released.

1999 - ‘00 Player Salaries:

Scottie Pippen, Por.: $14.8 M

Stacey Augmon, Hou.: $3.6 M.

Kelvin Cato, Hou.: $1.3 M.

Ed Gray, Houston: $0.941 M.

Carlos Rogers, Hou.: $2.1 M.

Brian Shaw, Hou.: $ M.

Walt Williams, Hou.: $3.75 M.

Who got the better of the deal?

Team chemistry wise—Houston.

Talentwise—Portland.

Why?

Scottie was not a good fit in Houston. Whether or not he did enough to become a good fit is debatable. He never hid the fact he wanted to play for Phil Jackson and the Lakers; however, he, apparently, is okay with playing for the Blazers.

If Pip doesn’t whine or bitch about playing time, he should be a good fit for the deep and talented Blazers. The Blazers starting five should be Pippen, Brian Grant at power forward, Arvydas Sabonis at center, Steve Smith at shooting guard, and Damon Stoudamire at point guard. The bench would consist of Detlef Schrempf, Jermaine O’Neal, Rasheed Wallace, in the front court with Bonzi Wells and Greg Anthony in the back court. That’s a very potent 10; however, chemistry will be the big question. If they can play as a team and keep the petty differences off the court, then Portland is the clear cut choice as favorite to win the NBA title.

“I think talentwise this team is far more talented than any that's (ever) been assembled in this league because of the versatility that they bring,” said Pippen. “I've never been on a team, other than the Dream Team or an All-Star team, where so many players draw attention. It's pretty scary when you think of the lineups we can play with.”

The Rockets obtained six players for Pippen; but, in all likelihood, only 3 players will make the twelve man roster on opening day. Gray and Shaw were waived on the 6th and Augmon was released on the 12th.

If healthy, Rogers at 6’11 can be an active defender and a good shot blocker; however, he is not a physical defender. He does have a decent mid range shot.

Williams, 6’8, is a spot up perimeter shooter who plays average defense at best. If Williams starts at small forward, the Rockets will not have a great defensive starting unit. Barkley has never been a great defender and Hakeem is not the defensive force he used to be.

In addition, if Walt starts, the Rockets have little or no scoring production off the bench. Cuttino Mobley, Don MacLean, Cato, Tony Massenburg, Bryce Drew would not be a consistent scoring unit.

Cato, 6’11, is a great shot blocker and will be a great addition to the Rockets on defense. He should see see solid minutes behind Hakeem. Cato’s addition will allow the 6’9 Massenburg to back up Barkley instead of being an undersized center backing up Hakeem.