ESPN asks the question, do the Rockets have the 4th best chance in the West to make the Finals (link) I have to agree with them, Rockets aren't ready to make the Finals yet. But we are in the conversation, and I agree with the idea that some people might be saying "fact" to us this time next year.
I ain't even mad. The Rockets have been such a surprise and have easily been the most exciting team in the NBA to watch this season. We've come a longggg way since the JVG days. As this team grows, the sky's the limit.
Its all about likelihood. If you go back and look at the offense in Nov and Dec compared to now, one could say that much progress was improbable over 2 months. Now look at the defense. However improbable, if the same type of gains can be made here in 2 months that were made with the offense, then the Rockets are in the conversation. 1) IF Robinson becomes a solid contributor in defense, rebounds, energy and runs. 2) If Harden (bless him) can pick it up a little on D 3) If Dmo and Patrick can solidify their roles 4) If Lin can get over losing his teammates (just kidding) 5) If a reliable backup 5 is in place
NEXT YEAR!!!! I'm just super excited we may enter the record books as the youngest team to ever make the playoffs. I hope we give whoever we face a tough series, but I'm pretty unconcerned with even getting into the second round this year. I'd like to make a little noise, then add the piece we need in the offseason and be ready to make a serious run next year.
Mostly accurate, but I think the Patterson move looks like a bigger step back for people on the outside looking in than it does to us fans. We know all too well that Patrick was at best an adequate starter and sub par rebounder at the power forward position. And I don't feel that playing smaller or mixing DMo/Jones/Robinson into the lineup hurts us nearly as much in the short term as some might think. That said...Finals? No way in hell. Not yet.
"Next season, after the roster is further tweaked in a positive way, the Rockets might be dark-horse title contenders." I'll bet my house that at the beginning of the year, nobody here thought we'd hear THAT comment uttered about our Rockets anytime during THIS season.
What they said is on point the fact that they know Rockets have been a suprise is good in my books cause no one expected much from these young guns and gettin Harden really changed them around they might not be title contenders yet but they sure as hell wont be an easy out if they get a playoff spot
Anything is possible, especially with the future JHD >= MJ, and the coach of the year, and the manager of the century. :grin:
I highly doubt anyone really thought we could make it to the finals so this isn't that surprising. That being said, our offense is explosive enough to give one of the top teams a run for their money, especially since we will have developed more chemistry come playoff time. I also had no idea our defense was ranked 22nd.. i could have sworn we were 29th with only the kings below us Honestly just making the playoffs is good enough for me. I've really missed the excitement of being in the playoffs the last few years.
True, but getting swept doesnt look good. Aleast getting one playoff win could boost this team's confidence
Good point re: PatPat and the 4. Playoffs, please. First steps first. Nice that the Rox even get the question, but let's get to the playoffs. Please.
Does anyone else just not give a **** what ESPN says? I'm so sick of them just being like oh the rockets are the 2nd worst team in the NBA at the start of the season. Then going oh the rockets aren't actually THAT good. Now oh the rockets are just hot. Oh they can't play defense. Shut the **** up. We've proven you wrong time and again.
All I can ask for as a fan is that they make the playoffs, that will be a big step for the team. Give Parsons, and Lin a taste of playoffs along with the team's other youngsters will be aid their development that much more.
