http://www.si.com/nba/2016/01/19/nba-midseason-grades-warriors-spurs-cavaliers-knicks-pelicans Houston Rockets: D- Record: 22–21 Off. Rating: 8 | Def. Rating: 22 | Net Rating: 18 Houston wasted little time admitting that it was failing by canning coach Kevin McHale just 11 games into the season. Since then, things have gotten better under interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff—the Rockets have moved back into the playoff picture and returned to the top 10 in offensive efficiency—but there’s still no cause for major celebration. There was a discipline to the Rockets last year that made them both dangerous and worthy of respect; too often this season that discipline has been nonexistent. The mental lapses are regularly appalling, whether they come in the form of early-season blowout passes, errant passes that fly into the stands, absolutely negligent transition defense, or overly showy one-on-one play. The underlying problem for James Harden and company is that they’ve competed this season like they are satisfied, instead of redoubling their commitment to claim a spot at the top of the conference. Why should anyone take the Rockets seriously if they don’t take themselves seriously? They shouldn’t. Why should the West’s elite fear the Rockets if they’re not committed to the same principles that drove them to a surprise Western Conference finals trip last year? They shouldn’t. The only saving grace here is that that the Rockets can still back into a very winnable first-round series with the Clippers. Whoop-de-doo.
Yep, exactly what I have been saying. it's complacency thinking that just because we reached the WCF we should be there again. It's entitlement. It's resting on laurels.
Spot on. And I have no doubt that if Harden and Howard would lead the way with effort game after game, then everyone would follow. Play harder. It really is that simple.
Hard to argue with that rating. There have been other disappointing teams in the NBA this season(Pelicans, Suns, Bucks). But based on where they were last year, where they were expected to be this year, and the fact that they have far fewer injuries this season compared to last, I think the Rockets take top honors in that category.
100% correct assessment. Why should we care so much when the players don't? Or should I say "player", singular? (Answer. Because I've been a fan and always will be, and that's what makes this ish so frustrating to watch.) It isn't too late, there are tweaks here and there, but until James Harden gets slapped out of his superstar stratosphere, we could have troubles.
No, Morey does not think so. Rockets GM Daryl Morey: No one will want to face us in the ... www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25453381/rockets...
I don't really mind that this team is limping their way into the playoffs. It's always a good thing when your opponents have lower expectations of you in a seven game series. I think we match up favorably with Dallas, Utah, Memphis, LAC, and even San Antonio (every once in a while) and I think we can expect another second round appearance from this underachieving team.
Discipline? We were a disciplined team last year? I thought that was what everyone b*tched about last year was the lack of discipline. Rocket River
I would give us an F because from contender we became a fringe playoff team because we don't even care.
