Too many Rockets crashing the boards?

One thing that I've noticed this season is that every time the opposing team takes a shot, the entire Rockets team goes for the rebound. In particular, Mobley and Francis go after every loose ball. While I admire their tenacity, I'm not sure this is a good strategy.

To begin with, it's not like the guards are getting rebounds away from the opposing frontcourt players. The defensive rebounds that they usually get are mostly uncontested and could easily be grabbed by one of our frontcourt players. By going after these rebounds, the Rocket guards are expending more energy than they need to, and are allowing their defenders to get into position downcourt. That pretty much eliminates any chance of running a fast break. The guards are also (somewhat) showing disrespect to their frontcourt teammates. Finally, when the guards crash the defensive boards, they sometimes get in a battle with their frontcourt teammates that results in the ball getting tipped to the opposing team. I've seen this happen way too much this season.

Let me add that I am all for our guards making some effort on the offensive glass (although that leaves the Rockets vulnerable on the defensive end). But I think it's time they show a little more trust in their frontcourt and concentrate on starting the offense a little more.

 

I disagree - I think our guards rebounding stats are significantly padded by the uncontested rebounds they grab from our frontcourt. Funny thing is, they're just as bad about doing this when our best rebounder (Willis) is on the floor.

The Rockets are a team that could just kill other teams with the fastbreak. We've got the speed and youth and we need to use them. Playing half court ball because the guards are hanging around the defensive boards will hurt the Rockets in the long run. Better that the guards leave the rebounding to our frontcourt and expose their weakness (whatever the degree). If Rudy sees we have no one who can rebound, then maybe he'll trade some of our useless long distance shooters for a real in-the paint kind of player.