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What do the Rockets need to do to become legit contenders?

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by Swishh, Dec 15, 2013.

  1. Swishh

    Swishh Member

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    Let's be honest - right now , the Rockets are contenders, however, they're not in the elite category of contenders. There are only 4 teams in the league that are in this 'elite' category of legit contenders:

    -Heat
    [Eastern Conference Finals matchup, guaranteed]
    -Pacers
    -Thunder
    [likely going to be the Western Conference Finals matcup]
    -Spurs

    The Rockets fall in the category of teams that are a few missing pieces away from being in the elite category of legit contenders. Other teams that are there are : Warriors, Blazers , Clippers ---that's it.


    It's clear that the Rockets need some big adjustments. With Asik getting traded soon - let's just assume he gets traded for Spencer Hawes. Spencer Hawes is a good player that would fit into this team nicely. However, would the addition of Hawes make the Rockets legit contenders? No.

    The Rockets would still need :

    A) a great perimeter defender a la Avery Bradley
    B) A new coach --controversial, i know, but the offense is so horrendous at times with those multiple Harden iso's because there's nothing else to do. The defense is also pretty bad at times. There are a lot of great coaches at the moment who are unemployed, such as Lionel Hollins .
    C) Tweak the team a bit more by the Feb deadline.

    Once that happens, I believe the Rockets become part of that small list of elite teams...just my opinion of course.

    What do you guys think-- what do the Rockets need to do to become legit contenders like the Heat,Pacer,Spurs, and Thunder?
     
  2. SK34

    SK34 Member

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    Beat crappy teams.
     
    3 people like this.
  3. daywalker02

    daywalker02 Member

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    Chemistry
    Stability
    Time
    Perhaps one pick in the Top 3
     
  4. Panda23

    Panda23 Member

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    Not make Rudy Gay/IT look like superstars
     
  5. New Generation

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    In my eyes, we're perfectly fine as we are, and even more so after we trade Asik. What this team needs is to be whole again. Just when we start getting our act together, we start to fall apart. Asik throws a fit. Parsons, Lin, and Harden get injured back to back. Then we lose McHale. I think once time goes by, we get everyone back and in motion, and we truly solidify our game plan, then we'll be good to go.
     
  6. Swishh

    Swishh Member

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    Well, that ain't happening, not in this draft....
     
  7. PatBeverleyFan

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    Get Lebron to bring his talents to H-Town.
     
  8. bilaal14

    bilaal14 Member

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    First and prolly the best answer on this thread. They need to know their potential night in and night out, and not let "TRAP" games get them in a nasty trap. Playing down to your opponent is not a good thing, because after a terrific win, laying a egg doesnt make things better.
     
  9. zipcrash

    zipcrash Member

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    the team is fine more or less. they need the intangibles.

    toughness. discipline. the will to win. the cheesy stuff you see in movies.

    [youtube]V-IgnzwUV04[/youtube]
     
  10. Phillyrocket

    Phillyrocket Member

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    Reduce turnovers
    Increase assists
    Make free throws
    Stop allowing offense rebounds at an alarming rate
    Perimeter defense
    Half court sets that aren't isos
    Post prescence that can actually create something other than an offensive foul

    That's my assessment of our needs.

    To get there?

    New coach or a change in the offensive philosophy
    Legitimate vet PG
    Wing defender
    Love Jones but with Asik out you need another big
     
  11. conquistador#11

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    none of our guys are even close to a healthy yao or a health tmac or ron ron. Of course I'm happy with what we have, it beats having chuck hayes play center.
     
  12. zipcrash

    zipcrash Member

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  13. Morlock O

    Morlock O Member

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    in this order:
    1. Health
    2. Chemistry
    3. Better Defense
    4. Better Bench performance
     
  14. Swishh

    Swishh Member

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    Well said, great post man.

    McHale has just got to go - there's no way around that.
     
  15. daywalker02

    daywalker02 Member

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    yup but maybe we get another steal in the twenties or above who can turn out to be a Top 10 talent again... this time without mental issues

    We do it right this time.
    Maybe the way to contention has to go GRADUALLY... wished we could turn to No. 1 in the West with a free agent signing or trade but it likely would not happen over night
     
  16. Houstunna

    Houstunna The Most Unbiased Fan
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    Better coach. The team has zero leadership.
     
  17. hooroo

    hooroo Member

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    Luol Deng, a starting PG, and a backup C.
     
  18. Swishh

    Swishh Member

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    Who would play the 4? Deng or Parsons? Because neither can defend the likes of Duncan/Aldridge....
     
  19. d12babymamas

    d12babymamas Member

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    I'll say it again. Morey needs to package Asik, TJ while his value is high, and possibly Lin and DMO. Time to maximize the deal. If we want to go far in the playoffs TJ is not the answer.
     
  20. WNBA

    WNBA Member

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    Trade away Howard for anything, expirings, picks ...
    Get a hustle center or PF.
    Get two PGs who can shoot 3s and leading..
    Get a defensive wing player.
     

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