I can't ever remember a time where I was this excited about the actual preseason games. We have a ton of new faces, a new style of play, several battles for playing time/starting spot, and a lot of our existing players added skills to their game. Howard looks exactly the same to me, but I get the feeling we will see some post moves like we did against Portland quite a bit during the year. Harden is paying attention on defense, something much needed. But the important thing is that they have both likely improved. Both should be better players and leaders this year. Trevor Ariza does two things VERY well that we did not do well last year. And he's a starter. And he can play big minutes. This means we have a three point threat out there for longer. We have more space in the middle for longer. And points coming consistently for longer from a spot we need them to come from. His defense is simple, disciplined, and effective. He almost seems like Richard Sherman out there because few players challenge him. Kostas has a skill-set that I don't think we understand quite yet. Tarik Black can play a whole lot better than any of us expected. Ish Smith is not the player he was the first time he played with us. Nick Johnson has shown flashes of knowing how to play at this level and I know I'm not the only person here itching to see Jason Terry. DMo's post game improvements have been a lot of fun for me to watch. It's been a while since we've seen that type of stuff. Patrick Beverly looks like he took this whole "being in shape for 94 feet" to a new level. He seems stiffer this year in the sense that if you bump him it will feel more like a rock this year. Overall, I'm loving preseason basketball? That just doesn't seem like me. What did I miss? I know I missed plenty to be excited about... in the preseason???? ....great time to be a Rockets fan!
Morey the Wizard strikes again. Remove one pseudo, self-labeled, self-entitled "3rd star"; get better role/backup players = better shot at escaping the 1st round.
It is a great time for Rockets fans. Just watched DH's interview on NBA TV's Rockets preview...he is saying all the right things...and his workouts this offseason were incredible. Ariza is going to be an upgrade. Jones will be better...if he wins the battle for the job and its addition by subtraction with Lin. I'm hoping DM will add some depth at PG...but this team is really intriguing.
easily 2009 was the most excited Prime Yao Artest McGrady Battier Scola Landry Brooks Mutombo alston (then traded for Lowry) too bad McGrady did not elect to have surgery earlier and get back on the court faster. That was our best season to potentially win and with the talent we had. Of course injuries did the team in but I was far more excited for that team mainly because we had a a bench (battier,brooks,landry, mutombo) as well as a talented starting five.
That sounds like excited during the preseason. I'm pumped all day for the actual preseason games. The season is excitement as usual for me.
Jontro, brother, I'm guessing that you've never been called the life of the party, but I'd also guess people say you speak your mind.
I remember about 3 or 4 off seasons with prime Mcgrady when i was much more excited. he was a game changer.
Yeah, same here. McGrady was the most exciting player for me to watch and he was my favorite player. Harden and Howard is like McGrady and Yao. I hope we can win championship this year.
This. Sigh...Bosh and resigning Parsons would have been the most excited I've been probably ever. Ariza is nice and likely an upgrade but the bench feels even weaker than last year. We are basically pinning our hopes on 1) Howard at truely 100% Orlando Dwight 2) Harden suddenly playing awesome defense 3) DMo, Pap, Cannan, Daniels, Johnson, Pap, etc. breaking out in a major way 4) Team gelling and playing more cohesively While one or more of these could happen none creates the type of buzz and excitement as a major acquision. Personally I'm hoping for a repeat of last year plus a major deadline trade.
we may not have a good backup Center but i dont know who gets cut out of Dorsey and Black. Black is listed as a forward but he can clean up the paint.
the biggest thing for me is that someone emerges as a real leader in words and actions. they can't be a "young team enjoying the ride" anymore. whether it's Howard or Harden or Mchale, if some accountability and leadership surfaces, this year's team can go far.
last year's preseason was the best i've experienced as a rockets fan. those games in asia were awesome.
Agree with OP. I'm very excited with the potential for many of the new & young players on this squad. Daniels, Canaan, Johnson, KPap, Ariza,DMo, jones & black all have interesting upside.
To your points 1 & 2 , I'll happily take the Portland series Dwight and James Harden playing merely average, attentive defense and that should make us a much better team this season.
I'm excited either way because the season is about to start! But I like our young prospects that's been contributing. Looking forward to a long postseason!
