As currently constructed: are Rockets championship contenders?

Not until we have a second playmaker and we start going to DMO more consistently in the post. But, DMO is also a poor rebounder so we are exposed when Howard goes out. Harden is going to run out of gas if we don't get him some playmaker help.

Add a playmaker and a backup big rebounder to replace Dorsey - more post ups for DMO, practice free throws, and we are all the way if we're healthy.

Hope the trade deadline pays dividends for at least a playmaker - Goran Dragic, Ty Lawson, Jarret Jack, Mo Williams, etc.

 

I say no, but they are extremely close. Really need to either upgrade the PG spot or add another playmaker somewhere on the roster. Also need Dwight to get it together.

Close enough that they have a chance, but I don't think they make the first cut of teams that I'd call a "contender."

 

We need a point guard and a better coach.

 

I'm not concerned about Dwight because he's one of those guys that steps up his game in the playoffs, although it would be nice if he was coasting less right now.

I think they really need another playmaker. Doesn't need to be spectacular but just someone who can run an offense and take some pressure off of Harden. I think you can call them contenders, but they're more of an outside shot that needs to gel at the right time rather than anything close to a favorite.

 

Tough to be real contenders when you have a liability as head coach.

This team is winning because of James Harden's individual brilliance and inspite of McHale not because of him.

 

I don't think so, we're close though so I guess there's a chance. We need to have a 2nd scoring option that can perform better than Howard

 

Agreed. We hardly run plays...pick and roll, Dwight sucks in the post, and Harden goes 2K alot...teams in the playoffs will figure us out

 

There are many ways this team can win other than Harden, even though he is the main reason for our success this season.

In the Cavs game, Harden was not playing well, and McHale sat him down and the Rox actually played much better in the 3rd and the ball moved much better and blow the game wide open.

This is not the Rox team 2 years ago, Harden is great now, but he also has much, much better teammates than before.

 

I just want to add that if you take one look at our turnover numbers you will know for a fact that we are not contenders. The only reason we are so high in the standings is because of the greatness of James Harden this year. No team with JH on its roster should struggle to score the way we do at times.

1. Fire Mchale, hire one of Popps assistants. MCHALE HAS NO SOLUTIONS, HE HAS NO ANSWERS. He is Daryl Morey's minion and last I checked Morey aint a coach. You're gonna need at least a solid coach to win a ring.

2. Tell Josh Smith to stop shooting 3"s. He seems to do this at very pivotal moments in the game. It's fine when we have a lead but he kills us in close games. If he doesn't stop shooting bench him or let him go.

3. STOP THE DWIGHT POST UPS. Dwight is not a post player, especially against guys who are taller than him but he insists on backing the ball up like he is Shaq, he is not and this is not 1995, the NBA now frowns on back down post play BECAUSE IT SLOWS THE GAME DOWN hence all the rules and offensive fouls, STOP IT.

4. The Rockets need a point guard BADLY. Love Bev, love his intensity but he is all hustle minimal talent and I have respect for that but he is a great back up pg at most. Just because he is better than Jeremy Lin does not mean he is a starter for a contender.

These are things that the Rockets need to change in order to contend but I seriously doubt any of these things happen. I cant even see us out of the first round with Mchale as coach and I honestly hope I'm wrong.

 

Confirmed, you are wrong on all of above.

 

Ignored

 

When you say "which we shouldn't do"... Is that your opinion (meaning that you want to keep DMo), or is it your expectation (we keep DMo based upon what you've heard)?

Thanks Plow.

 

Yes we need another play maker out there and it needs to be at the PG position preferably one who can fill it up. I like Jackson or Dragic but it could be Lawson. There are many options that would work but its a matter of the asking price. This does two things...

1) It takes some of the ball handling burden off of JH.
2) It causes a nightmare for the defense having to keep everyone guarded which means more 1 on 1 for JH.
3) It makes Beverly that more effective as a 3D specialist along with Brewer. Having those two coming off your bench would make us so tough.

I would also love to have a player like Brandan Wright to solidify a serious Big man rotation giving us Dwight, D-Mo, Josh smith, Wright. We would be as ready as you can be for the playoffs and the likes of LMA, Blake, Dirk, Zebo, etc etc...

Sorry Morey, I think we just have to eat Dorsey's contract. I can always be proved wrong but I never understood this signing. This has to do with your 6-7 - 6-9 center philosophy...please let that go..

 

Howard's reduced himself to being a roll player. He's no longer our viable No. 2 scoring option moving forward. This, IMO, has taken presedence over other needs this team has. If you can find a PG that can take it upon himself to create a shot for himself (not necessarily ideal for PG play) then you can fill 2 voinds with one player.

Other than that, Jones needs to come back. When he does, Monty becomes the back up Center. May need a third, beefier, more defensive backup center to get through some rough patches in the playoffs.

 

I think there should be a "maybe" option in the poll. Will there be any more personnel changes? Will we be physically healthy come playoffs? Etc. Etc. Many variables, but potentially, yes.

 

Yeah for sure, I want to say yes, but have been watching basketball (especially Rocket ball sooooo long) that it's more of a maybe for me than a yes currently. I know regular season doesn't mean **** so I don't cry/worry like some posters when they lose to a junk team.

I just feel that something is still missing and in playoffs in current form maybe 2nd round... Obviously by playoffs there could be another trade, or maybe team chemistry will be better. Maybe Smith will shoot less 3's or something (haha). So maybe I'll feel more confident, but hell I've seen so many Rockets teams I'm not going to suddenly drink the kool-aid and think they can do anything when they haven't even got our of the first round since Yao was a player.

 

My sentiments exactly. Houston sports where "disappointment" is an institution and "success" is a really nice surprise.

 

Let's just all agree that we have a puncher's chance and call it a day.

 

It's most likely a since of urgency thing along with eating the wrong stuff at certain times. I've eatin' stuff I loved prior to physical exertion and let me tell you it feels like you have to play with your ass cheeks clamped together to keep it in.... Not a good way to go at all.

 

Currently we are not, imho, we need more efficiency on the offensive side of the ball. ISO ball and failed postups will not work in the playoffs. Against bad teams are offense looks brilliant, but teams like golden state and the clippers know how to defend us. We need to upgrade our pg play. Bev is great but come playoff time he will be a liability. I really hope we can snag Lawson or Drago. A man can wish can't he?