While we are all excited about this team and this year, I think we should plan on a 2.5-3 year plan for this team to reach its potential. Year 1: Growth Steve Francis solidifies himself as an all-star and the attention Yao receives from opposing teams makes him shine. Yao Ming learns how grueling an NBA season can be and how tough West Coast centers are. However, he also learns that he can play in the league and nominates at times and we see glimses of the future. Eddie Griffin continues to mature and expands his game. Athletically he wows the league with his defensive prowness on offense he is still growing. Cat Mobley has a make or break year. Team discovers whether Cat can do a Stackhouse-like transition and play a greater team-role. If Mobes can pass more and bring the team into his game we'll grow quicker. If he can't, he may be gone. The rest of the team has to blend into their roles...Rice as a vet leader and instant O...KT as jack-of-all and scrapper...MoT as low post O and some rebounding...Cato as defensive sub...Mooch & Boki as a change of pace. While we be greatly improved and make play-offs, we can't go vey deep against more established teams. We need seasoning and time to build chemistry and experience. If we can accomplish this then we'll look at second year as a year of "consolidation" of team talent and chemistry. More later, but first anyone agree disagree with this year's assessment?
I fully agree, except I think that Boki and T-Mo should show that it's time for KT to leave rather than cause chemistry problems.
Dakota - Thanks! Sane - I might agree, but would prefer to see how MoT performs this year (he better hit boards hard) before deciding between he and KT. KT provides versatility between 3/4, energy and toughness...haven't seen that from MoT.
Year 2: Chemistry Off Season: Carroll and Rudy evaluate team and make the following adjustments...Cato & MoT are traded to IND for Brad Miller, #1 pick and change...KT is resigned to back-up EG. Rationale for trade is to find a solid b/u 5 that can play in the 5-man offense and break-up the logjam at 4 because... EG who has grown another inch and added 15 lbs of muscle is sent to Pete Carroll's Big Man Camp to work on his low-post moves...his development allowed the trade of both MoT and Cato as he is the starting 4 and can play 5 minutes also. Stevie after All-star year works hard with Cat with the goal of being the best back-court duo of all-time! Cat made adjustments to his game in 02-03 and became a better all-around player. Rice became our new instant offense hero off-the-bench...he showed both TMo and Boki what it takes to be a pro-3. Rockets hire Bill Walton as a consultant and send him & asst coaches/trainer to work with Yao and Shark's in off-season. Rockets give up their first choice for prior commitment, but exercise IND pick for a new back-up 2. Season prediction to follow.
Year 2: Chemistry (Walk) Yao addes 30 lbs of muscle, combined with his off-season work it has dramatically improved his game. He was driven by his battles with Shaq and other West Coast 5s. Shaq abused him and he used that to fire his off-season efforts. He joins the 20/10 club and has an impressive season on the defensive end. Stevie shows he is the most complete PG since the Big O! Another All-star year and he's recognized as the league's best 1! EG is on the verge of stardom. Can't crack All-star game yet, but he's on the edge. Leads Rocks in rebounding and blocks. Cat becomes the ultimate compliment to Francis. Picks up his defense and shows a flair for making the tough shot. TMo and Boki share starting 3 role depending on match-up. Boki starts to squeeze Rice out of off-bench scoring time, but it doesn't matter because Rice has a career-ending injury. Team makes play-offs again and gets to the second round. They fight hard, but are eliminated in a full series against SAC. Team really developed a solid-rapport in year two together and with another off-season of hard work and season without significant injury they might have a chance at the big dance.
Ricerocket - You're so demanding! OK, Miller fills in nicely behind Yao playing roughly 12-18 minutes per game. He fits well in the offense because of his outside touch and passing skills. However, he hits the boards hard and provides some relief for EG against bigger teams. Miller also is a key part of Ming's growth and banging against him in practice hones Ming's toughness. As for the 2, I'll have to do some research for a name, but let's just say he's a solid shooter and defender who needs work on his ball-handling. He doesn't see many minutes, but improves and solidifies his position at b/u 2 by season's end. How's that?
Rocket River, Agree! I really feel that KT will be a key piece to us building a dynasty! People really under estimate the value of solid, versatile role players. KT really is a nice combination of tenacity and versatility.
