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[SI] Why aren't the Rockets being taken more seriously as a contender?

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by zeeshan2, Oct 14, 2015.

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  1. zeeshan2

    zeeshan2 Member

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    Why can’t Houston win the West?

    Certainly, the Warriors should be expected to be the conference's top team, returning essentially every relevant player from their historically dominant title team. The Spurs nabbed LaMarcus Aldridge, the Thunder have Kevin Durant back, and the Clippers have a bench for the first time in the Doc Rivers era.

    Still, for a team that finished second in a loaded West, made the conference finals, added talent at a position of most dire need, and have other key players returning to health, the Rockets have been relegated to “and also” status in many discussions of the conference's elite. Part of the burgeoning “Golden State was lucky to not have to play anybody” narrative is based on the Warriors playing the Rockets rather than the Spurs or Clippers in last year’s semifinal round. The implication being that Houston was unworthy of their Final Four appearance, the classic “happy to be here” mid-major, jumped up to the professional stage.

    The lack of respect seems to be carrying into this season, as well. The opening line for Houston’s season wins (from the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook) was set at 54.5, with title odds of 20–1. San Antonio, Oklahoma City and the Clippers had lines of 58.5, 57.5 and 56.5 respectively, with title odds of 4-, 6-, and 8-to-1.

    This seems to reflect the general mood heading into the season. The Rockets are right there. Except not really. Several factors seem to be holding Houston back in public perception.



    http://www.si.com/thecauldron/2015/10/13/houston-rockets-james-harden-dwight-howard-nba-western-conference-title
     
    #1 zeeshan2, Oct 14, 2015
  2. J Sizzle

    J Sizzle Member

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    Media determines who gets talked about the most.

    Media determines who they think are contenders.

    Media rarely says Rockets are true contenders.

    Media asks why Rockets aren't taken more seriously.
     
    #2 J Sizzle, Oct 14, 2015
    6 people like this.
  3. ceonwuka

    ceonwuka Member

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    Couldn't have said it better. Media is one big circle jerk of writers rehashing each others stories.
     
    #3 ceonwuka, Oct 14, 2015
    1 person likes this.
  4. BigShotBob

    BigShotBob Member

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    Great Article. Spot on why the Rockets arent taken serious as title contenders.

    They would rather see Morey and company fail at what they are trying to achieve.
     
    #4 BigShotBob, Oct 14, 2015
  5. Deuce

    Deuce Context & Nuance

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    QFT..
     
    #5 Deuce, Oct 14, 2015
  6. Kevooooo

    Kevooooo Member

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    Meh, I get why people want the recognition. We have a good team, we know it, why doesn't everyone else? But tbh, I much prefer being doubted. Less pressure on us. If we succeed, they all look stupid. If we fail, we don't look stupid. Win-win, IMO.
     
    #6 Kevooooo, Oct 14, 2015
  7. HeyDude

    HeyDude Contributing Member

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    I don't get the love for the Clips or OKC. We beat the Clips w/o our starting PG and PF. OKC hasn't really been relevant for a couple of years now. Oh well, it seems we play better with a chip on our shoulder ;)
     
    #7 HeyDude, Oct 14, 2015
  8. finsraider

    finsraider Member

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    This is 100% it, but I'll say this.....when you win it all, the narrative changes.

    If we win the championship this year, Dwight won't be "the most disliked player in sports", Harden's game won't be "ugly", and Morey won't be this "universally disliked" GM.

    The Morey stuff is puzzling. Does everyone hate Warren Buffett because he's self built and is right most of the time? Of course not. Yet because Morey does things differently the basketball community hates him?

    Just the opposite IMO. Morey (and others) have revolutionized the game for the better. Just like how the homerun recaptured America's interest in baseball, 3s, slams, and ball movement are doing the same thing for basketball.
     
    #8 finsraider, Oct 14, 2015
  9. cheke64

    cheke64 Member

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    Cause we're not. Simple as that. Coaching and PF hole are too enormous. Stop worrying about the media. Just read the chron, stay here, and follow Morey's podcast and keep getting brainwashed.
     
    #9 cheke64, Oct 14, 2015
  10. malakas

    malakas Member

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    Yesterday on nba tv when talking about the contenders they ommited the Rockets completely. Frustrating and idiotic.
    BUT on the other hand, it gives the team a psychological advantage. Everyone vs us and underdog mentality.
     
    #10 malakas, Oct 14, 2015
  11. LabMouse

    LabMouse Member

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    The Clips are, the rockets are not, why? Do you have any common sense?

     
    #11 LabMouse, Oct 14, 2015
  12. Surfguy

    Surfguy Contributing Member

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    "I'm happy to be here!" working at McDowell's along with the Astros.

    "They got the golden arches....we got the golden arcs."
     
    #12 Surfguy, Oct 14, 2015
  13. joeson332

    joeson332 Member

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    I'd prefer to keep it that way
     
    #13 joeson332, Oct 14, 2015
  14. PhiSlamma15

    PhiSlamma15 Member

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    in a lotta ways the Rockets are the evil empire of the NBA for all the reasons we know about...Rox should embrace it like the Detroit Pistons Bad Boyz did for different reasons they represent
     
    #14 PhiSlamma15, Oct 14, 2015
  15. PhiSlamma15

    PhiSlamma15 Member

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    Actually I think the Rox are embracing the stigma already
     
    #15 PhiSlamma15, Oct 14, 2015
  16. thekad

    thekad Member

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    Or they'll just make up excuses for why they won just like they did for why the Rockets missing 2 starters and Dwight obviously hurt was playing in WCF games to the wire.
     
    #16 thekad, Oct 14, 2015
    1 person likes this.
  17. Pen15clubber

    Pen15clubber Member

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    If only we had added a true third star like lance Stephenson
     
    #17 Pen15clubber, Oct 14, 2015
    1 person likes this.
  18. marky :)

    marky :) Member

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    Coming to America :grin:
     
    #18 marky :), Oct 14, 2015
  19. TheGoldenGreek

    TheGoldenGreek Member

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    It was refreshing to finally read something about the Rockets that wasn't backhanded and actually fair. He points out the questions on our roster while showing that nobody seems to scrutinize the other perceived "contenders" at nearly the same level. Hell of an SI debut for author Seth Partnow.
     
    #19 TheGoldenGreek, Oct 14, 2015
  20. Richie_Rich

    Richie_Rich Member
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    /thread
     
    #20 Richie_Rich, Oct 14, 2015
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