When are we going to start criticizing Rafael Stone?

I really don't think we can blame Stone, he's just gotten really unlucky.

Could he have taken Mobley over Green? Sure, and that would have helped the team progress, but I understand why he took the flashier pick.

This past draft, it's not his fault that Orlando wisely picked Banchero over Smith. He went with the consensus #2 and unfortunately that was basically just a taller Ariza when the team needed top tier talent.

He's done well enough with the rest of his picks except for wasting one one Josh Christopher, so I think his job should be safe.

The only thing I blame him for is keeping EG around about 2 years too long.

 

Firing Silas is just one step. Signing a true coach and not a continuation of this BS with Lucas or an out-of-the-ass assistant that's going to learn with the team - is the second one. Our players need a world-class experienced Head coach who will teach them ****, not learn with them

 

You saw with Primo's case that the organization is managed with almost no margin of error.

 

The shift is mostly due to the ever increasing focus on Silas IMO.
If things continue as they have of late, Stone may begin to be blamed MORE than Silas, which is why Stone may have to make a decision before he would like to.

 

Also if the "KPJ is pg" experiment is Stone's idea that is a problem also. How could Stone think that's a good idea when you have so much developing talent along side KPJ that needs steady vet pg play to help their development ?

 

There may be only one thing this entire board agrees on, and its development.

How fast, who, expectations, the coaches role and accountability, and so forth is where opinions vary.
Still looking for the litmus test to know what needs to happen next.
As discontent fans become more vocal and numerous, the pressure for change builds.

Will we see fireworks?

 

If that had happened with the Rockets, this board would have thrown Stone and Silas under the bus for letting it happen under their watch, then again for taking the extreme route of waiving the player in question. CF rates our own franchise differently than others.

 

Why?
Why did we not trade Gordon last year for a 1st round pick? He is becoming a hinderance to the team.
Why did we trade Jarrett Allen for a 1st round pick? The guy is a All Star!
Why did we not signed or trade for more veterans? The young guys need help

 

IF - as this guy is implying in his tweets - that the GM has a hand in how Silas handles his job then I’m definitely ready to go after Stone. But that’s a first time hearing anyone imply that.

Starting KPJ at all cost could definitely be agreed upon by both and not trading Gordon is a thing, but the criticism is we have no vets so wouldn’t trading Gordon be against that?

We kept Boban over younger guys, was that just a keep the “freak” for giggles and fill seats by Fertitta? Would need to hire from an insider or someone close that there’s more to all of this before I think Stone is a serious problem.

 

Stone was safe until this season. He didn't trade EG, traded Wood for peanuts, and didn't force Silas to make changes/fire the coaching staff. It seems we have two assistants running the head jobs here

 

There are certain points in time when the GM is talked most about and I am not worried about that...

Free agency and offseason
Around trade deadline
Before, during and after the Draft lottery and the draft itself
Press conference with new players and interviews
Sacking and hiring of the coach

When the losing record is showing and locker room being dysfunctiona

Bye Felicia

Feel free to add more.

 

Nov 2021

https://bleacherreport.com/articles...s-weighing-future-of-head-coach-stephen-silas

 

Tnx! Nothing groundbreaking to me and doesn’t suggest he actually tells Silas what to do. But could be troubling.

 

Tilman went cheap when he knew the ship was sinking. He saved money in many areas and Raf Stone - a first time GM with a resume that really didn’t support the hire - was one.

I’m not blaming Tilman just pointing out a fact. He didn’t need a high dollar GM to preside over a tank/declining team (regardless of if Harden stayed. We were capped and past trading a paper clip for a rolls Royce)

To his credit/luck/fate - the rockets scored high draft picks in back to back years flipping us from a team on decline to a team with upward trajectory.

The massive payroll Tilman was offsetting is now offset. It is time to bring in an experienced- high level GM to begin steering the ship. I’d have Stone fire the coach now and give him this trading deadline to make his mark for balancing the roster. Have him put together a short list of coaching candidates to come in next season. (No coach wants to come in midseason and some candidates might not want to work with Stone. This is your chance to vet a list of alternatives while providing a plank or a life raft - of his making)

 

Trading Gordon doesn't mean we won't get vets. Gordon isn't the right type of vet for a team like this. Gordon has never been considered a leader or locker room leader. He's always been the type of dude who kept to himself. His play style also is not conducive to help develop young talent (Jack long threes, tunnel vision when driving with the ball).

Brunson, Conley, Rubio. Those are the type of vets this team needs.

 

^Confusing general fan apathy toward the Rockets in general with lack of dissatisfaction with management

 

If you start your rebuild around Christian Wood and KPJ you are making a big mistake. At this point if you stick with Silas you are making a big mistake. Also we are not developing our talent well and our team culture is trash. Yeah Stone should be on the hot seat.

but wait, he’ll be fine. After all, he’s been making deals since he was 18