Rafael Stone: "I just think we're not a developmental team any more"

Winning a chip is okay too and it exceeds all the expectations, initially Udoker was brought in to build a culture and make the Playoffs.

I doubt they had in mind that he would be winning chips in his 3rd year.

But yes, because the objectives change, young players are getting sorted out, goals change as well, it so happens too quickly.

Give fans time to find themselves!

 

Stupid comment by Stone

The fans already take issue with Ime underutilizing players who won't necessarily help the Rockets today but will be necessary tomorrow.

 

This. Like it or not, in year 4 JG was still a developmental basketball player. Developing in the sense that he was still learning how to play defense, run elaborate defensive schemes, run actual plays on offense, etc.

 

Bunch of baloney….we’re at the next phase and planning to give Jeenathan Williams 20+ minutes as Amen’s main backup at SG???

 

Go Rockets!!!
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Shades are missing, urgently.

 

More than likely it will be a combination of DFS and KD and Reed. Williams won't be touching the court.

 

My guess is that we see Reed and FVV play some together such that FVV, Amen, and Reed account for almost all of the PG and SG minutes.

 

They are planning on KD playing the SG role on offense but might technicality pencil in Amen at SG despite him not having that role.

Other than that, you're probably right.

 

Well consider this - if Stone and Udoka felt that Cam was that good, he would still be on the roster.

Stone tries very hard to be diplomatic - but there is a reason that Thompson and Sheppard are still on the team and Cam isn't - and it is because they simply don't think Cam is that great, and that is how the league values Cam as well - as he only cost two second rounders.

 

I promise you that Udoka isn't being puppeteered by anyone.

 

Stone is a poor public speaker - and because he is a lawyer, some people expect him to be good at handling the media, especially with an owner that loves the lime light.

It doesn't mean that he cannot be a good GM, as Jerry West wasn't always great with the media as a public speaker either.

It is just an observation some people have made, most GM's in 2025 are better speakers.

 

His team is good with numbers and he was a contract lawyer, the 2nd Apron actually plays into his hands.

All those new contracts are to 80% great.

He is better than Morey at navigating with a clear restriction.

If that makes him a good overall GM, I concede, but to me, it was a great opportunity for him.

Another aspect is, why have the Rockets stopped to develop young GM talents.......we all knew Morey was brought in by Carroll Dawson.

 

Well as a lawyer he is able to negotiate better deals like that DFS contract with 2 unguaranteed deals or even that "overpaid" FVV deal that is unguaranteed and cuttable after 2 yrs. No GM is perfect if the best complaint people have on him is he sucks at public speaking so be it. I dont give a crap about that.

I rather have a poor talker that gives DFS 2 yrs team option than a charismatic guy like Morey who gives Paul George 5 yrs super max deal.

 

I take it as Stone meant "knuckle head development".

 

DFS and Tari Eason can play SG. DFS signing is what squeezed Cam Whitmore out. KD takes DB minutes, Amen takes JG minutes, Eason and DFS take all the backup wing minutes theres no PT for Whitmore unless somebody gets injured.

 

I’ll never grow to enjoy listening to Stone talk, but man has he built back my confidence in him these last couple seasons. We are a long way from the days of Christian Wood, Oladipo, John Wall, and KPJ. The Ime partnership appears to be a great fit.

 

Cam wasn't coming back regardless.

 

We had complete control over him for the next couple of years unless he wanted to play in Europe or Asia.

 

lol what is wrong with his speaking? he's no obama but he seems fine.