It seems like really great players will reach a point in their career when they will go from being liked and respected to being disrespected if they haven't won a championship yet. It has been happening to Dwight now for the past several years, and it seems to be only getting worse. I think you can see a similar thing happening to Carmelo. And, to a much lesser extent, even some people saying things about Chris Paul not being able to win when it counts. I think Lebron was starting to get to that point in his career before he joined with the superfriends to win one. As long as we have Dwight on our team, I don't think we will be respected unless we win a championship.
Much less of this: Much more of this: We need H and H to dominate and play all teams at a high level. We need a backup center, real power fwd, depth and frankly - a better coach. This will lead to a championship, which will result in respect.
A lot more "assets" and much greater "flexibility" along with a few "coin flips" and maybe even an email campaign or two.
57+ win seasons, WC Finals at the very least Results matter around the league and not listening to someone who says before every season: Well, we are not afraid of the cap and we will go beyond it to upgrade the team and therefore strive for cap flexibility. You might wake up with no third star and cap flexibilty. Two stars are enough to make it at least 55 wins IMO. In the West. With good role players and a balanced system.
I am not whining. Just saying. I lived through years and nearly a decade with the media not respecting the Rockets. Without meds. Sober enough and it takes a lot to be acknowledged for sure. The results and the progress on the playoff front have been minimal the last decade.
At this point, get into the playoffs. We just went over the hill on this roller coaster ride and about to get demolished by Parsons and the Mavs so go ahead and swallow that pride and take it in like a man/woman folks.
