So, Freak, do you think that the Rockets are worse than the Nets, Wizards, and Nuggets? Better yet, do you think that the Rockets are the 23rd best team in the NBA? I'm sure that this Monroe guy has nothing against the Rockets but some of these predictions are pure lunacy. I may be a homer, but I think someone who is not a homer would agree that these predictions are laughable.
I do agree with the fact that it is better to have your team (Rockets) as an underdog, I myself like that role. However it just sickens me that so-called expert beat writers who actually get paid for something that I'm pretty sure most of us would love to do, post garbage like this, I think a prior poster said it best,"Its lack of research and laziness". The only thing is that Michael Jordan coems back (one of the greatest playes ever) and all of a sudden a team that won 19 games last year is ranked ahead of the Rockets who won 45 games last year, thats why I started this post, to vent about going to a supposed neutral sports site (TSN, ESPN, FoxSports, etc.), only to see a bunch of Jordan-jockers, and Laker worshippers. All the while the Rockets are a young and exciting team coming up and get little to no run.
Well Mr. Monroe emailed me back. Here's what he had to say: Dear ----, Thanks for your heartfelt feedback. If it will make you feel better, I picked the Heat to win the Eastern playoffs last spring. And don't forget, it's difference of opinion that makes a horse race. Your loyalty to your team is commendable, but I still think you are barking up the wrong tree counting on Cato, Thomas and Willis to make up for the loss of Olajuwon, who was instrumental in Rockets' late-season surge, and Mo Taylor's unfortunate loss to injury. mm I have to say that I'm surprised that he actually read my email and also surprised that he didn't get nasty with me. However, he is probably used to it, if he is always making boneheaded predictions. I still can't believe that he thinks losing Olajuwon will make us that bad. So send him an email...it looks like he'll respond back to you. Who knows..maybe if everybody here sent him an email telling him how wrong he is, he may change his mind about the Rockets. Then, maybe not.
Well, Mr. Monroe emailed me back too. I have to say I am impressed. It doesn't change my opinion about his prediction, but I give him credit for actually reading his emails and taking the time to respond, especially with the ranting variety. Below is his response... Difference of opinion is what makes a horse race. Hey, I picked Miami to win the Eastern playoffs last spring, so the Rockets will probably have a great season. mm
Did u mention to mr monroe that the rox have already beaten his top 2nd pick twice in a row.. namely the spurs.. I'm starting to wonder whether or not to insert a few undesirable objects into that picture of his and email it back to him..
i did the email thing with monroe too and got a reply too. he gave me a little more info as to his thinking. either him, or a assistant, but either way nice, and honestly surprising (in a good way) he also uses the horse race line with me
When I read his column I started seeing red.....rocket red. 23? That's rediculous ! Hakeem has fallen off alot, and Willis is definately going to help on the muscle side. I think it's clear that MM would rather be reviewing horse races then considering what's actually happening in Houston. I think we're going to have agood run..not the Conferance finals, but I think nobody will want to catch us in the first round if we're healthy. ( yeah, the playoffs !)
The media is still stuck on the Olajuwon loss--as it was a large detriment. (It wasn't like our offense just evolved into a backcourt driven offense this preason!!) Also, the MoT injury--that is old news. They totally ignore the fact that EGriffin will be a sleeper this year. As always, the Rockets get the shaft. Oh well, we will see who is last laugh when playoffs come.
I didnt write Mr. Monroe an email, but if I did, it would be something like this: Mr. Monroe- Last year you picked Miami to win the Eastern Conference Playoffs. Boy was that wrong. How you can place the Rockets as the 23rd ranked team is beyond me. I realize difference of opinion is what makes a horse race, but your opinion is wrong in my opinion. I just wonder what he would write back.
