Last year we were 0-4 against Memphis. This year, specially last game, the only significant change is battier on our side, swift and gay on other side, even without Yao. Can we safely say, this offseason deal makes sense?
His stats tell NOTHING of the story. He is a hustler and doesn't get enough credit for it. Very simply everyone was upset about this trade before because they looked at him more on the Fantasy Basis (I think 10 pts / 5 boards / a steal / a block) which looks less than impressive. Now, at least I personally, view him as a foul creator, a smart player, a very good team player (can score, can dish, can just play whatever role they need from him). He is a VERY duke player. Exactly what Duke produces. Love the trade now, even if Gay becomes a superstar it would be too late for Yao and Tmac. Battier is very NOW.
Ok man, I've been one of the biggest supporters of the trade since it happened... but he DOES get enough credit for his hustle on this board. Pretty nonstop really. On the thread, I hardly think it takes beating one of the worst teams in the conference to validate the trade. I like it regardless. And some others will wait and see how we do in the playoffs--if we can advance. I'm fine using that as a benchmark, too. But not the head-to-head with the useless Grizz (esp. considering they have a new coach, new system, etc. now)
Swift and Gay would've contributed nothing to this current rockets team. Gay is a rookie - we all know how much JVG loves rookies. Besides, we already have enough players who can put up points on any given night - Bonzi, Head, Yao, T-mac.. Yao and T-mac can put up MORE than enough. We needed a defensive-minded, fill in the remaining holes kinda guy - and that guy is Shane Battier. I mean he takes like 5 charges a game, that's basically 10 points right there. Can Swift or Gay be as smart as Shane and do the things he does?
Come on now....you reasoning doesn't make sense. Last year we were without our stars, therefore we lost. This year our TEAM has improved a great deal, hence we're winning. Sure, I like the trade, but can you use better reasoning next time you start a thread.
While I'd like to say Battier is the difference in our record against Memphis this year, I think it's more due to the Grizzlies' internal problems, mainly Gasol's injury which led to an over-reliance on their rookie Gay and backups. Of course, the subtraction of Battier from their lineup probably didn't help matters. That said, Shane has definitely been a difference-maker for our team. He has really made JVG's defensive system work and he's even showing his offensive ability of late with Yao out. Now if he could just be a little more aggressive offensively even when playing alongside T-Mac and Yao, then he'd be the perfect role player for us and worth the price of Swift and Gay.
I knew it since then that it was a great deal for the Rox. Of course you can't blame the gay fans here on this board for getting mad about that.
Bad reasoning comes from amnesia. I agree there are multifactors, but none of them is more convincing than head to head. Our team is improving so is the other team.
Battier is a great glue guy that we needed. His hustle, drawn charges, and fundamental play is definately a plus. I really wanted Rudy Gay and thought throwing Swift in was a little much, but I'm wrong. Battier does piss me off sometime like against Memphis when they were doubling Mcgrady he missed like two or three wide open thress and when it counted he hit the big one. If his jumper was more consistent this trade would be a no brainer.
yeah, i was really glad now that we didn't pack Gay and J Howard, instead, we had Gay and Swift. Howard is awesome now, very important to Rockets, in particular when Yao is missing. Gay might be a great player in the future, but that's not going to happen in a few years. I love Battier, a great perimeter defender. I used to not a big fan of this trade, but now, i think CD and JVG are great.
I was so pissed when this trade went down...but I do like it now. Battier does a great job, and Stromile appears to be a player that will never reach his potential...regardless of who is coaching him (though the newer, faster style of ball Memphis is trying to play might benefit a player with his skills) I like the trade...I don't think we would be nearly as good with Gay, even though he is showing some signs of becoming a good player in the league
