Wow. cool. I think the world of John Lucas. I love his heart to empower people who have battled with the demons he has, but overcome. NBAHOU713, could you get a message through to Lucas to say thanks from Rocket fans? And to Griffin, that there are Rocket fans who believe in him and support him, and would LOVE to have him back, as long as he's taken care of himself first? I know Eddie has walked down a bad path. But, there are many who do so, then get the help they need, and go on to major success. I think the depression that Eddie experienced was at the root of many of his choices and addictions. If that has been addressed through medication and therapy, with good counseling from pros like Lucas, then maybe NOW, Eddie can achieve the success that alluded him earlier. For those of you who are unsupportive of Eddie coming back, you don't understand what he's faced. He did some crazy things, but the condition that motivated those things is very treatable. Eddie was lackadaisacal from doing drugs, which he used to self-medicate his condition. He didn't reach his potential because he didn't know how to deal with his grief and suppressed emotions, and the drugs deluded him. The guy has amazing talent, and if he has truly learned from what he faced, and turned himself around, he will go on to fulfill his potential that many saw when he was drafted. Houston paid a lot for Griffin, and did the right thing to tell him to get his life straightened out before he played basketball. They gave him tough love. I'm thrilled that Lucas is also encouraging him to do the right thing by re-signing with Houston. I don't think any of us would be happy to see him become a star with another team, because he read fans mail who said they didn't want him. If Griffin came back, and fulfilled his potential, our team would be a much better team, and for a long time. If he doesn't reach his potential, then we haven't lost that much, except a slot on the team. But, if he does, we would always regret not believing in him now. Now that we have traded off our best tradeable assetts, there is no way we could get someone like Griffin in trade or FA. We've already paid huge for him. The sacrifice has already been made. The standards have already been set. Not to let Griffin try to come back under those boundaries would be totally stupid and acting out of clueless fear. I really want this to be true. If the McGrady trade goes through, and Griffin comes back and fulfills his potential ... WOW! But, the Rockets would do well to hire Lucas, too, if Lucas would be willing to come on board without being the head coach. Griffin isn't the only one who could use Lucas' unique skills and guidance.
Why are we giving this idiot a second or third chance? Why are we letting this human who abuses his girlfriend, pull a gun on her and take drug to come back? Are HOuston that desparate thinking he's still the next big thing? Well, they could bring him back and trade his @ss. By the look of it, NBAHOU713 is either a EG fan or EG himself.
Eddie Griffin. Man. You folks need to take some time away from the board. Watch a little tv, eat dinner with your families... something...
Eddie Griffin played 2 NBA seasons. Those of you that are bashing him saying that he isn't worth it, think about this... Yao has played 2 NBA seasons...has he gotten anywhere close to the type of player that we want him to be? The answer is no, and the same goes for Eddie...he's young and could still improve. If he's ready, the Rockets need to give him another chance after trading away three picks for him. You can't just blow off a player you invested that much in.
yeah but at least Yoa has NOT taken to shooting his gun at his girl friend, at least that we know about.
Great post Sherlock. I fell the same way about EG. If he can come back and contribute at a cheap rate, that would be incredible. There are definite risk, but I think that payoff possibilities make it well worth it. As young as he is, It is much more likely he will be able to get a handle on his personal life still. If he can come back and be just 75% of what he was expected to be, he would be more then adequate for us at the 4 spot. From what I remember he still needed to work on his handles, moving the ball quicker when passing, and being more assertive on the offensive end. All things that can be developed still by a player in his position. I say if he wants to come on with an incentives based type contract, go for it. You got to gamble sometimes, and I think we all know that CD is not scared to gamble sometimes. It may not be the final answer at our 4 spot, but there is not to many other options right now. I could be wrong, but if you never take chances, you will never know.
Unless there's a big news story I don't know about, this is a pretty bad typo, and I don't mean misspelling Yao's name.
And, like many on the board with a double standard, I'll bet that you have forgiven Bare Bryant and would love to have him on the Rockets.
You can if he skipped practices and team flights, abused a woman, entered rehab, was CUT OUTRIGHT by your coach, was given another chance with another team and still managed to screw THAT up. Eddie Griffin blew off the Rockets, the Nets, everyone that tried to help him and the sport of basketball itself. Sad story, but it's for someone else to provide a happy ending (if there will ever be one). Eddie played two seasons and not only wasn't close to what we wanted, he wasn't close to good, either. Eddie's chances of EVER rejoining the Rockets are flatter than his jumpshot.
some joker on 610 just verified the original post about john lucas and eddie griffin. Said that he was in great shape yada yada, confirmed the orignal post
Did he say the Rockets have contacted Eddie about returning? That's the only thing that we didn't already have info on. Local news covered Lucas and Eddie some time ago. We knew he was working out with him and was/is in great shape.
actually no, they talked for along time about how griffian's success would be more egg in the face of the rockets organization. Although not addressed I would say that the jist of it is probably that the rockets are as far away from griffian as can be.
Its kinda funny this thread pops up about the same time as I found this on my capture drive while doing some file cleanup... Berman talks to Eddie and Lucas some may want to see it...some might not...whatever...just letting outof towners actually hear it
Hey Rockets 2K I really appreciate your video feed for the out-of-towners. Im in Southern Oregon and I really don't get to hear a whole lot about the Rockets.Thanks.
As far as natural rebounding and shotblocking talent goes, EG is extremely gifted IMO. His kind of talent is not a dime a dozen. He already has strong post up skills - he just needs to develop (maturity and bulking up) and that will come w/ time. I think he will end up being an extremely productive player. Bring back Eddie!!!
