SHHHH!! Don't say that! I was thinking the same thing earlier today, but seriously doubt Hakeem would pass up Houston for LA if he was willing to accept the minimum. ------------------ Five to one baby, one and five...no one here gets, out alive.
Yes Hakeem has been this way for years, but you know what? He is right !!! They should be utilizing his skills in the post more often. It would be a nice compliment to the guard play of the Rockets. Who cares about next year, win now if you can !! DaDakota ------------------ If Mankind evolved from Monkeys and Apes, then why are there still Monkeys and apes?
We can't. We don't have the talent level to "win now." What would you consider more valuable - a first round playoff exit where Hakeem is the featured player or a lottery birth where Francis and Mobley run the show? Personally, I'll take the lottery and giving the young guns experience and time to mature. There is no glory in first-round-and-out seasons and we have NO shot at going deeper into the playoffs in the Western Conference. ------------------ Mmmmmmm. Sacrelicious.
We can't. We don't have the talent level to "win now." What would you consider more valuable - a first round playoff exit where Hakeem is the featured player or a lottery birth where Francis and Mobley run the show? Personally, I'll take the lottery and giving the young guns experience and time to mature. There is no glory in first-round-and-out seasons and we have NO shot at going deeper into the playoffs in the Western Conference. ------------------ Mmmmmmm. Sacrelicious.
Jeff, You must really believe that, you posted it twice. Winning begats winning, as losing does the same, the young guys can learn a lot from a veteran that is willing to teach and lead. Hakeem could be that player, until he gets a chance, we will never know. DaDakota ------------------ If Mankind evolved from Monkeys and Apes, then why are there still Monkeys and apes?
Question: At some point . .. we *do* want a post presence right? At some pt in the future I think Cat and Francis need to practice getting the ball to the post and Cutting as much as scoring and passing off the ISO So I must say . . . I agree with DaDakota Give Dream some touches. . . he is *still* our best post player Rocket river ------------------
How many touches are enough for Dream? Right now he attempts 7.94 FG a game. Which is exactly 10 percent of our total FGA? Does he need more? Who exactly do we take FGA attempts from a game so that he can get more touches. I think that Hakeem gets the ball enough times and shoots it enough. At the most I would let Hakeem shoot the ball four more times a game at 12 (maybe tell Kenny to shoot it less). The offense is intended to run around Francis and Mobley, not Hakeem -- it is time to adjust, Hakeem. ------------------ Little O
Uh oh, I think Jeff just opened up Pandora's box with the above statement. I can see it now... should we tank or should we play our best threads on the horizon! ------------------ -------------- Did you know? Derrick Chievous sucked. It's true. -- from the ClutchCity.net "Did You Know" sidebar
I think we are looking too much at extremes: feature Hakeem all the time or feature the guards (Francis and Mobley) all the time. I think we obviously need to concentrate more on the backcourt, since that is one of our strengths. However, I think we could do that and also utilize the post (i.e. Hakeem) more often. I think nothing but good could come of this. Another thought, I don't think that Hakeem is the only player that needs to adjust. I think the team (or the way the team plays) needs to adjust to the personnel that we have available. If Hakeem proves to be a consistent low post threat, then I think the team needs to adjust to encorporate more of that. ------------------
If Hakeem could get 12+ shots a game, the Rockets could advance deep into the playoffs. ------------------ If I make this shot, the Rockets will win tonight. If I miss, they might still win, but I doubt it. If I make two in a row, Florida's votes will actually count.
For 70% of Hakeem's Rocket career he has been unhappy. This is not anything new. The only years he wasn't complaining were years the Rockets were winning ('85 - 86, '92 - 95) and the first couple of years of the "Barkley" era. Ever since then he's been complaining on and off. I personally know that there were nights back in the late '80s and early '90's where Hakeem would refuse to go out on the court and play until his contract was renegotiated or until he was traded. This was IN THE LOCKER ROOM BEFORE TIP-OFF!!! He chilled out once the Rockets started winning, but it showed how temperamental and ego-centric the guy could be. I don't think he's changed much over the years, he just had a calm period because he'd won 2 rings and was still on a playoff team. I think he's realizing now that the Rockets are probably not going to make the playoffs this year again and he doesn't want his career to end on a bad note. But, unfortunately Hakeem has no one but himself to blame. He's the one who decided to keep playing past his prime. He could have gone out on a good note had he retired two or three years ago. In fact, I'd say if not for the Chuckster, Hakeem would have retired when Drexler did. Now, Hakeem's thinking he can go to some other team and still be the main focus of the offense. He's having delusions. If he was still capable of that Rudy would be using him in that way. He needs to face the music, just like Ewing does. He's no longer capable of even 20 pts a game. Maybe 15 max. You can no longer ride his back like you could before. It's just too late to regain the glory days. But, if he signed with the Lakers for the minimum, at least he'd get a HUGE tribute on NBC which he isn't going to get this year because he's on the Rockets and they aren't even on NBC once this year. ------------------
Axeman: I was wondering if you were going to post something like that. Should be interesting to see responses to this one. By the way, for all those who don't believe Axeman, I can personally vouch for him. ------------------ Mmmmmmm. Sacrelicious.
Little O, How is it that we have to take touches away from someone else to get more for Dream? Are we allowed a certain amount per game that we can't go over or something? Anyway, I agree that Dream should and could be more involved. So far though, aside from the complaints, he has played his diminished role with much success. My point is that touches don't necessarily translate into FG attempts. I think he can be more productive. But do we need him to be shooting 12+ shots a game? probably not. But he is still commanding respect form the defense, garnering double and even triple teams. Why not give him more touches and try to open things up? Make the defense work a little harder. ------------------ There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness." [This message has been edited by HOOP-T (edited December 06, 2000).]
HOOP-T, I agree with you that FGA does not necessarily correolate with touches. I was perhaps simplifying it a bit much. I should have factored in things like steals, assists, rebounds, turnovers, etc. because anytime Hakeem averages one of these, he gets a touch. That doesn't even include all of the times he touches it on offense that doesn't result in a statistical figure. But what Hakeem was complaining about was as follows: "I'm enjoying this style, but you can't go away from the post completely," he said. "That's not winning basketball. If you don't use it this year, then that's motivation for next year to get someone (else) to use it." - Hakeem It seems like he is saying that the post needs to be used more, which means that he will need more FGA. People will not guard the post if there is no perceived threat to score from it. I can pass it down to Hakeem all I want, but if he won't shoot and will only pass it to someone else then people do not need to make more than a token effort to defend Hakeem since they already know the result. Also, the fact is there are a limited number of FGA attempts in a game somewhat. The Rockets average 70 something a game right now and unless they find a way to get more attempts, perhaps rebounding better, less turnovers, forcing more turnovers, taking less time off the clock, there is a limited amount as their history as shown. So, yes, someone will have to lose FGA and touches. ------------------ Little O
Right on! croutons. I've read each of your first three posts. You've got me wanting more. Cheers to Clutch for getting 3-4 new registered posters with the Dream debate. Now that is a Dream windfall for the bbs.
Axeman and Jeff, Why are spreading around this false info on Hakeem that he faked the injury in March of 92 so he can get a new contract. That was false acusastions started by Ray Paterson to the Houston media. Hakeem cleared that up for the next 2 years when he didnt have to, Hakeem was really hurt. I just cant believe how low you guys are sinking trying to bad mouth Hakeem with false statements just because he spoke up. I dont blame you Jeff for not wanting to make the playoffs this year because you have a losers mentality and it will always be like that for you. You would rather see low forty percent shooters get the ball and dribble between their legs for twenty seconds then force up a foolish shot than see dream get a better shot. You play the game to win now not no 4 year plans or developmental nonsense. The game is meant to played now not next year. You try to make the playoffs now because anything can happen. Especially now with the league not as strong as it once was. ------------------ [This message has been edited by COACH SAMPSON (edited December 07, 2000).]
just once mantronix I would like to see you accept a differing viewpoint. I agree with what you just said about winning, but what is up with your posts always going after authority figures like Sterns and admins. We love you Man! You're not alone. We are here for ya. Give us your jabs. Have some fun. And you can use the carriage return if you want. But send me my damn tape! eh!
