What do you all think about the Rockets in the turnover department this season? Will we be one of the leaders in turnovers again this season? Or do you think we will be in the middle of the pack in better standing? I'm not so much worried about our offense or our defense this season as much as I am in our ability to not turn the ball over as much. The less points off of turnovers for the other team, the more games we will win and the better off we will be. If we are losing 20 turnovers a game, this will not be a good thing considering that, in most cases, our opposing team consistently averages fewer turnovers than we do. If we expect to turn it around this season, a good place to start would be averaging less turnovers than our opposing team. I don't like our chances if we do not improve in this category. Turnovers are to be expected in higher numbers with a new-faced team. But, we have had a season under our belts. Francis will be a key element in this category. The biggest improvement should come from all of his work in the off-season. He sets the tone for the rest of the team so I see some improvement in the rest of the team as well. The players have had a season to know the other players and their habits on the floor and what to expect from them. No more touchdown passes without CB so no turnovers there. But, since we are a running team now, this may not be our best category. I see us improving by a few turnovers a game at the very least. If we can cut these down, we are sure to win more games and be better off. Surf ------------------
The Rockets turnovers will mostly depend on what type of game they end up playing. While Hakeem is in the game, I think Rudy will want a slower tempo offense so as to not wear him down. If they are playing a slower tempo game, their turnovers will drop. However, when Hakeem is out of the game, the increase in the tempo will help contribute to an increase of turnovers. I keep telling myself...it's only the preseason...it's only the preseason...but the turnovers are a bit frightening. I'm hoping that the core players, being a year wiser, will be able to take care of the ball better. We'll see. === Surf...should you be out this morning while it's somewhat clean? I'm headed that way... === Dan Langhi for Prez! ------------------
Judging from their game tonight, turnovers are obviously still an issue. The first half I thought I was watching a streetball game the passing was so bad!! Fortunately they settled down nicely and relaxed with about 5 minutes to go in the third quarter. I don't expect turnovers to be as bad as they were last season, but it will take sometime since Rudy is integrating Mo' into the offense still. ------------------ Too often, we lose sight of life's simple pleasures. Remember, when someone annoys you it takes 42 muscles in your face to frown, but it only takes 4 muscles to extend your arm and pimp-slap the mother****** upside the head!
The Rockets averaged 16.6 turnovers per game last year. They had 16 tonight against the Spurs. That total may have been higher, but Francis didn't play as much as he usually does. If we can keep the TOs to around 14 a game, I would consider that a good improvement. But, we have added a starter (who's new to the system), two rookies who may see increasing minutes, and Francis is still our PG, so we'll just have to wait and see. ------------------ I have a dream.........his name's Hakeem. DREAMer's Rocket Page [This message has been edited by DREAMer (edited October 14, 2000).]
True RocketsPimp, During the first half there were a lot of silly turnovers. Three or four were caused by our big men trying to throw outlet passes and I cringe everytime I see Olajuwon or Cato assuming a quaterback posture before letting one fly. ------------------
A lot of play that was call by Rudy was not well executed down the low post, that creates turnover mostly on passing while airborne. But if they can perfected most of the play down the post they would'nt have any problem and that will reduce the turnover in the low post. ------------------ Rudy T. will find and fulfill Rockets destiny.
Right on Surfguy. If the Rockets decreased turnovers, they would decrease fast break opportunities for the other team and extra scoring opportunities for the opponent. 16 turnovers a game is a lot. I do look for the turnovers to decrease slightly. Another aspect of the game the Rockets need to work on is free throw shooting. There have been games last season where the Rocks would have been in the game had they made their freethrows. ------------------
Now Im saying this with tongue in cheek. But the Rox have been a horrible team when it comes to TO's for years. Id say its safe to assume that 1. A second year point guard 2. A few new players 3. An overall very young team 4. The fact that Rudy hasnt had a team that doesnt turn the ball over alot all but assures the Rox of being culprits of the free points again this year. ------------------ "I have amazing, powers of observation"...Pink
I'm with you Dreamshake, I HATE the fact that we're always a terrible T/O team, but I just can't see that improving this year... and in the same vein, we've been average defensively for the last few years, and I expect to see that trend continue this year! ------------------
