Shandon steadily improved, him TMac and one other person were the only 3 people to improve their scoring average EVERY month. We still need more frontcourt defense, after Cato (and Hakeem) who do we have that's good up there? Such as, taking on people like Rice and Robinson (lots of offense, no defense) would be a bad idea. I think Mickeal in round 2 would solidify our backcourt defense, then we just need a few more up front defenders. See my thread for some PF possibilities, I firmly believe we either need a full blown PF upgrade, or at least a PF counterpart to go with KT that's either a great rebounder/shot blocker, or a great defender. ------------------ The more lefties on your team, the better. Draft Moiso. Trade Moises. Trade or bench Kenny Thomas. [This message has been edited by NIKEstrad (edited June 25, 2000).]
While we're all talking up how good the players on last years rosters were, lets not forget we sucked and finished up with a 34-48 record. Unless you find that record acceptable then the current roster is also unacceptable and needs to be upgraded and changed. ------------------ Mango is the Smeg of Bizarro World
Hey NIKEstrad, maybe we can lure Gail Goodrich, Lynn Shackleford, and Billy Cunningham out of retirement. Those dudes could score. Wasn't Artis Gilmore left-handed? ------------------ There are 3 kinds of people: those who can count and those who can't.
RR-They may hinder our youth movement. Smeg with a productive post?!?!?! The serious police are rubbing off on you. Perhaps you are the Mango of Bizarro World? ------------------ The more lefties on your team, the better. Draft Moiso. Trade Moises. Trade or bench Kenny Thomas.
I know we all say that defense wins championships. Well, that may or may not be true, but with the new rules in place, teams recognize the need for scoring and the Rockets are one of them. Last year, they stuck with Walt Williams and Bryce Drew because they needed scorers. They didn't really need Bullard but, again, the scoring came into play. Beyond Francis and Mobley, the Rockets had NO consistent scorers save for Williams' miraculous turnaround at the end of the season. Here's what I view as possible Rockets roster moves and why: Rockets draft DerMarr Johnson Johnson is a smooth scorer and a versatile player at 6'9". He runs the floor, another important trait in the Rockets new high-octane offense, and he plays multiple positions. Rockets will hang on to Cato, unless... Cato will stay a Rockets unless someone just throws a deal at them that is irresistible. It is nearly impossible to come by a defensive-minded shot-blocking center in the NBA. With Shaq, they need all the help they can get. If his work eithic shows improvement, he will provide what they need - a defensive presence in the middle and a big body that runs the floor. Williams and Drew on the short list to be gone It would not surprise me to see Williams on next-year's roster considering the giant gaping hole at SF even with Johnson drafted, but he is a shooter which is a valuable commodity for contending teams. If he stays, he can help Johnson with his shot. Drew, however, is gone. Packaged with the exemption, he could land a decent player and Norris along with the Rockets up-tempo style of play has left Drew out in the cold. Free For All Free agency is the wild card. I think it is common knowledge that the Rockets would love to land Austin Croshere but so would several other teams who have more cap space. Until next year, the Rockets are strapped for cap space and will likely play it safe. Don't expect them to land any huge free agents, but DO expect them to look for sign-and-trades of free agents with their former teams. Dream's last season I am hopeful the big fella is with us for one more season but I don't want him to risk his life. The Rockets are better off with him for now because his departure would create no cap space and would leave a hole in the veteran leadership department. Bullard has handled those duties effectively, but there is nothing like a legitimate superstar hall-of-famer to lend support. Plus, it will be nice to see him go out on his own terms. Many of us assume this will be a turbulent offseason. There is no question about it. A #9 pick in the draft lottery, a trade exception that is burning a hole in the Rockets' pockets, several possible trades that could help, free agency and, oh yeah, that arena thing. This will likely be one of the wildest offseasons we've seen, but if it is crazier than last offseason, we may all need to be sedated. ------------------ "No one gets out ALIVE!" SaveOurRockets.com
I think that Shandon, Kenny Thomas, and even Cato can develop into some pretty consistent scorers. It took Shandon some time to get used to the offense, so that's why he wasnt as consistent. Kenny was still inexperienced and a rookie... a summer of working out and a year of experience should do him well. Cato didnt have much offense but he still did average 8 or 9 points just off of dunks? And with the good summer workouts that Cato is having, he could have a decent offensive game next year. ------------------ treasurer of the moochie norris fan club
You mean you hope so........so do I!!!!! ------------------ I'm tha hip hop attracta, rapper slash acta, right back at cha!
