**** I think Howard could have hit some of the numerous open shots we had. JVG should have played him. Hayes did nothing.
Ah, the long-awaited "why didn't we play Juwan" thread. Proving that in the fullness of time, all things eventually will be said.
So, NOW people blame the coach for NOT playing Juwan? I thought Juwan was the spawn of the devil and should never get in uniform? Hayes played fine. The Rockets crawled out of the 20 pt hole with him on the court. Bad start, they came back but ran out of steam late. If anything, Snyder needs to get it going early or else come off the bench.
I would like to see Juwan get some run at backup center.....I don't want to see Dikembe embarass himself any longer. He had his shot blocked by the RIM not once, but twice tonight. DD
He could be on trading block and JVG does'nt want him to get hurt. It's just a thought no need to jump on the gun!
I think we would have been better off with more Howard minutes. In fact against heavier stronger 4s we might be better with him starting and moving SB/TM to the 3/2 (Snyder to bench). And this is from a guy (me) who absolutely wants SB to get more than half his minutes and be the regular starter at the PF, but guys like Boozer/Brand/Duncan are going to wear Battier down and wear our team defense out. Howard is our best shot to keep them honest at both ends.
People who actually think Mutombo, Padgett, Novak (at this point) and even Hayes are really better overall than Juwan are basically haters pure and simple. With all his shortcomings and they are discussed ad nauseum on his board, I would still rate him as the 3rd best player on the team at the PF/C spots, also if you look at Battier as a SF, not a PF, he would be the 2nd best. JVG is probably simply benching Howard to start the season to shut up the ignoramus fan base. The delusions that Hayes and whomever are so good and Howard is so awful will be pointed out. Basically, this team is not going to be good in the frontcourt at all if Howard does not play, he's a solid player, a good player off the bench, and the other options are clearly inferior to him at this point. I think JVG is just sending a message to the fan base. The hatred against Howard is one of the more bizarre things I can remember regarding Rockets fans.
If Howard is not injured, he should play. Yes, he is not a starting caliber PF in the league any more, but he has to be better than Padget, who barely found a job in the NBA.