Musings behind the bench from the Raptors vs Rockets game

Every NBA team watches game tape, usually a summary by the coach. Why do you think Francis doesn't know it? He's been in the league for 5 years, he playes the way he wants to play. We just hope that's the way the coach wants as well.


--daoshi

 

Your report is appreciated, and 'upsetting'. To me it spells out that JVG will find players who will respond.

As to driving to Philly -- will the Rox? I mean after 4 in 5 days and a back-to-back with a 2OT L, will there be anything in the Good Guys' tank?

 

Tranmerica34,the information that you provided us is invaluable. It shows that these guys haven't changed their ways despite everything that is being told to them. JVG or Rudy it's still the same old story. I had predicted a defeat because I expected them to panic and unfortunately they lost a game that they could have won.
I'm sad,and it pains us all that the guys just don't play smart.
They must learn from their mistakes and work hard.It's only natural to get down but they have to fight through the pain otherwise it will be another losing season.

 

Asked specifically what "things" the Rockets failed to do, Mobley said: "Things in basketball."

"He was lucky," Francis said. "He just threw it up and hoped it went in."


These have got to be the dumbest quotes I've read all year that haven't come outta W's mouth.

 

Thanks Tranmerica, great inside stuff. Guys, is there any question that JVG is the voice of basketball intelligence and our only hope for winning Rocket's basketball. I am so encouraged that he is our coach. He is now getting an up close and personal look at what we have been observing for four looooong years. Only one difference, he can do something about it!

 

I'm thinking that obiously something has to happen and JVG has to make the players play the game he wants. Our guys are not showing him the respect that his position demands.

What do you think an apropriate punishment would be? The only thing I can think of is reducing offending players minutes (such as Francis in the last game) but by doing that it only hurts the team (and would we really wantMoochies minutes raised ) and may not be the most constructive solution. At the same time, they still need to know that if they don't play the team game and do as the coach says there are consequences.

Anyone know have any suggestions of an appropriate punishment?

 

What makes you or anyone else here think that this would do any good? He's been clueless for 4 years now, do you actually believe that watching a game tape will somehow magically "change" Francis and make him see the light? He's not going to change because HE DOESN'T WANT TO! What really sucks is that there's nothing the Rockets & JVG can do to force him to grow a brain on the court - NOTHING! SF isn't interested in team play, it's all about him, period.

No, I'm coming to the conclusion that what you are seeing from Francis, Mobley, Norris, Taylor & E Griffin is what you are going to get now and in the future. And that's not enough to win championships much less playoff games.

 

In the Phoenix game, Mobley drove in from the left side and passed to Yao, who was near the basket, for a "and-1 lay-up" -- courtesy of a foul by Starbury.

 

Then again Cat was never known for his witty remarks.

 

Do people really change? I think everyone has value, everyone is redeemable in human terms, but ultimately, we are who we are. Steve, Cat, Mo, Moochie, EG - none of these are going to really change. They are exactly who they are. You like that ? If not, don't think a coach can do jack squat. You have to destroy them, and start over. Bring the fire, burn the house down.

 

Great inside scoop. This shows what many of us have suspected. But that is just grotesque. The players do the exact opposite of what the coach instructs. What is this? Please God let them trade me now, I'm tired of being coached, I'm tired of deferring to Yao, I want to play my game, I can do it all myself, waaaah?

Steve just drives me crazy. How did Eddie Calvin LaLoux (Tim Robbins' pitcher character) get described in "Bull Durham"? "A million dollar arm, with a five cent head."

 

So, uh....are you guys hiring?

I just knew JVG would never tell Steve to dribble out the clock and jack up an off balance 3 from half court....twice.

I wish they had a practice instead of a game on Monday. They deserve to get their asses kicked for this stink bomb.

 

Sometimes i wish 51 would show more replays of the dumb plays by our players. For example, how blatant was the Cato foul on Bosh? Did he slightly bump him, and Bosh just flopped, or was it more? Regardless, Cato did exactly what JVG said not to. He put himself in the position to be called for the foul.

 

I am sure Cat has his ego, but I also notice Cat is willing to change. Last game against Phoenix, he passed the ball a lot more therefore his assists are up. Steve always wants to be the man, hitting the home-run. It will take a long time for Steve to share the ball.

Nevertheless, I did notice Steve passes the ball a lot more in the first half, but in the second half, he always wants to shoot.

 

Jeff is a smart man. He knows what's going on with the rocket team better than anyone else. I guess the only reason he won't bench Francis or Mobley is that there is not enough offensive option yet. Once he has his options, I have total confidence that he will do whatever in his power to have his voice heard, whether by benching some star players or some bloody trade, Jeff will freaking do it. The man's got balls, and wants nothing but win. I totally trust him.

 

Steve trust himself better than all the others teammates. Simple as that. It's not like steve dont want the game win. He just think he can do it himself. If he cann't, his teammate can't either. The only word in my mind is "arrogant". Yeah, that fit him very well.

 

Thanks trans, great info!

Do Steve & Cat show any respect to their coach??!!

 

i actually don't have a problem with this statement - it's one any lawyer or politian would approve of! it's a basic defensive answer. totally unspecific, and the angry words can't come back to bite him in the backside. i'm sure he wanted to say "our PG dribbled instead of passing (me) the ball" but it would be bad team politics that could cause a team rift.

 

forgot to say this before...

the incident with SF dribbling the ball for a majority/all of the shot-clock (from what posters have said - i didn't see the game) reminds me of the game where SF ignored Rudy's call for a time out (i think it was against denver, but not sure). In that game with about seven seconds left on the clock and down, SF drove the ball up the court for the win instead.