true PG = maximum offensive efficiency offensive efficiency = * good TO to assist ratio. * ability to run and finish an effective fastbreak. * understanding of where and when your teammates need the ball to be their most effective on offense. * ability to run an effective PnR which includes both passing to the picker as they roll, reversing the ball to the weakside and the "Stop and Pop" shot. * the innate ability to "know" where the other 9 players are on the court even when you can't actually see them. * being an on the court extension of your coach...you'll probably be one yourself some day. * decent enough shooter that the defense has to respect you. The Rockets may not need a true PG, but IMO they become a much better team as their level of PG efficiency rises.
A senior point guard coming out of a good college program would have all these attributes. He doesn't have to be athletic. He would be available in the 2nd round.
want to know why we need a true PG? because steve isnt one first of all. Secondly all these former championship years the winning team has a solid PG running the offense. We need someone to set up the offense efficiently, cut down on turnovers, not dribble senselessly, get the ball to yao, break presses, etc etc. Steve struggles in these categories and thats why we need a true PG
I want to know one thing: Based on exactly what do you guys think Steve will improve? Do you think the system will change? Do you think we'll bring Yao outside more often? I guarantee you, JVG and Ewing will not do this. For Steve Francis to fit into this system, he has to have a great mid-range game and good long-range shooting. Regardless of anything you say, these 2 things are probably the 2 weakest parts of his offense during his career. Offensive rebounding, driving, dunking, short jumpers, etc etc.... He's good at those things, but he's been decent from 3-pt range, while his mid-range game has been average AT BEST. Driving to the basket has become less necessary. In fact, Mobley and JJ can do it enough for the entire team. Why not get someone who's strengths are his mid range and long range game? It's just not smart to force Steve Francis to become something that he's not. It will take time and the team will lose some games because of it. Steve Francis isn't in a slump. There is absolutely NO SUCH THING as a 60 game slump. He either doesn't want to play well or can't play well. Pick your poison. Either way, Steve Francis will never be as important to this team as he was, he's not really good at anything this team needs.
You know what, it's pointless discussing anything relating to steve with you people b/c you are so eager to ship him out so I'll just let it go. I hope he doesn't get traded b/c that would be a grave mistake. The Rockets have a history of bringing guys in that are effective on other teams but struggle and suck when they come here (EX: Shanden Anderson, Scottie Pippen, Pike, Mo Taylor). The same will happen if/when they trade steve. He will go elsewhere and thrive and we'll be forced to read all the "why did we trade Steve" threads. I love the Rockets and always will, but I guess I will have a second team to route for if/when he gets dealt.
The question is which championship team doesn't have a True point guard. Spurs has Tony Parker, a True point guard. Lakers has Fisher, a True point guard who took place of Van Excel, a great athletic player but not a role player.
They also make very little money in comparison to the other guys on the team. Pacers are "getting by" with Jamal Tinsley who is making under a million a year. The rest of the money they save on the point guard position is allocated to Ron Artest and Al Harrington. There should be exceptions like Bibby and Steve Nash who are very important pieces of their respective team's perimeter offense. However, I think someone like Blake Stepp from Gonzaga could come to the Rockets and elevate this team to the next level especially if the extra Steve Francis money is spent on a good small forward and another competent point guard.
OFCOURSE he's flourish elsewhere, that's EXACTLY what we're trying to tell you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How many teams have anything LIKE Yao Ming? Other than Yao, Shaq, and Duncan there are NO teams that have similar post presence. The idea is that Steve Francis is struggling because Yao Ming is in the post all the time, so he can't drive to the basket (the CORE of his game). But when you have Dirk Nowitzki or Jason frikkin Collier playing C, Francis will flourish having a clear path to the basket all day. Why can't you acknowledge that Steve Francis is struggling because of Yao Ming and the only way he'll go back to before is if he transforms his game or we make Ming get further from the basket?
strange thing when they mke mistakes. .it is never their fault it is that someone wasn't where they suppose to be If Stockton threw it away . . Russel or Shanderson didn't run the offense right and were not where they were suppose to be Francis doesn't get this free check Rocket River
Well, I remember watching Lucas, Cassell or Smith. I also remember watching Kim Perrot (Comets PG)... When they made mistakes, I could forgive them because the crucial mistakes didn't happen very often. I used to think to myself regarding Sam, John, Kenny and Kim, "These players know how to play the game the right way. I don't have to yell at them (TV) for making *that* mistake because they know what they did wrong and how to correct it." Today, I think (or yell out loud; TV), "Damn! Another turnover?! That's the 3rd one in 3 minutes! What? A foul!?!?! You got to be kidding me!? Francis, you goof-ball! You turn the ball over, then you go and foul the guy for an "and 1 foul! Way to compound the mistake! Will the sloppy-ball ever end?" P.S. Half the game I spend shaking my head in disbelief.
