With two days to practice, Oakley should see more playing time. I was hoping he would play some against the Minnesota to spell some time for the front line. I hope he can play some against LA to battle Malone.
Is Charles Oakley more of an asset than Alton Ford? He barely played, had the same 10 day contract deal, and we only signed him because we needed the bodies, right? Or do you think it was more for his "veteren leadership" or as a mouthpiece, whatever that means.
Out of all the Rockets plays Ive seen this year Charles Oakley's FOULS have got to be some of the best. I knew about his reputation and as soon as he stepped in the game my fraternity brothers and I were already half heartedly joking about Oak leveling out one of the Portland Trailblazers and sure enough BAM! right into Randolph then a minute later WHAM! Mighty Mouse was Mighty flat on his back. We all began jumping up and going nuts. I think this team could benefits from Oak's UFC type fouls. Personally I love it when he checks in. Its almost like a hockey game without all the stupid skating.
Oakley's nothing more than a bitter old man, withering away his final NBA days in a Rockets jersey. He's useless, and can't do anything more than commit some dirty fouls on the opposing team's star player. In other words, he is a piece of garbage.
Hey, I kinda agree. The refs were REALLY p!ssing me off during that Portland game. Then when he came in I knew he was gonna take care of some business. And he got our point across. He earned his 10-day contract with those 2 fouls. I just hope he keeps earning his contracts.
I hated Oakley before he was a Rocket. Now I find myself screaming at JVG to put him in (through my TV set in Austin) whenever I see them fouling Yao. I think I get some kind of vicarious thrill to see Oakley pound the Rockets opponents with flagrant fouls. I think I was raised wrong. It feels good to get this off my chest.
At least he has been quiet after making several statements last week. It wouldnt bother me if he just sits on bench. I have never hated one of our guys till now. On a side note i am trying to recall a player of a playoff team a while back that was around specifically to committ thug fouls. Its not much to go on but he was a white PF/C and i think he was supposed to get Rodman or maby Shaq rattled even though it never happened. I want to say he played for the Sonics but i dont think thats it. If anyone can think of who he is gets my respect for obsure NBA knoledge.
I know this isn't who you are thinking of, but what about Kevin Willis? You cant tell me he wasn't an enforcer.... he could push shaq around with ease and look good doing it. We need an enforcer like the Oak.
hopefully Cato will be fit soon, and then we can let Oak go after this second 10 day contract.... hopefully between now and then Oak can speak to the media a few more times and rip shreds off the team, organisation and town... his output has been very disappointing
You guys really don't think Oak brings some much needed toughness to the team. He's not about a bunch of bs ... Not about "the show." His purpose is more towards establishing the team personality. The Rox do have skilled players, but their identity is what JVG is trying to influence. I'm not sure what's up with all the hating ... Especially for a player that's a part of the family now. I think he can seriously add a lot to this team, even if only as more a player coach. Just his locker room presence will keep the ego's in check and give this team some much needed edge ... especially in the PO's. The guy called out VCarter up in Toronto and labled him as a prima donna who wasn't leading the team like he should. VC's mom had to come his defense ... What professional in any arena has his Mom stand up for him? Surely no leader with any cajones. Anyway, let Oak prove his worth to you, guys. Put aside any biases you've formed through the years, and encourage him until his gives you real reason to lose your support. Just my 2 pennies. Go, Rockets!
it is all fun and games until some retaliates by pulling a OAKLEY on Yao . . . . then what do you say? Rocket River
uh...news fLASH...Oak is here for the playoffs...that's why they signed him....he's one of the very few on this team with any playoff experiance...and in a 7 game series, those hard fouls in the first 2 games start to take a toll in the third game... Whether you like the guy or not, he is a bruiser, and unfortunately, that is now a part of life in the NBA. WE did not have an enforcer, so JVG went and got one of the best. Hmmm..... you don't suppose.......that this possibly....could have been done......because...... OF FREAKIN KARL MALONE??????????????? gee...think i'll just sit here and wait for the Lakers series..... it's all about match-ups.....
RikQuick is exactly right... Why do you think you added Jim Jackson, Marc Jackson, Weatherspoon and Oakley??? They all have playoff experience and most know what JVG wants... Also other reasons, like maybe M.Jackson is here to help Francis become a better PG... Jackson was a need no doubt about it a good shooter, passer, defender and just plays hard... Weatherspoon as well as Oakley because our PF"s are weak... They are big Mo at 6'9/260 and Cato 6'11/260 but neither have that big man mentality or are just not physical enough... Weatherspoon and Oakley are though... Everyone of the new players were brought in to help the young superstars get to the playoffs and possibly make some noise... Reality is Marc Jackson and Oakley are probably only going to be here for this season unless they want to stay with the Rockets as a role player...
I've hated Oakley for a decade now. I'm not stopping now. The last time the Rockets signed one of my NBA mortal enemies was when they picked up Scottie Pippen. Back then, I told myself, "He's part of the family now, you must find a way to like him." As it turned out though, the initial hating had been earned and he was able to earn it again within the year. This time, I'm not bothering. Oakley is a thug and a black mark on the league. I resent that he's in the league at all, and it's doubly painful that he's on my own team. Even if he's successful, even if he brings value to the team, I cannot root for him because he does things the wrong way. The sooner he's gone, the happier I'll be.
It won't happen. They may retaliate by pushing HIM around (they'll fail), but they won't go to Yao because they WILL get tossed. If Oakley gets tossed, big deal, the other player was probably more integral to the other team's system anyway. This is how the good teams manipulate the refereeing.
