Hakeem is no longer a fit in the Rocket's system- He was trying to tell us this all last season. The Rockets system has completely changed- the offense no longer runs through the post with an inside outside game that emphasizes spacing in the half court. We now are a transition running team that runs everything through Stevie and Cat. Rudy wants a center that can run and score in transition. Rebound start the break and fill in transition. Or a center that can step out from the basket and be effective to the 3 point line. Our half court offense relies on isolation with our guards and spacing that gives them crease to drive the lane, or take their man of off the dribble. Hakeem is an intelligent player who saw that at this time his skills do not work for this system. I believe Hakeem wants a change to create more of a half court low post game that gives him touches with single coverage. He knows he can still get his shot off against most single coverage when he is healthy. Rudy is not going back to the style we played before Stevie and Cat. He wants players who can fly down the court in transition, take their man off the dribble or who can paly in transition, work hard underneath for second chance points and put backs. That does not sound like Hakeem I think both sides are right. Hakeem needs a team who will dump him the ball in single coverage and has enough good players to leave him with single coverage. He cannot beat the double team consistantly any more. Rudy wants a system that exploits Steve, Cat and the other younger players who can run. So lets let everyone go in peace and find the best situation. Hakeem would never be happy in a system that asked him to clear out set screens and step out and shoot the 3. Rudy can't handcuff his guards so that we can slow down to a halfcourt low post game. Stale-mate: Wish Hakeem well! ------------------
