I admit that much of this is colored by how impressed I am with Tmac. He is just a sensational player. But that just underscores the skill set and chemistry that he and Yao have and should continue to develop, and the vast potential of this team. 1. By the end of next year, the contracts of Boki, Lue, Bowen, Padgett, Mutumbo, JJax and 'Spoon will be up. Our front office needs a Gerry Hunsicker type performance. Will CD and Van Gundy find our Mike Lamb or Brandon Backe? The opportunity will be there. 2. Tmac and Yao are hitting their primes. These are years 3 and 4 for Yao. Time enough to adjust to NBA style of play. Time to average 20/10. 3. In the next 2 years, we'll gaining ground on the rest of the Western Conference. SA will remain top flight. Minny will be on the decline with Cassell and Sprewell getting older. SAC is on a steady decline and is not a legitimate championship threat. Utah is on the rise and is scary. Memphis, Dallas, Phoenix, LA have players, but not enough star power to truly contend. They are all treading water as the Rockets swim ahead. 4. These are years 2 and 3 for Van Gundy. This year, we need to make it to Round 2. Next year, we need to make it to the WCF. If not, it could be time for him to go. In his own words, Van Gundy must prove himself. Les cannot afford to waste prime years of Tmac and Yao's careers. So far, I think he is doing a good job of using Tmac properly. Finally, a question. if it were possible, would you replace Van Gundy with Rudy T, Phillip or Jerry Sloan? I'd pick sloan but I can't help wondering if Rudy would be a good coach for a Tmac/Yao combo (as opposed to the Francis/Mobley regime).
losing mutombo and jjax will hurt us i would definitely replace jvg with jerry or phillip or rudy yao will never average more than 20/10 we need one more third person quality guy to replace jjax, one that can shoot three pointers, and will have a good relationship with tmac and yao offcourt i personally want to keep mo taylor, he looks like he gets along with everyone on the team i want to get rid of weatherspoon, bowen, lue, and pad(just cause hes not contributing) everything else is perfect
As I notice in the last game When Tmac is running the show. . . Yao Fades When Yao is running the show . . .Tmac Fades I think this is OK. I prefer Yao get us started and Tmac take us home [I worry about Yao's energy down the stretch] As long as we have shooters [the thing I been screaming for . .FOR OVER 4 SEASONS] we will be ok Rocket River
I noticed that too. I hope it's just a matter of them still learning how to play off of each other. When Yao has the ball in the post, I'd really like to see some more movement out of T-Mac. He can catch and shoot, and his finishing skills are incredible. With Yao's passing ability, this could be a huge weapon for us and discourage teams from double-teaming Yao.
The first two, absolutely, "in a New York minute." Sloan? Probably, but it would require a little thought.
I would also love to have Sloan. I'll even take Ak47 and Arroyo too just to sweeten the deal for utah.
Phil Jax is the only one I'd be adamantly opposed to. I think we'll pick up our primary point guard next year. Daniels or McInnis will likely be free agents. The big question marks will be the two forward spots. I can see JVG trading for Kurt Thomas as early as this season, but past that, I have no idea.
I believe we'll see the slow but steady improvement from the Rockets this year, and the next. 50 wins should be a reasonable expectation for this season, 55 wins & deep into playoff next year is what most people expected. If the Rockets fail to reach those goals, I don't think JVG will be allowed to stick around. To replace him, you have to go with PJ just because he has done so many times with his two top dogs. Give him two years, the Rockets will be in the final.
I second that whole-heartedly ... I don't want any of that Zen crap in Houston ... I love the Rockets, but he is one of the few people along with Karl Malone that I would consistently boo no matter how well they did in the Rockets organization.
i don't know, envisaging sloan teaching yao and tmac how to play dirty and get away with it sends chills down my spine
yeah since when have we advocated Sloan and his teaching bear-hugging-at-end-of-game tactics? And everything else that goes with that? Apparently, *everyone* really is jumping on the Jazz bandwagon now...geez
Forreal Actually none of Sloans teams have the 5th gear that little bit of EXTRA that shows up in playoffs the Jazz are Ultra efficient The Jazz team u see in January is the Jazz team u see in May when every other Team Kicks it up a notch the jazz DO NOT because they are already at there peek .. . . Sloan will make u a 60 win team but not a championship team Gimmie Phil, Rudy, anyone Sloan does not seem to RALLY the troops come playoff time Rocket River
I've always hated the jazzholes, but have always respected sloan for his ability to get the most out of his players. Utah's playoff failures were because they lost to better teams.
