MJ did have fire... But you could also see the fire going down before Phil. MJ was so frustrated that he started not to trust any of his teammates. But what feel did was turn that negative frustration into a positive team attitude. The only comparison that I am making about T_Mac to MJ or Hakeem is his attitude to adjust his game to win. When he was in Orlando he was putting shots up lat least 30 shots a game. He comes to Houston and now he averaging about 15 to 18 shots, basically he is doing what Van Gundy is asking him to do and a leader does what it takes to win. Even taking one for the team or changing his game to win. T_Man
But those efforts are just spurts. The rest of the time they are flat footed while the Pistons race to rebounds, they seem more intent on just running the plays that are called, and not doing what it takes to win. They aren't moving their feet on defense, and don't seem to want to compete 100% of the time. Sure there are moments when their instincts take over and we see bursts of effort. Sometimes our roleplayers do play with energy a lot, but it doesn't come from the team's supposed leaders who are capable of taking over the game. Of course Tmac doesn't want to lose, I don't think anyone does. But he has to want it enough to take over games.
Playing basketball at the YMCA with your mates -- that's a game which is fun (except for that jerk who thinks every game is for a ring). Making mega millions to play basketball in the NBA -- that's a freaking job. Guess what? It's time these guys put on a game face and went to work. J-O-B. What part of that don't these guys understand? Classic example of this attitude is Yao's quote on liking Rudy's gold-star (red flag, whatever) reward system. Note to Yao, et al. : You get paid lots of dough to leave it on the floor. The only thing you're leaving on the floor now is a big sloppy turd.
If they can't rely on Van Grumpy, then it's up to the team's leaders to motivate the team. Would Yao and T-Mac please stand up?
Said it before, I'll say it again. If you're looking for fire from T-Mac, you'll be looking a looooong time. He was the leader of a team that lost 19 straight games! This is not to bash T-Mac per se -- that *was* a terrible squad -- but do you honestly think Kobe would allow a losing streak to reach that magnitude? Or Francis for that matter? T-Mac is an amazing talent but he's no leader.
As much as the players make money, you can't change the fact that basketball is a game. If the players are enjoying themselves on the court, they will put more effort on the floor which in turn will produce a better product. Put any employee in a role in which he is miserable, and productivity will suffer. That's management 101.
Yeah i completely agree with you. I was at the game and it just looked from the very beginning that they had no energy. We have several players on this team that have been on losing teams (including our best player in T-Mac). I hope they havn't given up on the season already because if they have its going to get even worse than tonight.
we have been infected with a losing mentality. it is partially the weak minds of the players we have, and partially JVG for not inspiring them.
You hear from athletes, coaches, management, analysts....sooo many times... yeah their mega stars and they do get paid to do this buuuut.... the moment the games stops being fun, the moment it feels just like "work," is the moment the players lose their passion, their energy and their drive to win... and when that happens... the team is definitely screwed. This team is f***in' screwed.
I haven't been to a game in Houston since '02-'03, not that it makes a big deal (I've seen them in New Orleans and ATL), but I have a question regarding recent home games. Obviously the team has been booed, but has there been any "Fire JVG" chants, similar to the "Fire Chaney" in NY a couple years ago? If not, I think the official chant should be "Fire Grumpy." Hell, copyright it and have a picture of a grumpy Gundy on a posterboard that would look like when the people in North Korea go around with pictures of their dictator. Yeah, I really need sleep. EDIT: Oh, I'm a ****ing genius; just read the other thread.
I take this as a sign that this cast of characters has given up on thier coach (JVG) and themselves. They simply don't believe in whatever he's trying to do. I can see from the numerous venomous posts here that Rockets' fans also don't believe in him and his methods. What's REALLY bad is that folks are counting on CD & Uncle Les to make the necessary moves to right this ship and from where I sit, that's just not in the cards give their track record for the past 10 years. This season is gonna be one long bumpy ride...
even as professionals you have to enjoy your job or your performance is negatively affected.... that is a fact shown in mountains of evidence i mean i am leaving my current job cause i wasn't enjoying it anymore
