Before he came on board, we couldn't win. After he went down, we can't win. Of course, things are more complicated than that, but the fact can't be denied. So far, we haven't shown we can win without Sura. Even without looking at the scoreboard, the team just looks and feels better with Sura in there. So, here is a question some people probably wouldn't dare to ask: "Is Sura now one of our franchise players?" Is he like Jason Kidd to the Nets and Steve Nash to the Suns? Of course, Sura's not as nearly a good passer as Kidd and Nash, but the fact that with him on the court, everyone's more confident, the ball movement is better and there is more spirit in the team, suggests that maybe he is just as important to our team as those two to their teams. BTW, if this is indeed the case, it will be kind of sad. Our core players should include the youthful Yao and TMac, and everyone else is replacable veterens. Sura isn't young anymore, and he might meet the fate of Jimmy Jackson in the future. TMac and Yao need to show they can win without a warrior tough guy like Sura. They need to be warrior tough guys themselves. I don't think Sura is one of our franchise players. However, his performance is making me to think deeper before making a conclusion.
To me, Sura's more like a Mario Elie (but scores and handles the ball more). He's the scrappy player who brings a toughness and swagger to the team. Just like we needed a Mario Elie when we had franchise players in Hakeem and Clyde, we need Bob Sura now. So I wouldn't say he's a franchise player as much as a very, very important role player. Kind of a Junk Yard Dog 2005.
When you say someone is a franchise player, that connotes you can build a team around the strengths and abilities of this player. Sura doesn't fit that description. However, a lot of teams have players that are considered the 'heart and soul' of the team because of their attitude or their contributions to team chemistry, rather than the importance of their skills. Alvin Williams for the Raptors at one point was that, for example. I don't know if I'd say Sura is that for the Rox, but he's the closest thing we have to someone like that. I agree that I want Yao and T-Mac to be able to put the team on their shoulders and win, regardless of whether or not we have guys like Sura on the floor. T-Mac has shown that. I believe we'll see more of that from Yao.
Sura is 33 in March, with bad knees and a bad back. He better not be someone the Rockets are counting on...
No. What's UP with these Sura talk. Man, do I still remeber the Knicks game? He was running the point like a chicken without head. We lose some toughness with him being out, but by no means he was our offense focus, we still live or die with Tmac and Yao. Both of super stars didnt do well enough for us to win in the past 3 games. So please hang up this Sura being so important. I just got a feeling that we wont be a different team if we dont turn the corner after returns.
Bah, I stand by the spark plugs metaphor. Cars won't run without spark plugs either. Spark plugs ignite the fuel-air mixture (1+11) that powers the engine (111+rox).
I would compare him to Darrell Armstrong. Armstrong was not a franchise player, but for some reason, as soon as the Magic traded him away they went from a playoff team to the worst team in the league. Point guards like Armstrong and Sura seem to be the type that Mcgrady likes to play next to. Relentless guards that are always causing havoc and are constantly in attack mode. You would think that neither player would blend well with Mcgrady since they both can't shoot and they both need the ball in their hands, but for some reason Mcgrady has more success with those type of guards.
You know, I like the idea of a line-up with both Sura and James in the backcourt. James / Sura/ Mooch Sura /Wesley Tmac /Barry Howard / Padgett/ Spoon Yao /Deke That's much stronger than Sura and Wesley, I think. James had a nice first game. Both of them should be even better.
I think the difference Sura makes on this team speaks more about the other players than it does Sura. Bottom line, the rest of this team needs to toughen up if they want to be champions in the future. It takes more than talent.
Obviously not a franchise player. But a key role player at a key position. No matter the team, you simply cannot win without a solid contribution (this doesn't necc mean scoring) at the point. Evan
I kind of agree. With James in there, Wesley becomes expendable. Wesley's strength is his 3 pointers and defense. He is usually put on the opposing point guards and shut him down, while Sura can guard the opposing shooting guard, using his height. Now, James can be the true point guard, while Sura can be the 2 guard. Wesley is older than both Sura and James, so losing him in the future won't hurt that much.
I think we should stop jumping to conclusions. James has played 1 game with us, and it'll take more than a game to dictate what kinda player he's gonna be in JVG's system. Go Rockets!
I like all of our guards. The question for me is not who should start with whom, but whether we bring back guys like Barry who's contract is up at the end of the year.
