Last year, we were a smart team with fantastic chemistry but not enough talent. This summer, we've signed a talented but dumb player in Swift, and we may soon sign a talented but sulky player in Anderson. Normally, I would worry a lot about the flaws in these two guys. But I'm counting on McGrady to make a big difference. McGrady is the Jordan of this team. Not in the sense of matching MJ's feats -- nobody should expect that -- but in the sense of leading by example and force of personality. We've all seen him get in a guy's face when he's not doing the right thing, or when he's down on himself. Nobody likes to take that treatment from a teammate. But when your teammate proves every night that you're the luckiest SOB in the league to be on his team, you take it. You listen, and you shape up, or else. Because you know it's his team, not yours. Swift will do dumb things now and then. Count on it. Anderson, if we get him, will sulk. But McGrady will ride herd, and they'll do what he says, or they'll be gone.
I loved -- LOVED -- T-Mac getting in Yao's face on the bench during the Dallas series. That showed me that this T-Mac knows it's his team and he's not afraid to act accordingly. I knew we were getting an athletic freak when we got T-Mac; I had no idea we were getting a leader as well. You can tell by the comments he made about Swift that he's going to be on Swift to live up to the potential. Between JVG and T-Mac, people will have to play hard and play smart, or, as Will says, they're gone (or out of the rotation). (Mo T, anyone?) Remember -- T-Mac was still feeling out his role on this team for almost a third of the year. With him being the unquestioned leader of the team from Day One of training camp, things can only be better in terms of chemistry and cohesiveness. Can't wait for the season.
Very good assessment- Stromile= Cato + speed and quickness (and a 15' shot) Anderson= JJ - couple years I don't expect Stro' or DA to make a big impact, just a necessary complimentary impact. The impact will measure to the degree they compliment the TEAM especially TMac. Yao can play with or without touches, but this team cannot succeed if TMac is frozen out.
Uh... How do you know Swift is a dumb player? And will do dumb things now and then? Do you know him personally? Did you follow/watch Memphis games? Why do people even talk like they know a player...
That will be there greatest contribution and why they could be the difference maker, IMO. Now Stro and DA can let TMac and Yao concentrate on playing their own game rather than covering for everybody else's shortcomings.
Terrific Post, excellent insight. Also evidence of the vast difference between franchise player TMc and Stevie Franchise.
As for sulking and dumb play, much of that is influenced by the situation. The recent-vintage Grizzlies, while they have had excellent coaches, were not what I would consider a very smart team. Jason Williams is dumber than a box of hammers, for example. As for Armstrong sulking, how could anyone in his right mind NOT sulk when he finds himself on a roster full of bozos like that one? The Rockets as a team are smart and happy. Hopefully, they'll be a positive influence to any of the new guys.
This is a mix of T-mac reminding everyone of what he does. It hasn't been posted on this site yet. I think it's one of the better ones I've seen of his. http://s41.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=2W1ZV0ZQKDF8M3PL9COH3CHP6T
Don't forget McGrady's last words of the season (after game 7). The guy has determination. Just like Jordan, he knows he can't do it alone, but what he CAN do is make sure his team plays to win. I don't think Stro has ever been around anyone like that. Just maybe this is what he needs to realize some of his potential. As for DA, if he sours the team chemistry, I doubt he will be tolerated.
http://www.courier-journal.com/localnews/2001/09/16/ke091601s71379.htm This is a link to a story about Derek Anderson and his mother who left him when he was 12 because of her crack additction. Derek Anderson being the great man that he is went out and found his mother after he got into the NBA and instead of leaving her, he moved her in with him and got her help. An incredible act of forgiveness. You better hope that some of the resolve this man has shown in life rubs off on the guy who quit on his team because he couldn't take the losing. T-Mac is the one who should be taking notes if these two end up playing together.
good article but t-mac has resolve too i am going to find the link from the minneapolis article about how t-mac has lost a close friend or relative every year since he entered the league up until last year i believe. the guy has been through a lot to dont get me wrong i think it was bad for him to quit on the team last year but they werent going anywhere, the main thing is that he never quit on the rockets and thats all that matters to me
