After reflecting on this trade, I developed a concern. A lineup of the following: Alston Anderson TMac Swift Yao would have 4 guys that are run and gun and then one plodder (Yao). Does anyone else think we have developed a team that doesn't support Yao's game? We have seen how ineffective Yao can be in an uptempo game (past games against the Suns and Kings come to mind). I like our talent level, but I am having second thoughts as to whether this team fits well together.
I know, it's crazy... I think it only took them like 3 hours longer than us. That HAS to be a record.
While I DO agree with you that a healthy Sura might be as good as Alston,...I do think we could know for sure because Houston NEVER had a healthy Sura. The guy is tough and a battler and I love him, but he played through injuries pretty much all of last season.
Good point. Should we start the "Trade Yao for Amare" thread now? Just kidding. But you're kinda right. I think the hope is that we'll have a good run and gun team, and we'll be a team that changes pace well. Look at the Spurs last year, they switched back and forth, sometimes running the floor, sometimes playing great half-court offense. If we can be one of THOSE teams, then that would be just another thing that sets us above the rest.
Interesting thought, but I must say I think it'll work out okay. First, Swift can hit jumpers, so he can play a little halfcourt. Secondly, all three of the other guys in the starting lineup have either spent time at point (Alston & DA) or could do it if they wanted to (T-Mac). Our passing should be so good that Yao should get the ball in the right places regardless.
Great move. The Rockets landed one of the better "pure" point guards in the league for a dime-a-dozen reserve combo guard. Mike James will be missed, sure, but the Rockets *desperately* needed a veteran ballhandler and playmaker to complement and blend the immense talents of TMac and Yao. Alston has question marks, but he came cheap, has the requisite skills to run a quality NBA offense, and has proven to be a solid citizen in winning environments. He's not perfect, but his skill set could make the Rockets one of the most exciting teams in the league. He is worth the relatively small risk, especially with Sura's future in serious doubt.
I was initially concerned about this trade, due to the loss of James' defense. But, upon reading this thread, I think we traded players of roughly equal ability, but got one that will fit our team better. I have no concern about Rafer's attitude due to the Van Gundy connection. The most informative part of this thread was the above quote. Once a smart ballplayer (annointed by a Van Gundy, no less) always a smart ballplayer. So many times when Yao does establish position in the paint he doesn't get the ball. Let's hope this is the beginning of the end to that.
Good point, but I think its only a problem if JVG pushes an uptempo game like Phoenix last year. They'll probably wind up running if the opportunity is there, but if not, then they have a real good halfcourt game with TMac and Yao.
solid pts, but I've seen that Yao can play a hybrid half-court/up tempo game. 20/20 last year in Phoenix, on a bigtime road trip, is hard to forget.
Are you sure about the currency? I wished you were right because I have a lot of US dollars I wish I exchanged for canadian dollars.
I don't see why they don't fit well with Yao. Sure they can all run, but that just means they get up the court with less time wasted from the shot clock. If there's a transistion opportunity, they'll take it, if not, Yao will make it up the court and get his opportunity, but it's not like the rest of the team is going to have to wait 5+ seconds just to get Yao into the mix. The biggest thing Yao needs from his teammates are guys who can knock down open shots. On d, he needs guys that can stay in front of their man and contest jumpers.
Somehow, I see JVG starting Wesley and use Anderson off the bench with Mutumto, Barry, etc. I see more use of DA as an offensive threat off the bench. Howard would fit there really well. As for the run and gun offense. That'd be great as long as Yao knows that he doesn't have to run the full court as hard when the numbers are good, although I doubt JVG would take him slacking down the court when it's a 4-2 fastbreak. Anyways, with Swift able to play thye 5 at times and Mutumbo giving 10-15 minutes, I see Yao as more of a dominant center when on the court. He knows he can be more aggressive.
I use to watch the Raptors games on NBATV just cuz of Rafer, that dude used to play street ball. T Mac, Alston, and swift. Man, the rockets are going to be a 48 minutes highlight reel every game.
So when will Alston be reporting? Is going to fly here by tonight? or did he know of the trade ahead of time and he's already here for TC?
Now the guy who announces at games is going to bug you guys even more like that dude at And One games. "OOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHH, SKIP,SKIP,SIP,SIP, OOOOOOHHHHHHHH"
Well, hopefully those four will run opportunistically and get some easy baskets. Ideally, they'll finish off a fast break before Yao runs the full court. Yao's still a pretty good trailer if they can't. Yao might be able to conserve some energy by not running out to the 3-point line to set picks or fighting for position down low unnecessarily. With Rafer Alston, McGrady, Swift, and Anderson (if he's still athletic) I foresee many alley-oop dunks in the future
James is screwed; it is like being sent to the French Foreign Legend, the end of the earth. I bet he is wondering what he did to deserve this. If the new guy is a true pg, wow, that could be really interesting. Has Ming ever gotten a timely entry pass? I can't remember one.
