Most Rudy bashers were convinced that Rudy's staff could not comprehend a running offense. Apparently, they could. Using a mild case of myopia, and admittedly based on limited evidience, it appears that Hakeem in the offense may have slowed it down, or at least having 2 elders on the floor at once. Thus, the question is...do you still think Rudy's staff is so bad? (apologies to all for providing a forum for rehashing, but we now have new data to work with ) They apparently did get this team ready to run, and ready to play some defense also (which is what often distinguishes the excellent coaches). The one salient question was if, when, and how do you take the ball out of your franchise's hands...a franchise who has shown some indications this season of earlier greatness. Someone who still impacts all aspects of the game...and is still a presence in the lane. If you answer 'first game', who would you have given the ball to? (If you say Stevie, pls. recall his turnover nbrs). Or maybe the questions was when to not put your 2 top-50's on the court at once. Another tough decision (unless you get the luxury of answering it using hindsight). Moving forward, how about Charles and the Dream alternating time on the floor. Apparently, 1 experinced elder on the floor won't impede the running offense, and may provide the leadership (and great outlet passes) to actually help it. Anyway, someone has to stay back on D, right?
Dream is and will always be my favorite player of all time. However, the problem doesn't have anything to do with Charles. Sir Charles has no problem running the floor. It has become increasingly apparent that Dream doesn't run the floor well. Think about it. When is the last time you saw Dream on a fast break. he used to be there to slam home any missed shots on the break. He just doesn't do the running game. At least not this year. In fact on several occassions I've seen him try to slow Francis down coming down the court. Cato fits in with this team a little better and I personally wouldn't mind seeing him take over the starting spot and bringing Dream in off the bench.(did I just say that?) when he returns. But really, I agree with your assesment, except that the reference that two elders in at the same time isn't working. I believe that when Barkley isn't in there Dream still doesn't run the floor well and we need everyone who's out there running and gunning.
This is cool. I just posted on the subject of maybe Chuck and Dream not playing at the same time - therefore opening up the lane a little for our runners. No, I don't think Rudy and his staff are bad. I had and still kinda do have a problem with the substitutions and who plays with who but I'm probably the one who is wrong. I think for us to do anything this year, we need Dream. Yes, he needs to adjust and let Stevie be the #1 option. I think he has adjusted his game somewhat on offense. My only hope is that he can get down the floor faster. It's rather difficult isn't it? We need Stevie and we need Dream - somehow they have to mesh. Maybe Cato should be playing with Chuck so there will only be one post up player but we will, chuckle, have some defense to make up for Chuck's lack thereof. If Cato can take the heavy minutes, he could be in with Dream too - again just one post up player. My question will still be can Dream get down the court, as yall have already said. If not, I guess Rudy is doing all he can do, split the game into more than one kind of offense. I'D MUCH RATHER SEE DREAM ADJUST AND BE EFFECTIVE IN OTHER WAYS!
I've watched a few games now, and for all of Hakeem's training, he just does not have the steam to run back and forth the whole game. He does good usually during the first half, but gets too tired and doesn't hussle back. We should alternate Hakeem and Charles definetly. I still think Carlos Rogers has some worth, he's athletic at least. Maybe alternating Cato and Rogers with Hakeem and Charles would help? ------------------ "Not NOW, Cato!!!" -Kevin Calabro, Sonics Commentator
Not only did Rudy show his "loyalty" colors but refusing to trade the ageing Dream, but he is scared to make Dream change his game. It's one thing to not trade him, but to make our whole team conform to Dream's style is ridiculous. Who knows maybe Dream just won't listen to Rudy about how to play differently? To that I say, bench him. There is no I in team Dream. Dream's Team has now become a Team with Dream. Figure it out Hakeem. When was the last time Dream set up on the high post and tried set someone else up. All he does is hibernate on the low post and call for the ball. Step up or step out Hakeem. If you aren't part of the future, you are part of the past. I'd much rather lose trying to run than consistently lose with the "old" system.
After the Dream comes back from this injury, can't we atleast give him the option of showing us what he can or can't do? He won't be satisfied with mediocrity. Even though Rudy is loyal, he is not blind and wants to win as much as anyone. The hot hand should get the most shots and Steve should deliver it.
This addresses an important point the team has reached, a mid point in transitions between team style and approach. It is apparent Francis, Anderson, Cato, Cattino ARE the Rockets of not just the future, but right now if we're going to get going. No doubt. Barkley is the anchor to this group when things get shaky. I don't think Hakeem and Barkley belong on the floor at the same time any more. IMO Hakeem should start, ( upon his return), with Barkley off the bench. Why ? Even though I believe the time is ALREADY here for Cato to start finishing games, ( Hakeem is showing signs of being winded, and unable to play at the top of his defensive game after three quarters),Barkley will be stronger off the bench as a second wave offensive threat, plus his excellent passing makes Drew a much better player, i.e, the spot up 3 shot. In addition, Williams should be benched to second team, and he too will definately score with more regularity becuase of Barkleys passing and rebounding/pass outs. All that said, Barkley has to start now, until Hakeem returns.
JSC All good points. Since Dream and Barkley work from the same block offensively, sharing the court at the same time reduces the offensive options. With Charles coming from the bench, how about Kenny T starting at the 4? Or Carlos? A little more speed than Tony.
I believe Dream will adjust--once the Rockets start to win with the new system. Olajuwon has complained this year about the running game, that it be a controlled one. If Francis continues to improve, and the Rockets begin to win consistently, Dream will acquiese. I don't think that once he is healthy he will be content to come off the bench. Nor should he as he has shown he still has game. But he will have to adapt to Francis' game. But I believe it will happen.
