Over the past few days everyone has been going on and on about Theo Ratliff, but I just don't get it. What is so appealing about his game? He's only shooting 38% and has only played in 7 games. He hasn't played in a game in just over 2 weeks because he's been injured. It also appears that he is foul prone. The only thing I can see is that he is decent defender. What gives? ------------------ There is no offense without a good defense.
Ratliff's only played in 7 games this year, so that 38% shooting is an aberration. In his previous 4 seasons, he averaged 55.7%, 53.1%, 51.3%, and 47% from the field. His blocks per game are impressive for the past 3 years (3.15, 2.98, and 2.57). The more I look at him, he's a lot like Kelvin Cato when it comes to the stats. He seems to be better offensively, though. Not sure what you'd do with a team with both Cato and Ratliff on it. Start Ratliff at PF? Cato's salary doesn't justify him playing just 20-25 mins a game, does it? Can anybody else convince me we NEED Ratliff as opposed to, "It'd be nice if we had him"? ------------------ Rocket fuel pumps through these veins...
Living in an area that features the Sixers games, sports talk shows, and a all philly sports channel (Comcast Philly) Let me say that I have heard nothing. Not even a crumb of evedince to speculate that the Sixers are looking to deal Theo to the Rox. Not saying that its not true, but typically the Comcast channel is all over Sixers rumors.
Theo is a pretty good player but he wont help us. He is not the player that will help to get our record up. We need a player that has good d and can bring offense night in and night out.
Cabbage, no I would not consider Theo a steal. Sure the guy made a decent percentage of his shots in the past, but his lack of playing time due to injuries has led to poor play in the little time he has had this season. IF the Rockets did trade Walt, Drew, Mack and Bullard for Theo I believe we'd be getting screwed royally. Walt isn't the three point threat we assumed he was, but has shown signs of the ability to hit the big shot. IMO he is the type of player that Horry was, but a worse defender. When he gets his feet under him on a shot, he can be deadly. For a player like him, its all in the fundamentals. Drew, what can we say...he likes to shoot. I wouldn't consider him a dime a dozen just yet. I may be in the minority here, but I think with consistent playing time he could turn into a Stockton-like player. If he tried to get his teammates involved more we wouldn't be talking about trading him. I don't mind him shooting the three when the ball is kicked out to him from the post and I like the floater coming down the middle, but he really isn't a motion offense player. He is a spot shooter plain and simple. If he'd lay off the three when running a fast break we wouldn't be trashing him as much. Mack...well he's not on the roster so there isn't much to say. I think the team could benefit from his services, but that is just my opinion. I think his skills suit the kind of offense this roster is capable of playing and he does know the low post offense as well. He played well in Vancouver and had some good minutes here last year. Why a team hasn't signed him yet, I don't know, but I guarantee someone WILL sign him before the season is over. Air Bullard. No defense. Decent spot up shooter, just don't depend on him to help out much on the run. Possible trade? Maybe, but then who is going to shoot the threes with our lineup? Bottom line, the Rockets need shooters...guys that can put the ball in the basket. Theo Ratliff, so far has yet to prove he can do that THIS season. The only other thing I can say is that numerous trades over the past few seasons have destroyed team chemistry and I don't want another injury/foul prone player that isn't going to make a difference on the Rockets roster. Sorry if this sounds harsh, but I am really frustrated with the direction our team is headed. Its going to be a long season. ------------------ There is no offense without a good defense.
Dreamshake: Thanks for the info. The Theo trade talk is fun, but I think its chance of happening is rather slim. I'm curious: What's the general opinion on the guy up there, anyway? He's been injured for a while. Is there anything wrong with him in the long term? [This message has been edited by oakdogg (edited December 14, 1999).] [This message has been edited by oakdogg (edited December 14, 1999).]
Theo is pretty much liked by Philly fans because of two reasons 1. He doesn't miss very much 2. He plays hard every night I also find it hard to believe that Larry Brown, who is a defensive orientated coach, would trade his best defensive player on the roster.
How about gary trent over in dallas? I heard he was on the trading block at one time or that they are trying to move him. He's a decent scorer, draws the double-team, and avg rebounder. Just a thought.
