Thanks to Rafer we just lost another winnable game. He is definitely a shoot first pass 2nd guard. There is no doubt about that and I am very disappointed in his performance.
Another stellar shooting night by our starting PG, who is last in FG% among starting PGs. Thanks for the loss, Alston. Tell me how a starting PG misses 13 shots out of 17 shots tonight and still considered average.
I think it should be noted that L.Ridnour has been benched recently by the Sonics in favor of Watson. Ridnour is a classic PG who can shoot (47%FG and 40% 3pt) and distribute (6 assists a game), and would come cheap. Maybe use our TE or a first rounder and Sura's expiring contract. I used to love Alston... but in this offense he just shouldn't be starting.
Mike James is passing more than Rafer Alston, he is shooting less than Alston as well. And yet ppl keep saying Rafer is a pass first PG.
his missed layups did not upset me at least they are shots where he drove but that last 3 when we clearly did not need one with over 22 seconds left on the shot clock, not set, hand in his face. i am officially off of the rafer isnt too bad bandwagon. i cant wait to get kirk snyder back to have rafer sit more. the team made its run with lucas and luther. that lineup is just too small to be out there for too long, snyder will add much needed size and defense.
T-Mac going 12-29 is understandable, but Skip going 4-17!!?? Skip, I can't have your back forever, you're continuing to give the haters a real reason to bash you everyday, step the s**t up. NOW!!!!!!!
Even in the after game talk, Bill and Bull both pretty much implied that Rafer might need to get much less time. I would rather have him on the bench myself.
I got to give to Rafer man, he's stinks! 4 of 17 on the floor with 3 assist of 31 min. of playing time. I would start JLIII against the Fakers! GO ROCKETS!I forgot, black sunday!
Rafer's last 7 games from inside the arc: 1-4, 3-9, 3-11, 5-12, 1-8, 3-13. Totals up to 19-68 which is 28%. I'm very close to saying he should come off the bench. I'm not there yet because either Luther or JL3 starting at PG is not attractive. But Rafer is playing like he belongs in the NBDL. There is no way in the world he should have been allowed to take 17 shots today. The bad thing is he started 4-5 and threw that in the garbage by finishing 0-12. I guarantee you we will have a new starting PG before the season is over and he isn't currently on the roster. No idea who it will be, just a feeling something is going to happen. It HAS to happen.
So lets diagnose: Rafer plays consistently through 3 1/2 quarters, Rockets trail. Rafer gets benched, Rockets immediately make a run and send it into overtime. Then, inexplicably, Rafer is inserted BACK INTO THE GAME, and, with 24 left on the shotclock and a minute to go, jacks up a wild three and misses. Next possession Mike James (adding insult to injury) gets an easy layup and foul. GAME OVER. I would blame Van Gundy more than Rafer in this case, though. Rafer is Rafer, and Van Gundy is trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.
RAFER SUCKS!!! RAFER SUCKS!!! RAFER SUCKS!!! RAFER SUCKS!!! Anyone who has ever said he would be good... and the getting Alston was a good pick up does not know basketball. This guy is a JOKE and is NOT an NBA player under any definition! He and Van Dummy cost us the game. NO reason whatsoever to have Rafer Awful in the game.
Let me give you a heads up here: Rafer will eventually have a decent game, as he's prone to do every 10 or 12 games or so, and the Skip apologists will respond to you then. All of you who are responding now will be labeled "reactionary" to the loss. Had we won the game, you would be accused of just always having to complain about something. Point being: There is never a good time to get upset about Rafer ... all this negativity is just in your head. We will be fine, don't you know. If it took this game to motivate the Rockets to get PG help, then I've lost all faith in management... but considering they tried desperately to get Rafer's replacement in the offseason, I'm sure they're keeping their ears to the ground.
i broke my wall when i saw jvg put rafer in late in the game, i then proceeded to break another wall when rafer shot the ball. i then cried when we lost... TRADE RAFER ALSTON- CAUSE HE OFFICIALLY SUCKS!!!! HE CANT SHOOT, HE CANT PASS, HE CANT GUARD, HE CANT EVEN ****ING SKIP....
