After watching Alston play a few games last year, I knew. This guy can't shoot. He can drive, but can't finish. He can't defend. Over a year later, same thing. How hard is this for the Rocket's "brain trust" to see. Ray Charles could see this. I don't understand why they are so sold on Alston. Amazingly stupid trade, and they won't admit it or correct it. I agree he is the weakest link in the starting lineup.
I was just looking at the stats on Vspan and Rafer and after seeing that there is no way that I would start Vspan, or give him major minutes. Vspan - 10min .311 fg% .200 3pt fg% 1.06 TO 1.2 ast Rafer - 36min .364 fg% .352 3pt fg% 2.24 TO 5 ast If Span tripled his minutes with those averages 98% of these people would call for JVG to be fired(again) You have got to be joking. That's easily 3-4 turnovers in real minutes, maybe 5 or 6 since he'll be facing starters rather than garbage time players. And Skip is more than respectable from beyond the arc. Maybe he should not attempt a shot inside the arc again.
I don't trust Rafer nor do I have confidence that he can consistently score efficiently and I hope I am wrong when his time comes every game when he is trotted out there and plays 30 minutes. I'd prefer to give VSpan a look and see if he can keep the turnovers down. And if VSpan does turn it over at twice the rate of Rafer, it will just be a tradeoff to the missed shots that Rafer would have clunked up.
I like the guy, and especially when he does good....but not too point gaurds shoot the ball 17 times per game like he has done recently. This team will struggle if he continues to shoot the ball that much. Often, he starts the game off by jacking up a 3, rather than trying to get the offense in flow.
Too small a sample size to make a judgement, but I agree, I would not start him..too risky. But, I would at least get him a little time at the PG spot to see how quickly he improves. DD
I want Rafer to be held accountable and to be pulled when he plays poorly For the T-Wolves game, itt was good that JVG benched Rafter most of the 4th quarter cause he was sucking and Lucas was doing alright. It made sense to put Rafer in on the last play for defense since he's taller and longer... but JVG should have benched Rafer for Lucas in OT
Since when are turnovers just as bad as a missed shot. At least with a missed shot there was an opportunity to score, or grab and offensive rebound for an easy score.
It must have been a glorious realization when the buzzer sounded last night when you figured out you could spend all day today on Spanouis related propaganda. Spanoulis' turnover/minute was among the very highest in the NBA. He barely has 1:1 Assist/TO ration. He was also hideously awful in this department in pre-season. He wasn't that good in this department in the Olympics. I'm sure you have another excuse for his poor performance in this area too, so carry on. But that won't change reality.
Here's a smaller sample Lucas - 8.9min .464 fg % .333 3pt fg% 0.33TO 0.6 ast In a lil less time than Vspan, his numbers are FAR more effective, and that's where Vsapn's minutes went. They both had their time, and Lucas was the one to improve, so as of now Vspan is the garbage time PG.
With a EVEN HALF descent Point guard, tracy on he's current form could Average 43 points a game. due to Rafers bad descision making and TO's, tracy has to over extend he's energy to cleanup Rafers mess. give tracy a Poing guard who could get him the rock in the right spots, he'll lead the league in scoring by a few hectors.
Uh, he has about the same A/TO ratio as Luther, and Bonzi....etc..etc..etc...he has been playing the 2 guard. Sam, just avoid these threads since you are having such a difficult time adding anything useful. DD
The guy had a bad game last night after starting 4/5. It was a pretty lousy game for everyone except for Battier and Juwon really. TMac couldn't seem to hold the ball. You gotta give credit to the Wolves, they played us pretty darn well. Rafer is taking good shots, minus the tear drops hahaha. He's not making, so yes, I definitely think he needs to be taken out when he's that cold. But you'd think startin 4/5 he was going to have a good game. Sucks for him, I am really pullin for the guy.
I agree JL3 has been playing well.......and he deserves an increase in minutes....no doubt....I would also like to see V-Span get at least a small sample size at the PG position at some point. Back on topic...do you think Lucas should start at PG, or will his lack of size cause a major problem? I am a bit torn about his because I don't think Rafer is all that great of a defender anyway....it could not hurt to increase Lucas minutes dramitcally and if he continues to thrive flip flop with Rafer. DD
The guy is a liability but it's not entirely his fault. He's not consistent enough of a shooter, his decision making is erratic, and he's susceptible on the defensive end. Oh, not to mention that while he can penetrate he can't finish to save his life....his tear drop shot brings tears to my eyes. Time for an upgrade.
I used to feel that way, now I have seen enough. He has got to sit down for the Rockets to reach their potential. He has been on a decline for the last few years, since his one good year. Rafer is at best, a decent backup PG. AT BEST ..... right now, he is the new Moochie Norris !! DD
So true. It is a pain to see Tmac has to do all the dribbling, handling and passing besides scoring while our PG can only bring the ball to the front.
JL3 would do fine starting, he's made big shots and good shots. I don't see how he can fail as bad as Rafer is at the PG position.
Honestly, the system seems to be Rafer bring the ball up, get it to the decision maker (Tracy), and go from there. Rafer's assists will only come from receiving the ball sometime after that and dishing from there if he's not taking the shot. I gotta agree with the broadcasters and stuff...he's taking shots he SHOULD take b/c they are open and good looks. But if he can't make them, then he should take it to the hole and dish out or finish (non-teardrop ). But I suppose that's easier said than done.
