Here are a few observations about the young Rockets and my views on their future in the NBA and the Rockets. Steve Francis - A wonderful talent who is learning everyday. That being said however, he still needs to learn how to get his teamates involved more often. Yes he averages 6 or more assists, but with his talent he should be getting 20pts and 10 assists a night. When he learns the league. In addition, he needs to cut down on the flash, it is costing the Rockets needless turnovers. Keep him and build around him. Carlos Rogers - The ultimate garbage man. He is great at just playing ball, but do not run a play for him, or expect him to pass. He is a TERRIBLE passer. Keep him, or trade him..he is on the fence. Thomas Hamilton - TOO DARN FAT- too slow, and travels WAY to much. I would rather have a more athletic guy then this, sorry guys, but this experiment is failing badly. Jettison this tub of goo. Shandon ANderson - A great player with good awareness and whose jumpshot is improving. His defense has been spectacular. A sure fire keeper. Cuttino Mobley - A guy who plays pretty well but acts like he is a superstar. A potential Mad Max. He plays out of control FAR too often. I like his grit, but he needs to come WAY down to earth and play team ball. Keep him if he calms down, or trade him for a team that likes his style, he may be a flash in the pan. Kelvin Cato - Just FRICKEN play him. Let him foul out, he needs to be in there blocking shots and cleaning up on the glass. He sometimes lacks confidence and this can be cleared up by letting him play. We need his enegry and the team feeds off of it. Keep HIM !!!! Bryce Drew - A solid backup PG, who can also play a little 2 guard. Steady but not spectacular, a poor mans Hornacek. A keeper - unless a good trade comes along. Kenny Thomas - Another player the Rockets need to get as much PT as possible. Start him, he shows the best court savvy on the team. He has a nice touch from the outside and has a mean streak. A keeper, with a very bright future. Matt Bullard, I would rather have Sam Mack..Nuff said. A solid bench guy. Hakeem Olajuwon- The best Rocket of all time, keep him and let him teach this team and retire a Rocket. Devan Gray- Inc. Walt Williams -Jettison Tony Massenberg - INC...has to be trade bait, he should be playing over Hamilton. Overall observations. This team is real young, and inexperienced. They try the FANCY pass far too often, and should first learn how to win. They need a leader, perhaps Hakeem can do that when he gets back. Too many mental mistakes...Turnovers, missed free throws. Bad ..NO TERRIBLE...Perimeter defense...leaving the wrong guy open outside etc..knowing who to rotate off of... All of these will be solved by experience, it is just going to be painful to watch while they develop. They need to play smart...Allen Iverson still doesn't understand this...which is scary to me, however, I think Francis has a better head on his shoulders...now Mobley...who knows? DaDakota I will be gone for Christmas, so everyone have a great Christmas !!!
good post. i think devin gray is a keeper though. he was just nervous cause this washis 1st game in the NBA.
I will miss my first game in 2 years tonight. I am in Dallas...ARGHH !!! Merry Christmas to all my Rocket brethren. DaDakota
Thanks for supporting Hakeem! Maybe it's because he is out right now, but there aren't enough posts about letting Hakeem stay a Rocket NO MATTER WHAT! I will lose all respect for Rudy, and I am a supporter of him, if they go ahead and trade Hakeem after all. I say that because of the rumor that everyone but Francis is expendable. I think I saw it at NBAtalk.com. Not sure. I have to disagree with Cato unless he starts showing more desire and heart. He has the potential but may become like a Robert Horry who doesn't have the desire to become better. Carlos needs to develop better hands in catching the ball but other than that, I love his play. He is scrappy and will keep improving - just wants to play. Keeper! I think Thomas Hamilton is a very good project and is progressing nicely. Would like to keep him. Shandon is a favorite of mine from the beginning. Mobley is clutch. I think he has hit more shots that we needed than anyone else. I agree he tries to be a little too fancy - let Stevie do the spectacular. We need Cuttino to be steady and clutch not fancy. Basically, whatever it takes, this team needs to focus on not turning the ball over and hitting those free throws. Just each player take responsibility for himself in making good passes. And of course, our defense most of the time. I see flashes of us playing D but I agree the rotations are just terrible. I think it has been for several years actually, not just with these young guys. We have to help each other on defense. Happy Holidays, DaDakota and everyone!
