Well, last night was really nice. OUT! But seriously, here are a few thoughts., Wonder what you guys think - 1. Steve - ready to break out as the BEST PG in basketball. He seems ready to take over as 'the man.' I think we may be forgetting about how well he's come along. He's worked on his game all summer..pretty much. He's been in the weight room with Cat trying to get stronger. He and Cat both look it as well. His court vision is better, his J is money, and his cross is as good as anyone on the court period! He is a 'franchise' player and he's ready!! 1a. Moochie - Just a really good back up point guard who does many things well. He's gets to the rack, he dishes, and he hits the open jumper. He's a nice change of pace and I feel very comfortable with him in the game. 2. Cat - Still shoots a little too much for my taste. However, his penetration is as good as anyone in the league. If his shot falls, he's deadly. He needs a little more time to get his legs and timing but he's a really good 2 and most teams would die to have him. But, since we have him, we should feel fortunate. The chemistry between he and the others on the team is starting to come together after 2 seasons together. Very athletic, very good! Works hard. 3. Rice - Everyone knows what Rice can do and if he stays healthy, he makes us a much better team. People may say his numbers are the same as Walt's but I contend that the respect that Rice gets makes his points more valuable. He'll get calls because he's earned them. We'll watch the chemistry as it unfolds, he still needs to get his legs but he should deadly this year. He WILL be there when we need him and is a LEGIT goto option as the game clock ticks down. 3a Walt - I like Walt but with Morris and EG and Danny, I really don't know what his role is - we'll see, I guess. 3b TMO - WOW! I've spent alot of time watching this guy. His footwork is incredible! He plays defense so well! Seriously. He goes for the steal and may miss but he can still get back and get a block. It's so proficient and he knows NOBODY's tendencies yet. He's going to a fantastic player. I really believe that. Maybe not a superstar in the NBA, but a GREAT player for us. 4. KT - Looked really good this preseason, worked hard in his time off and is ready to contribute. Kenny may never be more than a solid contributer to this team but TEAMS need guys like KT - they're a must! Kenny's just solid and does whatever is asked of him - an intangible in itself. ( And has anyone noticed how quick he is now that he's slimmed down? ) 4a GRIFF - He grabs boards like he's sucking water down a drain. He just swallows them. His timing on blocks, like TMO, is prefectly instinctive. He's needs to work on the perimeter game some but his inside game looks quite nice. His little jump hook is sweet and he can finish in traffic. He needs to learn more because he's just not as polished as TMO right now. However, he's going to special and I think most people can see the flashes right now. He's going to be fun one. 5 Cato - Has played hard in the preseason, has smiled often, has left the refs alone for the most part, has been hustling, has been TRYING, has scored some, blocked some, boarded some, and played defense pretty well. I've been very pleased with what I've seen. He's tried hard and if he continues, we'll jump on his bandwagon to some extent. For us to be successful, WE NEED HIM TO PLAY HARD, not necessarily WELL all the time, but hard all the time! Willis - solid backup, great to have him. We may still add another big man before it's all said and done. Tierre - lots of potential but no Moochie...yet! Langhi - we'll see. Can flat out shoot, moves well, can play D, is tall...we'll see! Torres - Very athletic! Still learning the NBA game but will get some playing time. Can reall play D! Moves well...solid addition. Still needs to learn the game. Anyway, we'll see what happens. I feel good about the season and I'm excited about our defense and what it can become. If we can be that swarming, no prisoner type team on D, I will be ' ehstatec.' I really think we can do something this year. We are NOT nBA finals ready but we are playoff ready. The old teams fall, the young teams eat their old! I'm ready for the season. Let's roll the dice and take our chances!
Couldn't agree more. Team is gonna be solid and fun to watch. Young guys w/potential could really make a breakthrough this year. Go Rocks!
Doc, I agree with most of your points and your sentiments on each player, particularly on Steve, Mooch, Griff, TMo and KT. I concede not having watched much of Rice, so I'm a little hesitant to pencil him for the impact we want from him. I like the fact he has some post-up ability, but his shooting, of course, is key. I won't be convinced until he shoots lights out a few games, and avoids the inconsistency of Walt, but I agree about the implications of his veteran status and reputation, and I'm more than ready to place more weight on the opinions of others who know him and basketball better. The consensus on the board isn't as favorable toward Langhi as you. I still haven't seen him play enough, so I can't say. Rudy's quote about Langhi not finding his role is particularly damaging. I really, really want to see Langhi succeed, but I'm with the consensus that things don't look good for him, although I think he can succeed and may break out in some small way IF he can get the minutes, which isn't likely. I agree too with your outlook on Cato. I am happy with the effort's he's put in this preseason. I think he can be a very adequate center for the Rockets, but I've decided he's not the answer at the 5 and never will be. The fact that he has the quickness, size to guard some elite big men better than decently makes him worth keeping (as long as he brings the effort), but I don't want him ending games in the future, if Griffin continues to do well. Cato can be a slightly better one-on-defender simply because he's bigger, but it's not worth putting him on the court over Griffin when it counts, considering all the things Griffin brings to the table, even though Griff's not as suited to the 5 as Cato. I'm very happy to have Willis here. I think he brings toughness under the basket that no one else on the team has. I think it's critical we have a player like him if we want to contend for the championship in a few years. I really want to see Collier try to emulate Willis. If Collier can just focus on being big and physical and mean, and perfect a steady jumpshot, I'm all for making him our primary backup center for the future, and giving him the nod over Cato. I definitely feel we can contend for the playoffs this year, go as far as 5, 6 seed. But I can see us missing the playoffs again too (God forbid.) This is still a young, fragile team. Unless Glen can step up consistently when Steve and Cuttino falter, I'm afraid we'll still lose a number of games to immaturity. Steve and Cuttino are so much better, Steve like you said in his control of the game, setting people up for open shots, and Cuttino in his man defense, but I still see a large streak of immaturity in them. I was upset the way Steve tried to go through double-teams yesterday and Steve and Cuttino try to alley-oop way too much. In a couple years, I'll feel the exact opposite about that, but that's because they'll be mature enough to pull those effectively, efficiently, and consistently but we're not there yet. Winning against San Anton these two games was nice, but I don't think we can stop Duncan and D Rob when it counts. Or if we can limit them somewhat, that we can't stop someone like Daniels or Malik Rose going off for 25. And I think this is indicative of how we measure up against some of the other top Western teams. We'll just have to see. Nevertheless, I'm very excited about this team this year, and will feel positive regardless of where we end up this season, but I'm betting on playoffs.
Good analysis Doc- The most interesting part was the bit on TMo. I knew he was no slouch, but for the most part I fifgured the only reason he is on our team is because of the Francis relationship. It's great to hear that he will actually be a solid solid role player in the near future. You didn't write much about Langhi, but seem high on all of his "skills." Is there any room for him though? Maybe trade bait with Collier for another backup bigman?
I love the energy that this team brings to the floor & for the first time in a long time, I believe that we have quality depth on the bench at every position. Ya' gotta' tip your hat to Rudy & CD for the rebuilding they've done. Doc, Was that a hint about another big man for this year or next? Do you have any info that you can share with us?
Great post. I was super-depressed when we lost Marc Jackson, but my enthusiasm picked up again when we obtained Willis. An experienced back-up center was our number one need, and we filled it. I am floored by how good of defense this team is playing. I am not as concerned now about zone defenses stifling our guard's creativity, as it looks like few teams are going to run a zone, if ever. Most NBA players don't know how or forgot how to play a zone. Now I am as upbeat again as you are, Doc, and can't wait for the season to start.
Hottoddie, you're so right about the depth. I was worried about Center, but with Willis, I feel much better. PF is solid as long as Griffin continues to be comfortable out there. Isn't it weird SF is our deepest position now, when it was clearly our weakest last year? Talk about unreal. And yeah...what's that about another big man, Doc? I don't see how we can do that without letting someone go. We already have 15 players, including IR. I see Langhi and Brown joining Mo T on IR, unless someone else is injured.
I wouldn't mind adding Mo Taylor to this team. Jason Collier wouldn't be a bad addition, either. Sounds like everyone is safe except Walt.
I have no particular knowledge regarding who they may try to obtain. What I do know is that it MAY not be over regarding trying to get one more big man but no names were thrown out just something about other guys getting cut due to overcrowding on other teams. Sorry that's not too clear. It was just a general convo with no emphasis put on it one way or the other. RELATIVIST - I am like you in that I need to see more of Langhi. It's just that with TMO and EG playing that 'D' like they have, you're right - he may not get the chance but that's a good thing, I believe. I WANT DEPTH! I like the fact that our defense is ACTIVE! Picture the scenario of CATO, TMO, and EG on the floor at the same time. That's a strong, shot-altering defense! let's remember that we're still rebuilding. However, this is a fun process. I really think that this year will be fun!! There's a reason that people like Willis here in Houston. People, Houstonians in particular, have always rallied around hustlers. Good attitude, hustle, smarts - it's fun to watch that! With regards to Glen, I agree with you there as well. I guess my meaning was more along the lines of what SHOULD be expected. If he delivers what we expect - WOW! Collier is still a wait and see with me. I thought last year he played pretty decent before he got hurt. The jury is still out but I think he can contribute. How much?? Not really sure.
Definitely, this WILL be a fun year....Even though we are young; there seems to be a lot of quality depth with Torres, T MO, and Griffin...
What up Doc? We're going to have a fun season watching these guys. Griffin seems to be the real deal and I can't say enough about T-Mo. I think he may end up being another big Rockets draft steal. The Wiz is one of the biggest questions on this team. I think the zone may end up helping his game in the long run.
The one thing about the bench is that they have defense. They hustle big time. Griffin Morris Willis Torres Moochie Tell you the truth, I like watching the bench than the starters. They really are crazy out there. Notice how the rookies ( EG and TMO) dont try to show off too much. They play smart. Last night Tmo would get rebounds by tipping it to him or tipping it out to players he knew were there. Eddie Griffin wouldnt panic and stop taking shots when he missed. He also stayed calm and didnt get nervous when duncan took it to him couple times. We have very very smart young rookies.
Great assessment Doc! As the rest of you, I am also excited about the potential of this team. We definitely seem to have depth at every position. So much so, you have to ask what will happen to Wiz and KT? As Doc noted, KT has slimmed down and gotten a lot quicker. He seems to be more suited for SF than PF. But the SF position is already crowded, and when Taylor returns, the PF spot will be crowded. These are good problems to have!!
Doc, great post. Agree with you pretty much up and down the line. Another thing....the TEAM AND INDIVIDUAL DEFENSE I have seen just in the few preseason games I've been able to catch is already better than all of last year. They have shown the ability to shut teams down for key stretches of time. And the shotblocking potential is somethings we really haven't had since Hakeem was in his prime. Rice is struggling a little to get his legs and timing simply because they have gone out of their way to rest him to let his plantar fasciitis calm down. I agree that he will become a force. There's a wealth of talent on this club; really the most impressive array I can ever remember. They are young and will have some ups and downs, particularly early in the season when players are getting used to each other. But in the second half of the season they should be pretty damn good. And our quality depth bodes well for a long season and a playoff run. Can't wait for Tuesday nite to get here. Dallas (Doc)Rocket
Interesting...I'm following a post of Dallas (Doc) Rocket who's responding to a thread of Doc Rocket. I agree completely with your assessment, Doc. Also enjoyed the cryptic message of getting another big man..hehehe. I can't wait 'til opening night, and I can't wait for the Rockets to prove the experts wrong.
Speaking of Portland- No one expected anything from the young Blazers in the lockout season, yet they magaged to hold first place in the league for almost the entire season. Why? Because of their depth. They were a deep, young team, and they made it to the Western Conference Finals. No starter averaged more than 13 points. The Rockets are also very deep, and no one expects anything from them. While first in the league is unlikely, I believe that they could attain a high seed, and advance in the playoffs. All they need to do is put in their best effort, and they will go far.
