I stayed up and watched the Rockets / Sonics game the other night and I was so impressed with those 2 guys I felt like starting this thread. These guys play with HEART! When Landry fouled out on that horrible call (when he was held) he almost cried. Then when Tmac hit that 3 to take the lead he was the first one off the bench to congratulate him. Meanwhile you have Mike James and Steve Francis who could care less. Is Steve still even on the team? I don't know why Chuck Hayes starts. I really think Scola should be starting with Landry coming in with the 2nd unit off the bench. I could see Hayes coming in for defensive purposes in special circumstances but that's about it. But I really like these 2 guys, they bring some fire that this team needs!
I am with you on these two. Landry is one of the few athletes on the team (Snyder). When he comes in all of sudden you have vertical explosion, lateral speed, incredible timing, and some serious power. Once he gets the defensive basics down he could be something really special. But the best thing is the FIRE. Since Sura and Barry we have missed the FIRE. Scola "brings it" too. He is in a shooting slump, but I think he is a decent shooter. We'll see.
I agree with both of you, I believe both those guys should be splitting the minutes at the 4 spot. I know we are not in the best position to play our rookies for them to learn the NBA game, but if we are going to make it to the playoffs we will need Landry and Scola to play those minutes now. I wouldn't mind seeing either start at the 4 and make their inexperience mistakes because you know they give it their all.
Hayes is starting because Adelman want to set the defensive tone from the start of game. You dont want your opponents get into a good rhtym early, otherwise it is hard to stop. But if Landry/Scola become better defenders, then Hayes minutes probably will reduce to 5-10 minutes coming off bench. Both Bill & Clyde were pissed on Hayes consistently missing wide open layups. Clyde went as far to say, "I dont want to be harsh. But if you cant make those layups, you cant play in NBA.". If there is no Landry gave the Rockets some tangible points 12 & 8, I doubt the Rockets could beat the Sonics 2 in a row. Too much intangibles in the Rockets.
I've got to give props to whoever scouted Landry. Also it seems that the fact that he didnt play much through the first half of the season has fueled his fire. I hope he keeps it up.
I wonder when the rockets can lock Landry up for the future as far as his contract goes. I believe the rockets signed him to a one year contract, so that would make him a free agent next season.
Things Chucks Hayes does: Guards spots 3 - 5 Elite Rebounder (Offensive and Defensive) Consistently efficient defender (help defense, defelections, contests shots) Trigger passing from high post Things he can't Consistently shoot and finish When you have a perimeter threat, and an inside threat on the floor with Chuck, then it's a no brainer to start him. Its funny how few of you realize that we have had 2 coaches, from completely different ends of the philosphy spectrum. Yet, both coaches know what a guy like Chuck can do, and they both start him. The fact that Luis and Carl still bot have a lot to learn about playing in the NBA should do nothing but strengthen Chuck's job security as a starter. Personally, I think Rick is doing exactly the right thing by playing them all, and catering to who is playing the best by letting that guy play the clutch minutes in the 4th.
leaving chuck out of this....It is nice to have 2 young pfs who look like they will be able to produce effectively for years and years to come.
Sorry, but Chuck is not an Elite rebounder (at least not this season) nor can shoot free throws and I hate to say this but his days are numbered as a starter with rockets. I love that he is a defensive specialist and love his hustle, but the rockets are playing 4 against 5 on the offensive end of the court with him in the starting lineup and they will never advance past the 1st round unless they can could put more points on the board. Chuck should be a situational player for the rockets with his defensive prowess.
Landry current play is unbelievable. With 75% FG and a few OMG rebounds, he has been an inspiration and in every rocket, he create some OOH AHH!! WOWW! to fans who are watching. That's what he brings and WE WANT MORE OOH!! AHH!! and WOWW!!! from him
Same thing was said in the blazer fan rox scouting report. We need guys to make plays to ignite this team and kick it out of its inability to handle adversity.
Don't you guys think Tmac was feeding off of that energy that Scola and Landry were bringing. I know Yao was for sure. By energy, I mainly mean swagger. Tmac seemed to have his swagger back whether it was because he was taking the young kid to school(not always) or whether it was Scola and Landry. I also like to see Bonzi getting in Tmac's face after those huge buckets and rubbing his shoulders and stuff. All three of those guys seemed like they were motivating Tmac to keep doing what he was doing.
It took a long time for Rockets to finally get some power forwards who are worthy of being called that. This team has always been at its weakest at PF and PG position since the Yao/Tmac combo was formed. But at least they finally got Yao some help up at the front court. Dont raise your expectations too high. Be cautiously optimistic. They will still make mistakes. Hopefully they can minimize them and learn from them, however. Future looks bright.
Scola and Landry is why Morey did a good job this summer. If Steve and MJ had panned out it would have been a great summer. And let's not forget AB too!
