[Dallas News] 'Big Threes' may foretell NBA West race (Hou:T-Mac, Yao, Rafer)

"It takes 5."

 

I think Landry deserve the 3rd option of the bench as Manu in Spurs. Landry really makes Rox a different team.

 

Exactly

 

I can't believe writers are still using that "Rockets are as good without McGrady as they are with him" line. Didn't their recent play squash that theory? I mean, they've only lost once with him in the line-up, and that was to a good team (Utah). Oh well!

 

Wow, depressing.

 

I pick Scola, too.
Actually we do not have big three but, fortunately, a BIG team as a whole.

 

and without yao

 

I didn't read all the posts, so pardon me if this has been said. The good thing about our "big three" is that our third person is not always the same person. We have different guys who step up big on different occasions. That was one of the reasons the Rockets won the championship in both 94 and 95 (it might be Mario, Sam, Kenny, Robert or whomever), and it will be the same if we're to get very far in this year's playoffs.

 

Yes, just like Spurs, we have an Argentinain the 3rd BIG.

 

RAFER!!!!!

The legend continues to grow

 

its understandable... Rafer... like it or not... aside from Tmac and Yao.... plays the biggest role on this team...

 

Definitely takes the most shots. I am holding out hope that by next season that won't be the case anymore, that may be Scola will step up and take over as that elusive 'third pillar' guy, but I'm afraid it won't happen soon enough.

 

We have a BIG TWO with lots of GOODS running around

 

True, the Rockets don't really have a "Big Three", but they have more QUALITY players than they have had in a long time.

Rafer Alston is playing the best basketball off his career. In 2008 (24 games), Rafer is averaging 14.7 ppg and over 6.6 apg. In February (10 games - all wins), Rafer is averaging 14.3 ppg and 7.6 apg. He is finishing around the rim better than he ever has (those drills that Adelman's staff have him running have really paid off) and his three-point shooting is back up above his career average (39.3% in February). While he may not be capable of being this successful in the playoffs, at least this year he has a competent backup (Jackson) to take some of the pressure of him having to run the offense AND chase a guy like Deron Williams all over the court for 45 mpg.

If not for Rafer's stellar 2008, I would say that the "third guy" on this team is still Shane Battier. I think that many people view Shane as an over-hyped player who is marketed by the team because of his overall likability. But this guy is an ELITE defender in this league. How come Marcus Camby can average only 9 ppg and people don't question that he is one of Denver's "Big Three"? I know, because he puts up stats in rebounding and blocks. But those numbers often come based on the relative lack of defense by other Denver players, and at the expense of team success. Camby often leaves his man to get those stats. Shane is both a stellar man-to-man AND team defensive player. His production does not necessarily show up in the stat sheet (for instance, he is usually the one boxing out on the shot, allowing others to get the easier rebound). The guy is simply a winner.

Luis Scola has the ability to develop into a reliable third scorer. His post moves, while unconventional, are quite effective. His 15-foot jumper is fairly consistent and should be better the more he plays. As he gets more experience playing in the NBA, he should get better on defense (the hustle is there, but he's got to avoid the over-aggressive fouls) and should start getting more respect from the refs.

Assuming that Adelman is truly comfortable handing over the reins to the offense to his latest addition, don't be shocked if Bobby Jackson is our third leading scorer for the remainder of the year. I don't think he will be; but I won't be shocked, either. This guy can go off for 15-18 points in a quarter on any given night. If he can show that he hasn't lost TOO many steps from his Sacramento days, he could find himself getting plenty of minutes, including sharing a backcourt with Rafer in certain small lineups.

All in all, this team has a bunch of quality players. Landry is having a great stretch of games and hopefully will build on this bit of success. Luther, while definitely not a complete player, is a good shooter and a potential contributor. Aaron Brooks and Gerald Green are not quite ready yet, but both have the potential to become quality players in this league (with Brooks having a much higher probability of success). Novak and Hayes are both good role players, each being extremely good in one particular area (Novak - three-point shooting; Hayes - defense).

This Rockets team is looking good. The possible addition of Brent Barry will make them even better.

 

There's no "3" in "TEAM."

And don't overlook the experience Scola has in the Olympics and European Championships. He's played in big, pressure-packed games before and done quite well.

 

whatsoever, we still need T-mac in playoffs.

Rafer is VERY important to us, you can feel that when he's out of the game, and he IS having a very nice season.