why does everybody think Griffin should be a star this season?

He'll probably be 14/8 next year and max out around 20/9. That's what I see. Kinda like Shareef Abdur-Rahim.

 

I pretty much agree. I doubt Griffin will even start next year, so his numbers probably aren't going to be all that extravagant. I think in his third season he'll puts himself in with a higher class of players.

 

We'd be crazy not to play Griffin next year. He's one of the few players on our team that actually plays defense. As far as I'm concerned he has earned the role of starter.

This teenager has already contributed more to this team than Mo Taylor did when he was healthy. Eddie is only going to get better as he puts weight on. There is no way in hell he should sit behind Mo. Mo Taylor is a overrated loser.

 

I agree that Griffin should start but I just don't think its going to happen unless they play him at SF or Center. You can't pay a guy 50 million to have him come off the bench. If they want Griffin to be a starter at PF, I think the only option would be to trade Taylor.

Plus, Rudy doesn't seem to believe in starting younger players over older players. He's worried about hurting their feelings or something. Remember when he insisted on starting Kenny over Cassell? I think everybody knew Sam was better, but Rudy's just too nice.

 

You betcha....Griff is a keeper, he is a budding superstar.

You have to admit though that the 21 year old Gasol looks real good too.

DaDakota

 

If we still have Mo, we should still start Griffin at PF, and put Mo/KT as the backup and attempt to trade Mo or KT.

We would be fools to start Mo for the sake of starting the higher paid guy.

Unless we acquire a Chris Webber or Garnett, it would be asinine to bring EG off the bench.

 

But significantly better defense...

 

He has earned the role of a starter, because everyone else is injured.

Maybe in blocks, but are we winning with Griffin in the lineup?

Brilliant statement.

 

Agreed. But it would even be more asinine to have a player taking up that much cap-space coming off the bench. The Rockets are going to have to trade Taylor if they want to start Griffin. Taylor is a guy who was seeking a maximum contract two years ago. He's not going to be satisfied coming off the bench, and he'll probably end up raising the same kinda stink that Jackson is in Golden State. And anyways, the only way Mo will be worth something is if he gets significant playing time to prove his worth, especially after he missed an entire season.

I wish the Rockets could find some way to play Mo and Griffin at the same time. When the Rockets drafted Griffin I remember how excited Mo was, because he thought they would be able to compliment each other's game. But I guess that's already been thrown out.

I can already hear the Rudy bashing next season, cause I can almost guarantee he will start Taylor over Griffin.

 

Drew-Do you think the Rockets won because of Mo last year?

On the court, I think Griffin has done more than Mo. And I never knew of Mo as being a team leader of sorts.

 

I dont think they won because of him, but I do think that he played a significant role in getting us to 45 wins. I guess next year we will get to see how big his impact was from 2000-2001, but who knows what the starting lineup is going to be with a healthy Rice and Taylor back.......

 

Drew-Definitely, Mo's injury didn't help the Rockets, as far as depth is concerned.

I would rather have Mo start at PF than KT.

However, I think I would take Griffin over Mo of last year.

I would hope the Rockets will try to shop an expendable KT, and use Mo as a 6th man.

Mo could make one hell of a backup PF. As a starting PF, he's average.

 

We'll all see after summer league and training camp shakes out. Geez. You guys get all worked up way early.

I think Mo Taylor got a lesson in humility in that max contract search... a lesson that was reinforced in his inability to showcase in his year with the Rockets and following his drug violation. He is in no position to pout. I would think he'll be a team player and get good min at 4 and 5 from the bench. He doesn't need to pump his stats for another 5 years - he just needs to fit and contribute to a team where he's gonna be for a while and that likely can't trade him. He would be an explosive 6 man - his game is suited to the role. I also think that long-term, EG's growth and maximal development is more important to the future and health of the franchise.

But...we'll see. There's still a lot to shake out between now and then. 1, 2, & 4 are pretty ok. We still need some help with 3 and 5. Some of those moves may impact who plays together.

 

My question for Eddie fans, and I'm one. What about his dribbling? Is it hopelessly bad, relegating him to a more traditional center or power forward, blocking shots like crazy,with some 3 pointers? This is the skill that makes me wonder if he'll have the impact of McGrady, Kobe, Garnett or Duncan.

I know Eddie is a hard worker, but can he improve this greatly with practice? Is it too late? Weren't those other guys able to dribble much better at that age?

 

Eddie is a PF plain and simple.

His ball handling skills are way too poor to ever be a SF. He also hasn't shown enough passing skills for me to think he's a SF.

If he gets more bulk, he could be a Center over time.

 

I'm just wondering why the hell Rudy doesn't allow Griffin to post up or slash to the basket. It seems as though he hangs out at the 3 point line in every play. Does anyone think his skills could be utilized in a more productive way? I was watching Gasol last night do what exactly Eddie should do....It's driving me crazy!!

 

EG's game is coming along way ahead of schedule. In College Eddie's post up game was adequate but not sensational, and relied on limited arsenal of moves. If over the off-season he bulks up and develops more post up moves, then he will most likely be able to have more plays run for him in the post.

As far as slashing, Eddie, himself admits that he can't dribble well at all.

I don't doubt that Eddie can add some post up moves to his game, and I'm excited about the prospect. But for now, I think he's developing way ahead of schedule, and at 19, I don't think he can be expected to have all the weapons the more seasoned vets have.

As far as comparing the style of play to Gasol, it's important to note that Pau can dribble a lot better than Eddie, and that opens up different aspects of Gasol's game.

 

At Seton Hall, Griffin did have some moves in the post. I'm surprised we've seen so few of them since he's joined the Rockets. Maybe because he's so slender? At Seton Hall, he didn't have any spin moves, etc, but did possess a decent baby hook.

 

Does anyone here believe that Mo could move over to the 3?
I think his basketball skills are well suited for the 3, its his body that's a question. At 260, he is too big to chase around other 3s on defense. If he transformed his body like Kenny has, it could work.