In a long running debate Ive been having with heypartner, Id like to point out that once again when Mobley is the focusof the offense, the Rox lose. Not that its much different from what they have been doing lately, but they lose at a much greater clip when Mobley scores more than 17, then when he doesn't. heypartner...this is by no means a jab at your standpoint. But regardless of how effecient Rudy believes running the O through Mobley is, fact is they don't win when they do it. Someone needs to get me the exact "medical problem" Hakeem is having. All I know is that the longer he's been playing since his injury, the less and less minutes he's been logging. Regardless of age, or injury, thats not how its supposed to work. I know that the docs have ruled out anemia, and his heart condition. And if he's having asthsmetic problems why is he refusing to take the medication for??? To me it just seems like a way out. An excuse for poor play, or to sit. Im not saying Im right. But since his injury Ive watched him go up to close to 30 mins to back down to 15 mins a game. And stay at that level for the last couple of weeks. Another non existing performace from Hakeem tonight. I was one of those very few who thought that maybe the Rox should of gone for the trade of Hakeem. Everyone spoke of loyalty to Hakeem. My question becomes: At what point do we expect Hakeem to be loyal to the Orginization. Playing 15 mins and getting 4 or so points and a few boards at 15 million a season is just killing the team. Now everyone griped about Pippens lack of bang for the buck, but how about Hakeem today. How about next year?!?! I know you guys will say Hakeem is a Rocket for his life, and look what he's done for this team. I understand that. But look at the lessons the Celtics learned with Bird. First and foremost I am a rocket fan. Second, I am a die hard Hakeem fan. Serious props need to go out to Anderson and the job he did on both ends tonight. 22 points. 6 boards, 6 assists, a steal. Great all around game. Am I the only one that see's that this team could be a .500 team? That it has enough talent to at least be in the playoff hunt?
I think Rudy is letting the young guys learn how to play at the expense of wins. He and Hakeem are VERY aware that the team is not going anywhere this year. Perhaps next year, if the Rockets are in the playoff hunt we will see a motivated Hakeem. Right now, there is nothing to be gained from playing Hakeem, let the young guys learn from their numerous mistakes. DaDakota ------------------
Dreamshake: Although Mobe did play poorly in the beginning of the game, it was HIS play that made this game at all competitve and nearly winnable at the end. I agree with you about Hakeem, and hope he can rebound next season. SA played good to, got out to a fast start. Oh, and I think this team has the talent, at least at the guard positions, but not necessaarily the experience or even chemistry, at times, to pull out those Ws. ------------------ Not only am I president of the WaltWizFanClub, I'm also the member.
The Rockets have nowhere near enough talent to be in the playoff hunt. Let's just look at the guys in their rotation for a second: Francis -- rookie Mobley -- 1st full season, 2nd round pick Anderson -- first season as a starter, 1st season as a Rocket Cato -- first season of anything more than spot minutes, 1st as a Rocket Drew (in rotation until recently) -- first full season, first time getting consistent minutes Wiz -- 1st season as a Rocket, could be worst starting 3 in the league Thomas -- rookie Norris -- straight from the CBA Rogers -- 1st season as a Rocket, first season of meaningful NBA minutes in 3 years Hakeem -- having his worst season ever by far If you think that team should be in the playoff hunt, you have incredibly high standards. ------------------
Dreamshake, I really believe they will make the playoff too! (NEXT YEAR) I also felt the Rockets should have traded Dream. I know exactly what Hakeem has DONE for Houston but he isn't doing much NOW. This cat ISO thing, I think they run that more than they should. I would like them to run some plays for Anderson, post ups, iso's pick and roles whatever. Overall, I think the Rockets will have a great team. I think these young guys have done a great job through the injuries, and it's there first year they played together. I see light at the end of the tunnel. RAWW ------------------
Dreamshake, just got back from vacation and saw your take...this is the Toronto game I guess? no? Thanks for the recap, although I wish you would have given us one of your more complete recaps of the whole game, since I wasn't even in the states and didn't get to follow this miserable road trip. re: your Mobley comments. I'm not going to defend against that. The more I read your take the more I wonder what it means. If one person is ever the focus of the offense, I think we lose, now that Barkley and Dream can't do it anymore. Francis playing by himself has produced some of the worst defeats of the year. At least we are slowly getting away from blaming it all on Mobley. It is Rudy's call, indeed. I guess the only thing left for me to keep stressing is that the play does get other people involved, certainly more so than Barkley or Dream ever did and any other current non-point guard Rockets, and even more than Drexler's iso did. ISOs are an NBA weapon for non-point gaurds because they keep the game simple, which is useful when a team needs to calm down and get off some practiced shot. Nearly every team has an ISO player. As ugly as the play can be sometimes, the Rockets run it pretty well. I would like to see us deemphacize it more, but that is not going to happen until Francis becomes better, the Rockets learn how to beat the trap on Francis better, and Rudy gets low post players who don't get injured. Until then, I am enjoying seeing Rudy invest time in Mobley and giving him the freedom to create. I wish Anderson could do it, but he hasn't shown the offensive skills to get others involved. Mobley also deserves the opportunity to fail for being so coachable, a hardworker and a team player who wants to win more than get stats. ------------------ The farther the Rockets move down the standings, the farther I move down the bleachers. Glorious times for having fun at the game!
For those of you who know hockey and you think that Theo Fleury, has one of the worst bang for the buck. Dream is da Master! 15 this year and 16 next. ------------------ Was that a cross over that made you buckle at your ankles?
