Talk all you want about any of the other "problems" with the Rockets...the MAJOR problem with this team is their extreme lack of height. Outside of Yao, who's obviously not athletic at all there's, essentially nobody to match up with any of the giants at the 4 spot that seemingly every other team so far has had. This leads to a complete dismantling on the boards, and outside of Landry the Rockets have a hard time finishing around the basket. So, there's 2 solutions...1) Trade for height, or 2) Go with what you have, and have your 4's and 5's show a more concerted effort, DESIRE and focus to actually blocking your man out and going and getting the rebound, which we haven't seen yet this season. Rebounding is 90% desire, 10% physical.
I agree with you 1st point, but it is more like 60% and 40% physical. Big aggresive guys get the calls in the nba. If you're seven foot and a beast you can go through guys and over guys and the refs will leave you alone. Shaq started this and nothing has changed.
Finally, we agree on something. Why can't a charge be a charge whereever it occurs? Shaq and his lower the shoulder fullback move really ushered in this era of full contact basketball.
Average height of our starting 4 and 5 = 6' 3". No wonder we have trouble rebounding and defending the paint! Scrubola plays like he is 6'6" (lack of athleticism) and Yao like he is 6'0" (we all know the reasons).
This is Morey's fault! He said our small rotation played better! He said Rafer's shooting is good enough to win.
And people here bashed me in the off-season for wanting Marcus Camby.. I know were not supposed to be NBA experts here but who didn't think this was a problem going into the season? I've said that the only way we can pass the Lakers and Celtics is if we get some height during the trade deadline. We don't need a scorer but a shot blocking, rebounding power forward. Yes we can beat 80% of the teams in the NBA but that means Jack S@$t if you want to win the championships. We are to small and the only hope I have is that Dikembe comes back.
Glad I could help. Chuck is the only consistent player the Rockets have that has a CONSISTENT rebounding focus, effort and desire. He just can't overcome the fact that he's 6'6''
Hayes is the perfect example. It totally debunks those that will say that desire and effort and blocking out will solve all our woes. We will get drilled in the playoffs without a tall and strong PF/C to sometimes pair with Yao and sometimes to back him up.
3) Quit farting around and sign an established 7-foot legitimate defensive player from the Congo who's not really all that busy these days. Costs us next to nothing and gives us a presence in the middle when Yao is out. Seriously, what is Morey waiting for? There's a roster spot open. Les can sign Dikembe for the vet minimum, then make another donation to the hospital to make up the difference.<BR>
I have been saying all along that this would be a major problem for the Rockets this year based on what I saw from last year. As far as length, the Rockets are shorter than last season. So how are they planning on not being abused on the boards with mini-me-s at Power Forward? It will only get worse as the season goes on. Yao will get hurt, (as usual) and what do you have left? Chuck Hayes, landry, Scola, Dorsey? Ridiculous! I say it again, it will only get worse as the season progresses!
Big or not, Calvin Murphy should have taught all of us Rocket fans that a killer jump shot and some tenacity can conquer any giants that are looking for that same jump shot.
yao's height prevents him from being a better rebounder. i don't get why people don't understand that being that tall isn't always an advantage, especially for rebounds.