I agree with that much. Rafer's better than normal play has helped us to at least a couple wins recently.
I completely agree. Although, we're playing so far above our heads with Tmac and Artest out, Rafer's hot shooting balances things out a bit. My point is, we shouldn't be saying "oh, Rafer's good because he's on a hot streak now". We should be saying that he's good for the reasons he's always been good.. the leadership he brings to the team. Our two star players are pretty laid back and lacking in the leadership front. So we need role players like Rafer and Battier and Mutombo to keep the team together.
There's still nothing in Rafer's game which suggest that he can keep this up. This Alston has showed up every year at stretches, but his main body of work has always been mediocre. That said, this bizzarro-Rafer just needs to show up in the playoffs. If he can do that, I'd take his 3-14s in the regular season.
Here's the truth: you complain too much. Nobody is under the illusion that Rafer Alston is an all-star. He's playing well and the Rockets are winning and people, you know, *Rockets fans,* are happy. God forbid you can hold off on being a crying little girl for a day about Rafer Alston. Why do you follow sports anyway? Do you enjoy showing people how smart you are ahead of time? Is your team winning not good enough? I seriously want to know what motivates you as a sports fan. I know none of this matters, but fans like you act like you are Moses coming down from Mt. Sinai with the 10 Commandments of the NBA when we all know that Rafer Alston doesn't normally shoot this well. Suggest an attainable upgrade at point guard, or shut up.
Despite some of your inflammatory rhetoric, I'll respond to you in a civil manner. I guess I'm a bit pessimistic especially considering the Rockets haven't gotten out of the 1st rd of the playoffs in 12 years. The big picture is important to me and I want to see the Rockest get past the 1st rd at the very least. Don't get me wrong it's been nice have regular season success, but fans have suffered for a long time and I've supported this team with my time and money for my entire adult life and I think we all have the right to criticize the team as a whole and/or its players. Everybody knows that Rafer starting at the 1 is not good enough to get the job done in the playoffs. On a number of occassions I've suggested Kirk Hinrich for Rafer, Hayes, and Head and I've explained why both teams would do it (you can do a search and you'll see it). I would package Battier in a deal as well.
Rafer is a streaky shooter. In the past, he only shot a few times. So, his FG% would be low. Without Tmac, Rafer is shooting more and can get into rythm I always am in his wagon as he is doing a proper job of organising the offense.
In fairness, Rafer has been basically the same inconsistent player for every coach he's played for, including Adelman last season. He's also had streaks of hot shooting every season he's been with the Rockets so this is likely just another one of those. That said, he's come up big the last few games.
I disagree. I believe the play of the team recently is right where it should be. This team has talent. It's just that we should be much, much better when we have our full complement of players. When healthy we should be an elite team, we just haven't shown that...yet. BTW: an awful lot of Rafer hate in a Rafer appreciation thread. I applaud his play of late.
while I wont join this band wagon (again) I will say he is finally up to par. I was on his defensive bandwagon before the season started then he just let me down. dont hurt me again Rafer
What has surprised me during this streak is not the shooting...but his passing has been TERRIFIC. I have been complaining for years that he doesn't hit the cutter on the PnR...and he has been doing that a lot with Scola and Landry in these last few games. Rafer's passing has been very nice....no....outstanding really. And, I think there is something to him playing better without Tmac.....Once Tmac gets back, I would continue to let Rafer run the show......just to see how it goes. DD
Seriously, I dont think we need to find another starter pg while Rafer is excellent running the offense. I hated his clueless shots and lacking of penetration before but that wasn't all his fault. Keep it up, Rafer.
I have been pleasently surprised by his playmaking.....no make that SHOCKED by it. His shooting will fluctuate, but his playmaking has been top notch since Tmac and Ron went out. TOP notch !! DD
I see an improvement in Rafer's play but there is along way to go!!! He still needs to be the floor general and pass the ball much more than he does! He needs to stop being a shooting guard when he gets too tired and concentrate on helping others to score, especially in the final Qtr.
The Rockets have no legitimate backup at the point guard position, and their starting player can go into slumps that make you wonder if he's closing his eyes when he takes his shots.
he played beautifully 2nite, him and Scola were making great plays and he did no wrong. Brooks was awful, it looks like he's not there mentally.
Enjoy it while it lasts. This is as good as its going to get and should being going downhill any second. Career sub 40 percent shooters just don't figure out how to shoot all of the sudden.
