All we care about in Clutch City is securing titles, anything less is foolish. Based on our goal, what the Strategy. We compete in the Western Confernce with dominant big men across the board. We seen Dallas try to outscore and run everyone else, failed, no D. We saw Sacremento use the pick and roll to try and upset the Lakers. Sacremento to their credit has come up with the most effective strategy of pick and roll with Vlade and Mike B to almost beat the Lakers. As a result, does our STRATEGY of using Ming and Steve in pick and rolls get us to the title. I like Ming's shooting ability and we may be able to work effectively against Shaw. In addition, the 3 other starters must be significantly better than Robert, Fox, and Fisher. Shaq and Kobe are the best at the their positions, period. Steve is definitely better than Fisher, however Steve doesn't play D. Cat will keep Kobe's attention with his scoring ability (Kobe's definitely better). However, his D is questionable. Rice is not better than Fox (bad sign), MoTaylor is not better than Robert (another bad sign), and Cato is not better than Shaq (no doubt). Our STRATEGY, must be to upgrade the 3 and 4 spots be significantly better than the Lakers or we have not chance at a Title.
Ming < SHAQ Griffin = Horry Rice > Fox Cat < Kobe Francis > Fisher Rocks Bench > Laker Bench I think the strategy against the lakers is not unlike Sac Town our PG abuses their PG We may need a Defensive stopper [or botherer] for Kobe Rocket River
I'd like to see the Rockets build the team to be like Sacramento and I think we match up pretty well with them. Vlade - A smart and savy big man with an outside shot = Ming Webber - A great power forward to exploit LA's weakness at the power forward position = Griffin Peja/Turk - Great scorers/shooters = Cuttino/Taylor Bibby - great point guard = Steve B. Jackson - Spark off the bench = Moochie Now all the Rockets need is a defensive stopper like Christie. I would love to see the Rockets trade for Ron Artest to fill this role. In a few years I think this team will match up very well with the Lakers and the Kings.
While I agree with Man's premise, my immediate goal is to stop sucking. That doesn't mean I would harm the future to help the present, but it is a long way from A to B. As to how we play Shaq in the finals, why don't we just kick his walker out from under him. Realistically, by the time we get to the finals, he will be gone. I mean I hope you are right, but just as I would not mortgage the future for the present, I would not design the team only to beat Shaq.
Nellie, I disagree. There is no way to tell right now whether or not Steve can perform in a similar way to what Bibby did this year, because Steve hasn't been in that situation yet. Steve does have heart, and once the Rockets crack the playoffs, we will see how he compares to Bibby. I think he can at least equal Bibby's impact that he had on the Kings.
Sure I want the Rockets to win another title, but its not gonna happen soon. We first have to make the playoffs, and once we are there, we still have to go through some playoff growing pains before we can contend. So I'm prepared for less than the title for awhile. I read that Rudy has redesigned the O to exploit our strengths, that to me seems like the best we can do. I don't think its a good idea to build just to beat one team. We might have to eventually face the Lakers in a series someday but it could possibly be SA, MAVS, or SAC.
I understand your point. It's just hard to imagine now because their styles are so different. But you are right in stating that Francis' current style is due to the current situation. Bibby is a PG that runs the offense. Francis is a PG that is the offense. That can definitely change as the Rockets get stronger. I will call this inconclusive as well.
Pat brings up a good point, how do we taylor our team to beat the future up and coming teams, like Sac, Dallas, and Minny (they clobber us.) As a result, Ming would not create a significant mismatch against the 3. I'm fearful of his lateral movement and ability to stay with Vlade and LaFrentz. However, once again, we are NOT getting KILLED BY CENTERS in the Western Conference, except Shaq. It's the 3 and 4 spots on the other teams that are hurting us on a consistent basis. As a result, Lamar and the #8 and #12 makes a better option than Ming. I Bourchardt would be a very good backup to Cato.
That's easy to say NOW! But when Bibby was on Vancouver he had more talent then Francis had last year on the Rockets, yet lost MORE games then Francis did. It's easy to say Bibby is better when Bibby has a team loaded with talent like Sacramento, which was winning a ton of games long before Bibby arrived on the scene.
I was wondering the same thing Joe. Could Welsch play the 3? He's 6'6" but he's really light. If he added a few pounds he could be interesting. He gives us exactly what we need at the 3, great defender, great ballhandler, and good shooter. He could be an interesting guy to look at for the #15.
Jiri Welsch sounds exactly like what Houston needs at the <b>2</b>. Wasn't Terrence Morris supposed to solve the problem at the 3?
I don't know if Welsch is big enough for the 3, but if he's a great defender and great ballhandler then I think the Rockets should draft him. He can play point forward for the Rockets instead of them having to trade for Odom. He can also slide over to the point guard position and allow Francis to play more 2 guard while not making the backcourt too small.
Look no further than Chris Jeffries as the Kobe defender. He gives this team exactly what it needs! Smoldering defense, passing, rebounding, athleticism, open court play and he can put the ball in the hoop as a 4th or 5th option. I want him over Nachbar at this point. If he can get a more consistent jumper, this kid is goona be the real deal.
