I found this interesting.. CHARLES BARKLEY SPEAKS THE TRUTH!!! Feel free to lock this thread if there is a similar post. http://blogs.chron.com/sportsmedia/2009/05/tnt_duo_sends_rockets_fishing.html As is the case with every NBA franchise each year save two, the Rockets were sent fishing Sunday night by TNT's Inside the NBA crew, but not without some reluctance by Rockets alumni Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley. Smith, in fact, briefly refused to pick up his fishing pole for the show's obligatory castoff for losing playoff teams, saying, "They (the Rockets) played so hard I didn't want to send them fishing." Barkley, meanwhile, said he was rooting for the Rockets to beat the Lakers. "I did something I never did before," Barkley said. "I rooted for a team. I normally never care who wins. I was pulling for the Rockets before this game started. But I've never done that before. He added, "You gotta respect what they accomplished. You gotta respect that as a fan, as a player, you gotta appreciate them beating those Laker teams twice without Yao Ming." During the equally obligatory post-elimination analysis, Barkley said the Rockets' first postseason decision must be whether to sign free agent Ron Artest, "but you can't judge the team at all until you can tell where Tracy (McGrady) and Yao Ming are" health-wise. "People who think they're a better team without Tracy McGrady, they're just idiots. They're a better team with Tracy McGrady," Barkley said. "Then you have to ask yourself if Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady are going to be healthy. You hope they are. They're both terrific players. I really like Yao Mng's personality a lot. I hope they're healthy. But it's a legitimate question." Finally, there is one bright spot for Rockets fans: By next year, chances are Stuart Scott's train of thought will have wandered sufficiently that he will no longer think he's a wordsmith by trying to hang the nickname "Young Quick" on Aaron Brooks. And, if you're keeping score, Barkley and Chris Webber are taking the Nuggets in the Western Conference finals while Smith opts for the Lakers.
Finally after all these years of watching Smith and Barkely bash the Rockets, they gave us some due respect. I think this year was a nice change of pace in many ways.
ROFL. I agree with Stack24. This series, has really made our team a lovable one, for people who didn't care about the Rockets before. Everyone was cheering on Houston, it was crazy. And to hear Barkley respecting us, just amazing.
The McGrady talk is expected. For all the talk about how critical Kenny and Charles are they are both guys who don't want to ruffle feathers or hurt feelings. We both know they don't look at the actual numbers either. I know some of you want to argue that if McGrady comes back in tip-top, near Orlando Tmac form and/or he comes back healthy and 100% buys into the offense and becomes the ultimate facilitator this team will be much better. I agree with that. I also think it is just as likely that 1993 Olajuwon will step out of the Delorean, ask where Doc Brown is and then decide to play for the Rockets for the vet minimum.
God I love Barkley... He may have to kiss that Donkey a few times but I agree with alot of times I agree with what he has to say. Charles I miss you and wish you were Broadcasting for the Rockets full time. I'd love to see Barkley Smith Hakeem and JVG broadcasting for the Rockets. Heck throw drexler in there too.
Uhh did you ever watch them talk about the Rockets? They did not 'hate' them, but they certainly had very little respect for the Rockets before these playoffs.
They don't respect you. They respect winners like Scola, Battier and Hayes. These three plus Rafer are my most favorate Rockets since JVG's time. and Many fans here didn't respect them. most fan here underrate 'heart of champion'. they only understand the stats and highlights.
I love this squad, reminds you of team of nobody's that just play ball like at the Fonde. They played hard, smart (except for Artest), and actually earned every dime each game. Love Kenny wearing the Rocket Red Jacket. I would love to see a white version with a Red R. Proud of them all the way in Canada.
didnt he say that yao and tmac would never fit together for couple of yrs now, and tha the rockets should trade either or??????
