How quickly can a team really turn a different direction?

We're a mediocre team this year. People need to realize that.

 

I like Basketbawful's analysis of the team.

Pretty much the definition of mediocre. Average, and just a bit short of becoming good. I agree with the thought that the team is a player or two away from vaulting back into contention. Of course how the team obtains said players while maintaining the roster is the question. Then again, hasn't that always been the question?

 

Honestly I think Morey had already begun the process of rebuilding last season but with the option of staying the course
If Yao was healthy they could make a move to get better instantly , much the same this season. They are still in the hunt even below .500 but they have lots of assets to potentially get better quickly.
At the conclusion this season they will have no less than five contracts expire. They could use those expirings to gather young talent or draft picks. They could also use those same expirings to make an impact type of move that gives them a chance to make a deep run should they be able to make the playoffs.
I get the idea that they are looking more to tread water until an impact player becomes available and then make a move. That could be as early as next season when another good group of players are looking at the FA period at the end of the season in at least D. Howard and D.Williams. The Magic and Jazz will be in the same position as Cleveland recently found itself. Do you think they make the same mistake (pending the CBA doesnt give teams a "franchise tag")?
They have , for the most part kept their options open and to be able to go in several directions rather than just tearing it all up and becoming the Clippers for a couple years , maybe more.
The only downside to this is the draft position that being a .500 club nets you. Not bad enough to get a shot at an elite talent unless you beat the odds in the lottery. They more than likely have to find that elite player thru trade rather than the draft.

What we as fans get in return for enduring this stretch is the comfort in knowing that at any time they can make the move that turns it around but without having to endure the 12-70 type seasons.

 

Damn, 1 year and 8 months seems like an eternity now...

 

We could be in the Cavs position.

 

Yea this **** sucks...i was a red rowdy that 08-09 season. Good times....

 

meh, I think people want to have a sense that there is a plan, that there is a path back to glory

right now it's not clear what that is, we seem trapped in mediocrity

 

This. Such a microcosm of this season.

 

Morey has handled Tracy,Yao, and their big contracts/injuries with a deftness that transcends most GM's. He's done a great job of being flexible enough to feed the window assuming Yao's health while putting us in a position to rebuild/reload for the future. People who complain about DM just don't get it. This is a fluid situation that requires patience on his part AND ours. Morey has worked well around Les's refusal/inability due to his contract/decision not to move Yao. The chains are about to come off and DM will help our Rockets fly again.
As to how long, well we'll see. But we're in good hands.

 

A very generous appraisal of the Rocket's rebuilding years; you left out that after the championships in 94 and 95, they never got past the first round in the precious few times they even made the playoffs until 08. That's thirteen years of "rebuilding." Many other NBA teams rose and fell several times during that thirteen year period. In fact, the Rockets have been stuck more in mediocrity than not.

 

I agree. While there isn't as much hope for our future as there is for say... the Kings or the Clippers. I'd be willing to bet over the next few years (assuming we dont try to tank and rebuild like they are) that we will have on average a better record than those two teams for the next 4 years.

And I know there are going to be people that say that's not good enough, and you'll be right. But that kind of illustrates the point of the failures of trying to force a rebuild like some fans here want to do.

 

I am not ready to accept that we are terrible.

Make one more move to bring in a difference maker defensively at the C (Varejao or Bogut), slide Hayes to four, and bring Scola off the bench. This should drastically improve our defense.

If that doesnt make us a much better team, well then we are terrible.

 

I think you are overrating the impact of adding a primarily defensive player like Varejao. This team lacks players who can close games offensively and create shots for others as well. Brooks is going through a tough time. This is hurting the team. Players eg Budinger,Hill aren't doing well. This makes things tougher for the vets.
Bogut can make a difference. He isn't going anywhere.

 

#1 draft pick > #15

 

Not literally 15, just saying. Being horrible can be better than mediocre.

 

Ball is round.

 

Perhaps, but I still want to see it before we "give up"

 

Fair enough.

 

I think the biggest reason Yao wasnt moved is how much revenue he generates , Yao playing or not the Rockets are China's team. From a business standpoint , having Yao on the roster was a good move.

You really couldnt expect Les to cut and run without milking Yao for all he's worth. He's the golden cow ... and profit is the bottom line no matter what Les says.

From a competitive standpoint , Yao has been an anchor tied around the neck of both Morey and Adleman. That all changes either now due to a deal involving Yao or at the end of the season when his deal expires.