[Hoopsworld] NBA AM: Olajuwon Feels The Rockets’ Pain

I just don't understand how people keep saying the Rockets are again projected to be a middle of the pack team. Am I crazy?

How can you get rid of 7 of your top 10 rotation players and replace them with Jeremy Lin, Omer Asik, Carlos Delfino and 4 rookies and be even close to the middle of the pack? HOW?

I think Lin is a solid signing, but is a combination of Lin and either Machado, Douglas or Livingston an upgrade over Lowry and Dragic? No. I think it's a down grade.

I like the Asik signing, but even if he manages to play 30 minutes a game at the level they expect him to play at (and that's not a certainty), is he an upgrade over Camby/Dalembert? I really can't imagine he can be.

Delfino is probably a better back up small forward than Budinger (but not by a large margin), but will Lamb be able to out perform Courtney Lee? Will Patterson be able to play at anywhere near the level of Scola?

I just don't see it. I'll be shocked if we win 25 games.

 

Coming from a man who stuck with his team and LED/WILLED THEM TO TWO CHAMPIONSHIPS!!!

That is exactly why I don't regard some of the so called "superstars" as high, only why they felt they could win a championship is to stack a team.

 

I think Dream was just being optimistic in his responses.

 

Question: How can you call yourself the best, be the best or truly believe that you are the best if you never beat the best?

So instead of playing each other to see who is truly the best, these so called "superstars" rather join up and beat a bunch of mediocre teams. Yes, I know a couple there are other teams who are very competative.

I mean seriously, what does that really make you, King Of the Dip****s?

 

When Moses Malone was playing for the Rockets. He was a monster.

 

ooooops. wrong thread. sorry folks, i was in a hurry.

 

depends on the definition of 'middle of the pack' eh?

last year's team was middling 'tween the best & worst in the west. current team is middling 'tween the playoff also rans. ie, playoff hopes die at or before mid season rather than just before the post season. probably just a dozen or so games worse ...

in perception pragmatic fans see both missing the playoffs. only sentimental fools, like me, will rue this marginal shift.

 

More Hakeem interview installments with Poopsworld:

Olajuwon: Still Changing the Game

The 1995 NBA MVP Myth

What if Michael Jordan Hadn’t Quit?

 

Why does everyone say I know I know its Poops world....don't they just broadcast the news not make up hypotheticals

 

max contracts killed that mindset... nice work, stern!

Too much money and fame is handed over for 'potential' nowadays... thats why the youngsters have no work ethic and wanna be part of a 'superteam'... You always had a few players getting the big paydays as they got into the league (Glenn Robinson and the first 100M contract), but nowadays, most top5 players can play out their 3yr rookie contract and then get a max or near max deal based on mediocre play and potential... and Thabeet couldnt even work hard enough to get that easy money...lol

 

How sweet it twas...

 

People forget that LeBron was traded to the Heat too. A sign-and-trade, to be specific.

To be fair, the media sure made it LOOK like it was a free agent signing...