Optimism/Questions.

My only worry is whether Houston will keep another big man on the roster. I'm thinking mainly for a player like Shaq b/c he is so huge. Cato showed he can play him well. Dream really can't hold him anymore. Collier probably won't do much better. So whose left. Thomas Hamilton 7'3 300+ was probably here for that reason until he was cut. So now Terrell Bell does not pass his physical. Is this Johnson guy the only player left. I guess we can go with Dream, Cato and Collier. I just don't think Collier can play against the big centers. Well hopefully Dream can stay healthy and this won't be a problem.

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My Thoughts

1. The previous season, especially in the playoffs, showed that LA Lakers(and the triangle offense) can be beat if Shaq is drawn outside to protect his man, thus opening up the middle more.
(a) Collier (when he is in there) should actually do better at this than either Cato or Dream. (And, don't underestimate a tall, lanky Langhi setting up at the perimeter, or just inside it, will have on Shaq's postioning. O'Neal will be forced to cheat to that side everytime.)
(b) Inside, Cato can bang with him, and if he keeps his head, can half Shaq's point production simply by denying him offensive rebounds and "height position" on in-plays.
(c) Dream's all around game always disturbed Shaq, and it remains to be seen if Hakeem can continue to negate Shaq's overall effectiveness ( decreasing Shaq's pass play involvement, moving him off set floor positions, breaking up rhythm, etc...).

2. Cuttino, Steve and MoTay on the same floor should not even come close to causing problems.
(a)Stevie will surpass last year's performances in both defense and (a huge jump) in qualirty assists. I would fully expect his threat to score will be more calculated and will equal or slightly increase his PPG this year. But make no mistake, his defense and passing will be the hallmark of this season. Neither of these areas will negate anything Cat or Mo do on the floor. If anything it will enhance/elevate their game as well.
(b) If Mo will shine in anything this year it will be a commitment to get as many touches and scoring opportunities as possible. Last year there were many(lets say most early and all of the middle games of the season) where no one took the ball and made a run except for some late games when Francis unsuccessfully tried to do it all by himself. Mo will fill a nice scoring role and if you believe his intensity, he wants to genuinely improve his rebs and interacion with other team members.
(c) Cuttino is a fireball. he now has three years experience and is comfortable in his off the bench (look for that about 60% of the time)spark. More importantly RT has the makings of conrolling the tempo of the game, even more so than last year. Steve with increased defense and better understanding of his "leadership role". Mo who can create his own opportunities, and although a defensive liability at times, can be explosive, especially with any lapse in defense by his counterpart. Cat comes in to breakup the matchups, the rhythm, the speed and the zone ... he handles the ball (if anything I want him to concentrate on passing this year) and scores somtimes easily, despite a smothering defense.

Our opponents cannot win many games if everytime we get the ball we make you take your best defensive shot as we pass to the least protected option who consistently dumps it in the twine!

 

Actually popeye, Cuttino has only two years experience.

That sounds like a Gore exaggeration to me!

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Cheerleaders are just dancers who've gone r****ded.

visit www.swirve.com

 

LOL Rocketman95

I definitely agree that the type of centers on our team will be a good asset against O'Neal. I also think everyone will be in awe watching Dan Langhi because he was drafted very low for his skills, IMHO. I had heard of him and seen a couple highlights of him, but you never imagine those guys would be on your team. I was extremely surprised at how athletic and versatile he is.

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The best is yet to come.
Go Rockets!

 

... the rocks will be better than last year, and last year they were actually better than their record reflects. we lost a lot of close ball games, that happens when the teams identity is not yet established. i agree with many of the other post, in that francis will increase ppg with fewer attempts, his defense and assist will also improve. we aquire another good player in mo, this was not suppose to happen ... the rocks didn't have the free agency funds ... but still landed a highly coveted player, remember shanndon. we might have looked a little dissapointed draft night, but wait till we see what these two rooks can do in the rocks system ... i think we will all be surprised. hakeem is in a tuff position, his legacy is at stake, deep inside this man is a competitor, i expect no less than 3rd best #'s for a center when it's all said and done. as for playing time and shots, these guys have a friendship on and off the court, there will be ... and seem to buy into rudy's system ...he at the controls and his players respect and play hard for him ... no problem there. and if one should arise, look back to 2sandwhiches ... can anyone say bye bye.

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How will 3 young scorers co-exist with each other? That being Cat, Mo and SF.
We might have to include Dan in that group. It could work to our advantage. Legitimate scoring threats, at multiple positions, should task most defenses. Teamwork and chemistry, almost as important here, as the talent of these young men.

Will their egos get in the way?
SF is "Da Man". The team will reflect his ego. No Rocket, player or staff, can, or would challenge his role with the team or bruise his ego.
Mo and Dan have to prove themselves, this year for Mo, and so, have reason to keep their ego's in check. Judging by their demeanor, so far, so good.
Cat is key. Most of the team is new or improved, hype or fact remains to be seen. Steve and Kelvin muscled up, Moochie showcasing his talent this summer, Dream healthier than last year, Shandon more comfortable with the team and his role, and Mo, Dan, Jason the new young guns. What can Cat do to improve? Pass more and better than last year. If the new and improved Rockets are as good as the hype, Cat's role will be deminished to some degree. That could be a problem. With success all around him, his ego will drive him to do more on his own. That could really hurt the team. It is something he will battle all year long. He'll win the battle, more often than not, IMHO.

Will Francis take that extra step toward greatness in the NBA ?
I believe it is his destiny.

How will the chemistry that we saw towards the end of last season be affected?
Thanks to Rudy & co. it will grow.

How will they handle a loosing streak?
Not with smiles. But loses, at the right times, can strengthen a team, deepen their resolve, forge character. Streaks of any kind, are easier for teams without expectations and so, should not hurt this team to much.

Will they be happy w/the amt of playing time or amt of shots they get ?
With Rudy, the better you play, the more time you get. No reason for complaint.

Will we make the playoffs?
The addition Mo, makes it almost a reality. IMHO.

How will injuries affect us (they are bound to happen, unfortunately)
Portland, is the only team, I can think of, that can sustain a season ending injury, to any player you choose and not drop in the ratings.

How will Hakeem perform this his last yr.?
With the "Heart of a Champion". Enough said.

[This message has been edited by Smoke (edited October 07, 2000).]

 

Rocketnam

I guess I meant he will be playing in his third season or something "Al Gorish" like that.

Incidently more "Gorish" -isms that you should be aware of:

1. When Basketball was invented my head was the model of the original ball.
2. When the FEMA (Federal Emergency Measures Administartion) director visted the LA Clippers last year, I was with him.
3. When my mother-in-law and dog go to the Walgreen's pharamacy they pay no less than $908.56 per month for laxatives.
4. When I kiss Tipper her clothes fall off and she screams ... well, she calls out the name "William Jefferson!" .... for some odd reason.
5. When I sell horse manure to nuns and call it a charity offering I also can keep a straight face.

I digress.

Off topic too!

Where the hell are those police-police when you need them?

 

Hey Oeilpere,

That Jamison rumor that you mentioned had been discussed (you know, the one that caused a firestorm around here), in your opinion is that a dead issue? I'm asking because I quit reading that thread after about a hundred posts. So, I don't know if you came back from Canada & added anything else. By the way, is Canada as beautiful as I've heard?

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