We are not greater than the sum of our parts . . . not yet.

1. I see improvement: I recall posting "Unwatchable" when the Rox defeated the Nuggets very early in the season, with the same crap isolation dribble, dribble offense. The Rox still lapse into those old habits, but I actually see improvement. Tonight, they had a very difficult time getting the ball inside. However, late in the 4th and during overtime, they adjusted on the fly, perhaps for the first time this season.

Francis swung the ball to the corner, and Yao, anticipating this, held his position a little longer to make himself open for the entry pass from there. This didn't result in scores, but we got 2 fouls out of it and executed. Credit to all involved in those plays for learning how to mentally dissect the defense they had seen for 45 minutes. Those are the kind of adjustments that get you into the playoffs, and how good teams appear "unstoppable" on offense against the Rox.

2. The Yao/Mobley relationship: Mobley is still clearly uncomfortable playing off Yao's inside game. Despite my prior criticism of Mobley, I am starting to believe that his reluctance to pass to Yao is a function of lack of comfort (as well as some selfishness). After all, we suffer many turnovers as a result of poor entry passes and Yao not handling the entry pass or holding his position. This year, it is unrealistic to expect that Mobley will adjust to Yao. However, since we need his scoring, Rudy needs to make it clear to Mobley that HE WILL GET HIS NUMBER CALLED when Yao's not on the floor. To start the game, the Rox need to focus on getting the ball down to Yao. Mobley can focus on defense. Later in the 1st quarter, Rudy should run plays for Mobley.

3. The sum of our parts should net us a playoff birth, but we're playing at less than the sum of our parts. For that, the fault lies with Rudy T. The outstanding offensive flow that we see from Dallas, Sacramento and Lakers (when it's the triangle, not the Kobe show), is a result of strong coaching and letting the team mesh. Since we don't have the strong coaching, we'll have to wait for the team to mesh. The Rox are making some plays that show synergy . . .like the adjustments late in the 4th and in overtime tonight. When those plays become the norm, rather than the exception, the Rockets will become a dangerous team. Our growth would be accelerated if we had players with greater basketball IQ's or a true point guard to direct the offense. Since we dont, we'll just have to wait it out.

4. Number one on my wish list for next year: Tony Parker. A Rox championship team would have Mobley as our sixth man (he would be a runaway winner for the award). A competent point guard (how about Tony Parker if the Spurs sign Kidd) would permit Francis to move to the 2 guard. Parker would be a good 3rd scoring option with Francis and Yao on the floor. Mobley could come in as the offensive and defensive spark, and absolutely destroy the opposing team's reserve guard.

 

If the Spurs got Kidd, it would serve them well to move Parker for frontline help, particularly with Robinson retiring. Perhaps Parker for Cato?

For the Spurs: Kidd would have a field day lobbing alley-oops to Cato. Cato doesn't need the ball and would be a good compliment to Duncan. Parker would be obsolete. There may be salary issues, but we could get Kevin Willis back in the deal or Malik Rose. We don't need much to backup Yao, and Willis could teach him a thing or two about playing with force. Perhaps we could also figure out a way to dump Moochie.

For the Rox: We would have an excellent good 3 guard rotation. We'd be somewhat small, but let's look at the Kings and Dallas. The kings have bibby, jackson and christie. Dallas has nash, finley and van excel. How different is parker, francis and mobley? Also, we have Posey (assuming we re-sign him) and Hawkins as a defensive player to handle the bigger guards, like Kobe and McGrady. Like the Championship Rox teams, we could surround Yao with competent/if not streaky shooters, and Parker would fit this mold.