Dr. Jack: Well the season almost 80% done and the Rockets find themselves on the verge of falling out of the playoff race and under .500%. The Suns, Warriors and Sonics all have been making moves to pull away from the Rockets or catch them. So here is my break down of the Rockets: PG Steve Francis: Very gifted player. One of the best finishers in the NBA, excellent rebounder and improved defender. Steve has had his finest professional season statistically, but has failed to be discipline or get his teammates involved. Overall I believe Steve took a step back this year and only strengthened the calls for Steve to move to shooting guard. With the rockets losing Steve has failed to take the blame or be vocal. In fact he has often deflected the blame. As Steve has played poorly of late, so has his team. In fairness to Steve he is playing hurt. Grade: C Cuttino Mobley: Played a large portion of the season with bad ankles, as a result he had a very inconsistent season. All of his stats slipped, but that was to be expected with Yao Ming on the team. Often the ire of fans early, Cuttino cut down on his shots late in the season and appeared to buy more into the team concept than his more talented running mate. Still serious question exist about Cuttino's future on the Rockets. Grade: B- James Posey: James showed signs early on of being a key for the Rockets. He played excellent defense, got rebounds and helped the transition game. However as the season wore on James seemed to fade, his defense lost its intensity and he seldom ran. James is a free agent and wants a deal right at the MLE, there is a 50% chance James plays elsewhere next year. Grade: C Eddie Griffin: Eddie had a very unusual season. He provided a consistent shot blocker, good defender and improving rebounder. However, on offense Eddie never got on track and still was too perimeter happy. Late in the season Eddie made an effort to play in the post, with solid results. Eddie is only 20 years old and is way away from his prime, but the Rockets hoped to see more development. Eddie appears to lack the maturity to reach his potential right now. The Rockets are probably hoping for close to 10/10/2 numbers from Eddie next year or the season after. Eddie will never score alot with Francis, Ming and Mobley. Grade: C+ Yao Ming: Was much hyped and criticized at the same time. Yao did not disapoint. Yao was one of the top 5 defenders in the NBA, basically cutting off the lane for penetrators. Yao rebounded better than expected and showed an ability to score well in big games. Yao needs to improve on sealing off his defender and also needs to improve his conditioning and endurance. The best rookie in the NBA, Yao should improve in the coming season. There is a good chance the offense runs through Ming next season. Yao is the Rockets smartest player and most clutch player. 20/10/2 is quite likely next season. Grade: A- Rudy T: A very difficult man to grade, depending on expectations. I believe expectations were too high. The Rockets still have many warts, and Rudy T h http://boards.espn.go.com/cgi/nba/request.dll?MESSAGE&room=nba_hou&id=108379 Could anyone tell me the original link for this one?
He's on the money. If this is really Jack Ramsey, hire him. Of course he's only got a few years left on the old ticker.
Great article Scotia ..... I wonder if the Rockets organization and players are aware of all these articles and opinions about them. Apparently most of them has negative views about our starters except for Yao. When will they ever learn .....
Dr. Jack thinks Bibby is the second best point guard in the NBA. I just can't let that go. The old man is just off his rocker.
CONT. Rudy T: A very difficult man to grade, depending on expectations. I believe expectations were too high. The Rockets still have many warts, and Rudy T had to deal with them. On the plus side Rudy T handles the Yao Ming experiment very well, not overwhelming him and putting him in a position to do well. The team will see it's wins increase 50% this season, which is an impressive accomplishment. Also, Rudy T worked hard to change the defensive scheme, and did so with great success. The Rockets went from a terrible defensive team to a good one. However, the team never got on track offensively despite having an explosive backcourt and a talented offensive big man. The Rockets were never disciplined on offense, and never bought into the offensive scheme and often the team broke down on final shots. The team also seemed to lack an identity. Rudy T is correct that he can't force an identity on the club, he still failed to find one for the team. Rudy T will probably get 1 more season to win. Grade: D- Changes: Rudy T and Les Alexander are both loyal to their players, but expect results. Do not be suprised to see Rudy T bring in a banger in the mold of PJ Brown and 1-2 other veterans to help discipline the club. The backcourt faces the possiblity of being broken up, as they are supposed to set the offense. Also expect to see a more agressive coaching job next season. Note: The Rockets lose the right to their #1 pick, however they have the right to give the Grizzlies another draft pick within 6 positions of their draft pick, assuming they can make a deal. Most likey the Rockets pick will be late in the lottery and they will simply surrender their pick to complete the Steve Francis trade. http://boards.espn.go.com/cgi/nba/request.dll?MESSAGE&room=nba_hou&id=108381
That's good news. Suppose the Rox gets lucky again and is in top 3. Rox can make a deal with another team and get extra drafts or players. Even if Rox is #13, Rox can still make a deal with another team who picks #19 and get extra draft or players.
Provide proof that Jack Ramsay said this. A post on another bbs by someone named "Jack Ramsey" (note spelling) doesn't qualify. I looked in his article archives and this appeared nowhere. If you can provide the link and proof that Jack Ramsay (note spelling) said this, just start another thread and provide the info.
I really dont think the article comes from the real Jack Ramsay. It sounds more like from someone in this BBS.
really. where did he say that? i love dr. jack, but what he is sayin' is stone cold wack! im no expert but i can name 5 pgs who are better than bibby... payton, kidd, francis, parker and nash...IMO
I am sorry, just lock it up before we can proof that is true. But I still think this is a great one and is worth to share with (Even it is not from Dr. Jacks.
This is just starting confusion. If someone finds a legit link that attributes this quote to Jack Ramsay, start a new thread. Guys named "Jack Ramsey" posting it in a thread don't count.
