If I think ofSteve, Cuttino and Yao playing at their very best (based upon past performances), then we have as much talent as the other top teams in the west. JVG said these 3 were the building blocks for a championship. After he watches tapes of the games what improvement do you think he will expect from each of these players?
Answering the question: Nope. The team will have their hands full trying for a .500 record and staying near contention for the 8th spot.
Even though I dont think we will be in the title hunt I do think we will be much better than edc said. I think we can compete for the 6th spot or even higher.
I'm not slighting Rudy at all who had them headed for making the playoffs until he stepped aside. I'm asking if JVG is able to get the best from Steve, Cat and Yao do you think we will have a chance this year to contend? What has to change in their game? I remembering them taking it to San Antonio, LA, Detroit, and Orlando, and Philly last year. Maybe we aren't that far off just extremely inconsistant (And I have no idea why)
I definitly think they have a chance of going very far this season. They have grown a lot this past season and have become accustomed to Yao Ming and his game. And now they have a young, aggressive coach who is all about winning and nothing less. They definitly can win the title. It's all about having faith.
what!!! Your saying itll be difficult for us to be above .500!!! We were easily above all lastseason. WHy cant we do it easy this year with a more experianced Yao, Steve and a new coach who overacheives teams. Overacheiving this team is not making the playoffs. We didnt make the playoffs last seaso by 1 game and everyone says we underachieved. So overacheiving is going to the Western conference finals for us...
Something elso to consider (while I am giddy with optimism) What do you think will happen if we get off to a fast start, say 20-9 Show a decent team concept and chemistry And stay injury free (basically)
many people here will credit rudy t for the success of the team instead of JVG. that's what'll happen...
i think van gundy is just the person needed to get the rockets to be consistant. he won't tolerate lack of enthusiasm when playing the worst teams in the league. he's hopefully going to show them how to bring their 100% for 82 games. thats what is truly lacking.
Short answer: No Reason: Lakers, Spurs, Mavs all who own us. Best hope is 4th seed then you gotta think about the Kings. Make that 5th seed, and that's pushing it considering the Suns got a head start on us and showed they were the better team last year. Do I hear a 6th?
When this team does turn it around I think it will look something like this- Yao is consistant and gets plenty of touches averaging 22 pts. 12 reb 3.5 assists and 2.2 blocks Steve's assist to turn over ratio improves 50%, he shoots 41% from behind the arc and averages 26 ppg Cuttino plays with alot of leadership and team ball, locks people down onthe perimeter defense and averages 18.2 ppg We have gone lottery so long now everyone's pretty cynical. If we don't turn it this season it is really going to be brutal here and Steve/Cuttino bashing will pale in comparison to Van Gundy bashing.
Nope. But not for the talent. We are the team most talent have on the world. But there aren't any team in his first playoff appearence that won the championship. We need playoff experience, and then in a 2-3 years we'll can win the title. No dude
i don't think anyone here should question Rudy's coaching ability, i don't think that was the problem at all... what was the problem, in my in my honest opinion, was that our guys were NOT giving it their all, and NOT playing team ball. I think if we have a successful season, if anyone owes anyone an apology, it would be the fellas apologizing to Rudy for not giving him their ALL. That being said, I think Coach Van Gundy is the right guy to light a fire under these guys a55es and getting them to play some DEFENSE and legit Team ball. for everyone screaming NBA Title, I say lets take it one game at a time. Although I see where you are coming from, we have a ton of potential. I doubt we will see any major trades this year, but if we don't make the playoff this next season Expect a HUGE one.
If this team succeeds this year (makes the playoffs and past at least the first round) Rudy should get credit- He and CD put this thing together. We are close, I can feel it, and JVG was the man, he's the one, again I just feel it. So what needs to happen, what is going to happen to get us over the top, I think all this upside, potential blah blah blah we've been hearing is about to become... Clutch City is Back Baby!
If the Rockets improve their record and play consistent, I think you can give credit to Van Gundy. This team hasn't made the playoff since acquiring Francis, through no fault of his own (at least directly). He has a lot of talent, but lacks focus. Although this team had a better record this year than the previous, I'm sick of this me-ball crap. The top teams in the West have proven that me-ball doesn't always win. I like Rudy, but I thought it was time for a new coach. These guys didn't listen to him and in my opinion, whoever doesn't respect JVG can find a new home. I got the impression that players previously coached under Van Gundy had a ton of respect for him. I think it would be cool if Elie could come in as an assistant (4th?). We'll see who JVG staffs. ----------------------------------------- We have enough youth, how about a fountain of Smart?
let me add, I think we are a Ron Artest minus the attitude and defense first minded pf away from making some HUGE splashes? anyone have any ideas of who could fills these roles that the rox could have a chance of getting? Can James Posey be that Defensive minded 3? Can Cat play shut down D, and be a pass 1st shot 2nd type guy? Can Stevie control the turnovers and become consistent in the pts and assists dept? Can we get Yao a MEAN streak?!?! or at least a more commanding presence? Will Eddie Griffin ever get the size necessary to dominate the boards and block shots? or is he destined to be a quality back up? PF possibilities? PJ Brown?? Kwame Brown?? Antonio Davis?? Dale Davis?? LaPhonso Ellis?? Brian Grant?? Marc Jackson?? Antonio McDyess?? Theo Ratliff?? Kurt Thomas?? and What is the Rockets 2nd rd pick?
Assuming that the team is healty, Eddie greatly improves, Yao continues to amaze us, Steve has a good year and Cuttino adapts his game --- No. We are still not yet title contenders. Even if all of the above happens. I expect most of the above to happen. I think 5th in West, assuming the team is as it is now and no western power is burdened with significant injuries, is realistic and a good goal. If the team gets home court for the playoffs that would exceed my expectations. Remember this is a team short on playoff experience. They must learn a new system. Eddie needs to step up. Moochie needs to dribble less (hopeless - but not critical). Steve must learn to trust those around him. Those around him need to shoot better to earn Steve's trust. Making the playoffs this year is a significant step, especially if they can stretch or win a series. Then, lets see where they are and maybe next year, we can talk about them as one of the top four in the West. If all goes well, I can see legitamite contender talk in two years.
What is all this us stuff everytime I turn around ya'll talk as if ya'll gettin paid to suit up alongside Steve Yao and Cuttino.When did Les start payin fans contracts just to say they play for Houston? Houston Rockets Record For 2003-04 Season: 52-30(3rd In Midwest and 6th in Western Conference)
