I think that our coaching strategy has already tried to change, but our players weren't bright enough to execute (a little birdie told me that). When a play broke down, they went to what they know- one on one b-ball. There were games were they passed the ball, there was terrific player movement, and they played tough D - they were all wins. For those that think we don't need to make a change to personnel, I think that you may be in for a disappointing offseason. Why you ask? New luxury suites to fill and over 2000 extra seats to put people in. I don't think that this team will be able to sell out the new arena. I have said this before, and some have responded, "Attendence was up with the addition of Yao", and it was- we improved for 31st to 27th as reported on 610am earlier this week. I think that to create a buzz in the city, a major move will have to be made. I was at Pippen's first game as a Rocket and the Compaq center was absolutely electric. New players help create new excitement in the team. We all know that personnel decisions are not alway made based purely on B-ball.
I agree with Easy. Inexperience is not an excuse. It is a fact. We should have made the playoffs, but we were in no shape to do better than Phoenix. Francis is just not as good as Marbury...and that's confidence, consistency and leadership..all things that define experience. The team is old enough and experienced enough to know what they are capable of...except for Yao and Griffin. I believe it is clear that Francis does, and will continue, to clash with Yao unless Yao just explodes in Walton/Divac-esque high post talent...which he shows mere glimpses of, but nothing more. As a Jabbar-style post player...they are destined to clash for another year. the pg experiment is over. We know what we have in SF and we may only see marginal differences. imo, we either pray Eddie bursts out and we become this low post and awesome defense team; or Eddie flattens out meaning the burden to improve is soley on Yao to become top 5 center of all time; or trade Stevie soon, because without Eddie making it or Yao dominating..we aren't improving to Western Conf Finals. The last one I can control; the others are based on either Eddie or Yao hitting max potential.
Gater, other than disagreeing on how much SAR can help this team, I pretty much always agree with what you say. To the others who fail to believe, the proof is in the pudding. The things that Gater and so many other people talk about is basketball 101. Simple basketball that was learned in high school and jr high level. Setting up the man setting a pick for you, after a rebound , getting in the middle of the court with your head up. Starting the offense and running it with a purpose. All those things are not done by our team and its not the younger players, its the veteran or so called "franchise player" and "the best backcourt in the league". Just like after the 45 win season, most people on this board expected the Rockets to leapfrog alot of teams as if our talent was going to get better and theirs stand pat. News flash people!!!. Other teams players are getting better faster than ours. Murphy is getting better quicker than Griffin. Marion has improved evey yr he's been in the league as opposed to Francis going backwards. Mobley is still mobley. The rockets staff and management need to look at the reality that no matter how young they think they are, it takes some failure before the ring is won. At the rate the Rockets are going, they haven't even begun that process. Looking at the west, I don't see it getting any worse only better. Action needs to be taken.
DV, I think we agree pretty closely; I just wasnt sure what your exact view on this is. I think its imperative this team make changes next yr if they want a shot at the playoffs. I honestly believe that if you surround Yao and Steve with the appropriate talent, this team can win 50 games. I agree, dont blow the team up, but changes starting with Cuttino are absolutely necessary. I dont buy this argument that in order to make changes to the mentality of this team, Steve has to go; thats completely lame. The Rockets will absolutely regret trading Steve Francis unless they are able to pull off one of these far fetched dreamcasting scenarios that have less than 5% chance of happening. Also, I agree somewhat on Eddie Griffin. I think its dumb to just unload Eddie for the sake of trading. However, if Eddie Griffin is the difference between getting a young player you really want ie Lamar Odom then you have to be willing to part with him. Eddie should no longer be on the untouchable list like he was last summer. I would use Griffin and/or Mobley as the main trade bait to make the key acquisition this team needs whether it is Tony Parker, Lamar Odom, Jamaal Tinsley, Andre Miller, Eric Snow, etc. Then use the exception and/or any other tradeable commodities (Cato, Rice) to fill in the remaining holes with solid veterans like Jon Barry, PJ Brown, Brian Grant, Steve Smith, Reggie Miller, etc. This team isnt that far off from winning 50 games, but Mobley absolutely must go if any progess is going to be made.
