7-10 With Hakeem Gone...Coincidence?

There isn't any disagreement. The cash would only be freed up if he were willing to take a 50% salary reduction.

BTW, I agree with you on the other issue. Right now, I think losing Hakeem would be addition by subtraction, as much as I hate to say it.

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As much as I love Hakeem and what he's done for the team and the city, I think he's been obsolete for a few months now. He doesn't really fit into the team's game plan anymore, he gets exhausted far too quickly, and his game has unquestionably suffered as a result of those two factors.

Realistically, I think his playing days are over.

I like the idea of him staying on and coaching the up-and-coming big men, and I'm sure they'd like to have him around in practice. I'd hate to see him become disassociated from the team.

Of course, he is and always will be the heart and soul of the Rockets, so if he decides to play next season (which I'm guessing he will), I'll respect that decision. He might not see much playing time, but...

He HAS earned the right to make his own calls career-wise.

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Im sorry i disagree. I think while hakeem wont have another great season, can still provide valuable RBs and D, along with veteran leadership and a calming presence in the locker room. and i think he can show cato and maybe carlos some moves in the post that which would really benefit our team. The only two free agents we can make a run at this season are brian grant and R. Lewis, both who will be EXTREMELY difficult to obtain. i think hakeem should play one more season and go off in the sunset.

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TeX:

And what if we do get another big man in the offseason? I'm not saying we will, but what then?

I agree that he can still contribute, but that contribution is rapidly shrinking. If we can find someone who contributes more...

I'd point out again that no matter what, I'd like to see him stay in one capacity or another. I see his greatest contributory potential now as being a teacher to the kids.

Granted, I'd love to eat crow on this one. I'd love to see him regain his fire, consistency, and dominance of the paint, but I just can't hold my breath forever...

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You can't really judge the Rockets recent success on Hakeem being gone because when he was playing he didn't play much and when he did he did play too bad. He still shot a good percentage, with the exception of a few games. I think he will still be the main contributer to the team once he gets healthy because he will be able to get into rhythm, unlike this year. I think he believes the same thing or he qouldn't come back. I know Hakeem and I know that if he knew he couldn't earn his salary he wouldn't play.

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Rockeem:

You're forgetting about the boy who cried wolf...

Hakeem was supposed to have recovered from his previous knee problems this season. And last season he was supposed to have been in the best shape of his career (he wasn't).

He may be mentally overestimating his own physical fitness, because his numbers have been in pronounced decline for two straight years. It took a doctor to finally (basically) order him to sit the rest of the season out this time, so let's be realistic.

He may think he's good to go, and personally if I were Rudy I'd give him another chance anyway, but we've heard the "I feel better than ever" bit before, and if he didn't produce quickly (say, in the first 5-8 games) he'd be a pinepatch the rest of the season...

A difficult decision to make, but the team comes first.

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This thread is making me think; If the Hakeem of '94 were on this team, would it be a championship calibre team, and if it were, would it be better than that special team? Truth be told, as clutch and valuable Cassell, Thorpe, Smith, Horry, Maxwell, etc. were simply very good role players at that stage. Sure, this years team is very young, but it has a potential superstar in 'Chise, another scorer in Mobes, defensive stalwart in Anderson, and role players in Cato, Thomas, Williams, Rogers, Massenburg, etc.
I think its a tough call, because that '94 team had a chemistry that is rare, and played as a unit, not to mention experience.

It would be interesting nevertheless watching the hot-shot rook in Francis playing with one of the greatest players of all time in his prime.



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Hakeem's skills has not declined close to as much as his numbers reflect. The players he is playing with are ones that he cannot play too well with. We have got too many one on one players and too many plays are set up for them. Hakeem cannot play on that kind of team and that kind of team will never win us another championship. the bottom line is that Hakeem is not respected on that team, he doesn't get enough touches and until the team realizes that the best thing for them is to get Hakeem back into playbook, Hakeem will have low numbers and low minutes and the team will suck. Oh and don't tell me this team is doing well without him, because just face it, we suck and a couple of games is going to do nothing for us.

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Darkhorse:

My thinking almost to a T. I guess I'd give him a shot next year (we all know his potential - you don't just throw that away), but realistic decisions need to be made if his performance doesn't improve...

But, keep in mind, the "torch" has already been passed. This is Steve's team now, and if the game plan doesn't include Hakeem (it doesn't), then that's that. Anyone who doesn't like that can revoke their US citizenship and move to Yesteryear - I hear it's in Russia

Seriously, though - can anyone deny that the torch HAS been passed to 'Chise?


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Rockeem:

Are you really a Hakeem fan?!? He gets himself into games when he's hot. The wonderful thing about the man is (used to be) that when he had the ball, neither his own team nor the other team really mattered. All you knew was that it was two for Houston, plus maybe a FT... And when he was defending, for any slasher who was thinking about driving on Hakeem, he took one look at the man and decided to take another offensive route...

Hakeem was THE MAN.

The problem is that 'was' is the operative here; that imposing, menacing, dominating man no longer exists. It's time for some new bread.

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I don't think Francis can lead this team, but that is probably just my opinion. If he is the leader I don't think we will be making the playoffs for a long time, but a least next year Hakeem will make sure we get in. I think he can do it. Isn't there any one alse who has faith in Dreams.

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Francis, not be able to lead a team? What makes you think that? I think he's shown talent comparable to Duncan and Carter. I'd say he's better than Iverson.

He can shoot, drive, and pass... what more do you want? He's still immature, but not to the extent of many other players. Remember Hakeem? He used to be quite the hothead himself-not a leader at all. In fact, many people wanted to trade him for that reason.

Francis might become somethign VERY special. Don't let loyalty to Hakeem change that. The fact is, the Rockets have been worse this year w/Hakeem in the lineup. Without Francis, they're nothing.

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Lemme get this straight: You don't think that 'Chise can get us to the playoffs, but Hakeem can guide us through them???

I'd put it the other way around right now: Francis gets us to the playoffs, and Hakeem gets us booted out.

Dammit, I hate to knock Hakeem, but he's just not the player he used to me.

Even Mike's career ended. They all end at some point.

'Chise is the future. Get used to it. I bet you learn to enjoy it...

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Well see where "Chise" gets you.

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I bet he gets us a ring (with a little help from an unnamed C superstar) within three years.

Yeah, that's a bold bet (not really, since my balls are off the line), but I don't think it's that unrealistic. The boy's got talent, brains, desire, and drive, and that makes a superstar if boiled with a couple years experience. Surround him with a decent team (and give him a competent big man to work with)- like we've been doing the past week - and you've got a serious contending team.

The cup is half full. It is NOT half empty.

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My point is not that Hakeem is the best anymore it is that Francis can't carry this team and if you think so you are in for a disappointed run.

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Rockeem,

The Rockets think he can, else they wouldn't have made the blockbuster trade

The NBA had him in for a visit when the Rockets were on the East Coast. The NBA is picky about the people they chose to be their ambassadors.

Opposing coaches/teams have altered their defenses because of the respect/fear they have for Francis.

I am making the case for Francis being able to do it.

Now make your case.
No brag, just the facts.
You will have to give more than your opinion
because we already know that.

Mango

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