SF could have been such a leader if he wants to take a pay cut and return to houston for some rings 3 years from now
As far as his post feed, he doesn't have a whole lot of experience, and it can be a specific skill unrelated to overall playmaking, but as an overall playmaker/offensive initiator, absolutely. He's got an excellent handle for his size, sees the floor very well, and is a willing and able passer. We'll have to see how he feeds the big dog, but it won't be lack of desire that prevents him, if anything. He's long enough and smart enough that he should at least become one. What you will see a lot of of drive and dish type of assists; he's an exceptional inside passer.
Jeff, this is a thought provoking post. We know there will be other moves to fill in positions. Several ideas have been dicussed quite a bit, but they were always about playing ability. Of the players we have discussed as worth trading for or signing as a free agent, are any known as team leaders? Do we "promote from within"? Is it JVG?
True, but there is a significant difference between being a leader on a team full of people who know their place and a team loaded with millionaires and egos. I assume Yao will command respect eventually like Hakeem did - through his actions on the floor. But, they will eventually need someone who is vocal in the locker room to push them like Elie. Jackson probably is that guy for now, but he won't be around forever.
Mo Taylor kind of strikes me as this type, as does Jim Jackson. Mo actually now becomes the veteran on this team with the most Rockets tenure. In fact, only he, Yao, and Boki played under Rudy!
Yeah, I think Mo can also be a vocal leader If TMac can't do it then next year the only canidates are Mo and JJ. Mark Jackson is leaving before the season starts right?
Regarding his ball handling and playmaking, the Toronto Raptors started him in the backcourt alongside Doug Christie during one of their playoff runs. He and Christie took turns bringing the ball down and initiating the offense.
Man MoT thinks it's ok to lie to the grand jury, thinks it's ok to pay college players under the table, and picks up a five game drug suspension while he is out all year with an injury. Much less the waste of god given gift of an NBA body by not working on his defense and rebounding. Call me old school, but I really hope we can find a better leader. On a positive note, he does take the charge. But as much I truely appreciate that, I am hopeing for outside help.
MacBeth, TMac has been my favorite NBA player since his rookie year. I largely agree with your comments. He has incredible athleticism (speed, leaping ability, agility, quickness, etc.), but he also has that intangible "second sense" on the court ie "basketball smarts." The very quality that Francis lacked. He stays cool, looks, looks and then explodes with a well timed pass or a killer shot. I love his game as much as I disliked Francis' game. He almost never plays out of control. He is not a rah rah kind of guy, more the temperment of Ming, so the team will need a "sparkplug" player who will keep things uptempo. I think he is the best "offensive" player in the league (good or better than Kobe) and, when he wants to, can shut people down. He will set Ming free. If any team is dumb enough to double or triple Ming he will light them up. The Rockets are on the edge of something big. With the right company, the Rockets can contend right away.
Very nice post. I had been hoping someone would give a thorough summary of McGrady's game for a week now, since I have not seen him play much. The thing I'm most excited about is his basketball IQ and the possibility of him making the other players more efficient offensively. The one number that jumps out at me in his stat line are assists. I can't wait to see him with Jackson, Yao, and a good passing point guard on the floor simultaneously. The Rockets could go from a very bad turnover team to one of the better ones in the league almost immediately. McGrady's assist numbers: 97-98: 1.5 98-99: 2.3 99-00: 3.3 00-01: 4.6 01-02: 5.3 02-03: 5.5 03-04: 5.5 The backcourt for the Rockets could go from: Francis: 6.2 a/g 3.7 to/g Mobley: 3.2 a/g 2.3 to/g RATIO: 1.6 TO: Fisher: 3.6 a/g 1.2 to/g (year before Payton) McGrady: 5.5 a/g 2.7 to/g RATIO: 2.3
Or this: Barry: 5.8 a/g 2.4 to/g (With Ray Allen averaging 4.8agp) McGrady: 5.5 a/g 2.7 to/g RATIO: 2.2
Jim Jackson is a natural born leader. So there should be no leadership problem in Houston. JJ and Taylor.
Good post. I wish I could add more. At his best, McGrady makes Kobe look unathletic and short. At his worst, McGrady is anonymous 3 point bomber. Hopefully, we'll get more of the former than the latter. I think we will, with a better team to surround McGrady with...
Anybody know McGrady's plus-minus (point differential for his team when he's on the court vs. on the bench)?
Great, so now we have to worry about STDs? At least it's better than adultery with a 20-something hotel worker.
