You and I both. Immediately after the Spurs game was over, I saw JVG pretty upset at Rafer, and Alston just kept walking as if ignoring JVG, and I immediately told said "Rafer is going to be in the doghouse, probably riding the bench". Lo and behold, Rafer didn't see any minutes following that game (I think it was after that game), and the whole "hairline fracture" thing came out. I don't know, it just seems to me like Alston got on JVG's bad side, although I am surprised that a Toronto newspaper would get a 'scoop' like this before a Houston paper did, so I am not sure if I believe what they are saying, for it could be mere speculation. Wouldn't be surprised though...
Wondering if Tmac's extended back problems have anything to do with the Gundy/Alston struggle and this may be a larger Gundy vs Tmac struggle? Total conjecture on my part - but I have seen stranger things in organizations during my lifetime. Surprised that there is no Chronicle chatter about Tmac's timetable - could the Chron be keeping a lid on controversy in order to serve a large paying advertiser? Nahhh, that never happens in the real world.
I don't think a 5-4 bald man wields that much power. If there was an ongoing TMAC struggle, JVG would be shipped out on the first available flight to Newark.
i think alston just need time to adjust and he probably was a little out of shape...i think in time he will play better like how DA started off slow but hes coming together well
No way. First of all, the Chronicle rarely breaks stories. Fox26 is usually has breaking news with the Rockets. I doubt very much there is a Tracy vs. JVG struggle that the media is keeping quiet. Rockets media coverage is a lot more than just the Chronicle.
OK then why no media chatter about Tmac and Alston's timetables to return? This has been very quiet. Kinda like a lid, no? And then a small piece of intel squirts out in Toronto where no one cares about Rockets advertising dollars? Where are the Rockets insiders - am I just missing them or have they been warned about sharing too much? Remember Clutch got the door slammed in his face until enough of us complained to Rockets Management. Ah maybe its just my old auditing detective suspicious mind.
Does this count? "T-Mac optimistic Rockets forward Tracy McGrady missed his fifth consecutive game and eighth this season with a strained back. Asked if he thought he would be cleared to play Tuesday against the Atlanta Hawks, McGrady said, "That's what we're shooting for." www.chron.com
So many new ideas get brought up in a thread that I had to check the title again; JVG and Alston potentially at logger-heads, albeit unconfirmed etc etc. As far as trading for a forward, Al Harrington would be nice because he can pass. I think he averages 5 assists per game, and he's young, and he just might not stick around in Atlanta, this being his contract year. Unfortunately, he can't shoot threes. Alston? Hopefully he hasn't run afoul of JVG, but it's very possible. No one has really stepped up in T-Mac's absence. No leadership whatsoever. Alston will be available for trade on December 4. We'll see what shakes out.
People need to stop with all this "alston doghouse" nonsense...am I the only one who likes how he runs the team? he's averaging 4.1 assists and only 1.5 TO's in 32+ minutes...yea, his shooting hasnt come around, but his career numbers show that he's a good 3-point shooter, so its only an aberration... and its amazing how many people here were thrilled with the trade for MJ, but now cuz everyone's dumping on Rafer, they feel they need to fit in...this board is so fickle sometimes...
Yeah, Mo was lazy. Rafer is not, he has been trying on the court. In JVG's eyes, effort is just as important as production.
It sure seems like he is. He looks like nothing but raw ability on the court and the guy has been in the league for a while. I notived JVG trying to talk to the guy on the bench during the Hawks game. Stromile "not too" Swift wouldn't even make eye contact with JVG. Coachability is probably the resaon that Memphis gave up on Swift. He hasn't even looked average in any category thus far. I'm really disappointed in Alston. We miss Mike James instant offense off the bench these days.
