alston

Yes. .

 

Our guards seem to be middle of the pack quality. They tend to be abused when playing the best. It was Pistons starting guards 48, Rockets 23 last night. Rafer is having some good nights lately, just not against the Pistons. Then he does some play where he dribbles in circles across the lane and back up to the top of the key and accomplishes nothing and I wonder out loud about him being related to Stevie....

 

You have to remember that he still has to have time to adjust and get comfortable with his new teammates and JVG's system. He was hurt for most of the season and still needs that 30 or so games to get acclimated.

Other than his shot, which has been a little inconsistent, I think he has played pretty well under the circumstances. Though, it seems he does make a shot or two in the 4th when they need a bucket.

I say just give him a little more time.

 

but but... he had only 1 TO

 

Yeah, perhaps people are expecting too much from the point. Rafer takes care of the ball, and gets it to where it needs to be. He's beginning to hit the 3 a little better. He's not a scorer like Mike James, but he's a point guard that takes care of the ball, and distributes. I'm happy with Rafer's play.

We have been in every game during the losing streak (minus dallas...ugh, sick feeling coming). I just wonder if the Rockets can pull off a miracle season with the return of the other players...if there is enough time. I just wonder...and hope. If not, I'll still watch every game, and still expect them to compete. Get in the swing of things in preparation for the next season.

My biggest worry would be for them to come out flat and not compete everynight. Playoff race or not...

 

This will be controversial trade whose merits won't be decided until T-Mac and Yao are back on the court together. Alston is a pass first PG who has a good handle but he doesn't have blazing speed, great athleticism nor is he a great shooter. Mike James is having a great year for Toronto and while he looks for his own shot much more than Alston does, he does pass the ball just not as much as Alston. I would rather have MJ and his point production, passing to open guys on the perimeter anybody can do.

 

Finding the right guy is the trick. But I think the real thing is finding the PG that WILL/WANTS to pass to an open guy. I think more times than not, Mike James is not that guy. I think that MJ is more attractive right now b/c of the condition of the season. I bet if we were doin just fine with no injuries, you'd hear it differently. BUT...alas, the season has gone how it's gone

 

Alston's presence on this team is great. When Tmac and Yao are on the floor at the same time you'll see why Alston is here and not James. Go Rockets!!!

 

Alston looked good in the fourth quarter, and I think in general he's played well lately. He looked pretty good against the Bulls.

 

Mike James looked good last night. The "shoot first" guard had 10 assists and 27 points.

 

MJ shoots a lot. I think he is top 2 in shots attempted in Toronto. IF Rockets are healthy, a PG will be the 3rd option at best. That and he openly said he would opt out next season were the main reasons he got traded. Alston has very good handle and distribute the ball pretty well, he fit in very well on the offense end. He does so so on defensive end but I think he is not bad.

IF ONLY Rockets didn't have soooo many injuries this season.

 

I am a fan of Mike James, I thought he added so much to the Rockets. I was very disappointed by the trade, still am, but I hope Alston becomes more consistent and comfortable. At present he still burns too much of the clock dribbling around the perimeter. I didn't get to see the game last night, but generally, indecision bogs down the offense.

 

I'm a bit ambivalent about Alston. He's actually had a number of good games since he's come back from his injury. Look at all our wins in the past three weeks (which is only been about 3 ), and you'll see Rafer performing very well (his passing in the Chicago game was stellar).

But his play is so up and down. That doughnut in Toronto didn't help things, and even in his better games I get the sense that he can play better. His shot is erratic, but I'm more concerned about his decision making with the ball. He's quick enough, and can dribble well enough to get into the lane against almost anyone. And he's got an excellent floater. But he doesn't attack the rim nearly enough.

But I do give him credit for running the Pick 'n Pop to perfection (Juwan's been getting open jumpers at will lately). I'd like to see him work with Yao on that. It could almost be as dangerous as Yao and Tracy's P/R.

 

I couldn't agree with this more. And to make clock management worse, Alston is not very good in transition. He's a very poor finisher on the break and very uncreative in looking for teammates who have transition mismatches.

There are times in transition when I feel I can read his mind by his body language. Let me dribble toward the 3pt line at 2/3 speed and if there is anyone within 6' of me, I'll completely stop and let every body setup in the half court. This kind of thought process kills delayed breaks and is really tough on a team that doesn't get easy half-court baskets.

 

I loved the way Alston passed to the stars in the pre-season. Yao said he got the best passes from skip. Watching the highlights, he got the ball right where Yao wanted it. It was encouraging.

 

Several of ya'll say that Alston isn't all that great. I agree that he isn't the best scorer, but when you have players like McGrady, and when Yao comes back, all we really need is someone to confidently pass to Tracy or Yao. That Alston can do.

One question, when are the Rockets seriously going to consider bringing over Spanoulis. I would really like to see him play. I read that article here on Clutchfans, but haven't heard anything about it since then.

 

Mike James is a decent player and is having a good year but he is also in a contract year and is looking to get paid...and Toronto is only one game ahead of us in the win column. I'd rather have Skip to distribute the ball then MJ trying to score. If we were healthy this year this would not even be a topic of discussion.

 

I watched Alston when he was with the Heat, and the guy is a deadly 3 pt. shooter. He'll get better looks when Yao gets back, and his overall game will hopefully improve.

 

Dennis Lindsey was on SportsRadio610 last week and said he has played great over there and the whole staff, including JVG, has liked what he is doing. Said he has a fullback mentality and like to drive hard to the basket. Reminded me of Ginobili when he was talking. Didn't really say too much about him playing with the Rockets other than they hope we will be a part of the team in the next couple of seasons.