After slogging through this pile of crap: http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showthread.php?t=252367 I wanted to get a better idea how many fans thought that the Rockets were championship contenders who should win as many games as possible, and how many think the Rockets are not contenders, and should angle for the 4 seed for a theoretical "easier" path through the playoffs.
Yes, the Rockets are contenders. I think there are stronger contenders, but the Rockets are certainly in the mix. And ideally, the Rockets would be so good that we should feel confident no matter who they get matched up with. I mean, if you are going to be champion, you should take on all comers. But it would certainly help to have an easier path to the Finals.
I feel they are contenders. Like a lot of the experts are saying, they are 1 of 6 teams that have a legit shot to go all the way so they are in the conversation. Bev injury was a huge blow but Canaan could be a diamond in the rough. If the 3rd seed is there for the taking, then the Rox should be still shooting for it. I feels its a loser's mentality to semi-tank for a certain seed. Whoever the Rox meet in the Western Playoffs will be tough anyway. This conference is ridiculous so might as well be riding into the playoffs on as high of a note as possible.
We are boarder line contenders. When we play good we are there. The problem is who don't always play good. Next 2 years is the real deal. This year is the added bonus.
And THIS is a perfect example of what we call an improper poll that with LEADING options. Here, I can make a poll too that's as ridiculous... Are the Rockets title contenders? 1) Yes, nobody is as good as the Rockets! The Rockets should expend the maximum energy, not rest their players in order to get a 2 or 3 seed and face the opponents that give them the least chance of successfully winning. 2) No, the Rockets aren't the only contenders. The Rockets should respect that there are 5 other legitimate contenders in the Western Conference and be smart. They should rest up for the play offs and try to get the optimal 5th that gives them the highest chance of making a deep play off run since they match up with some teams better than others. Pride comes before the fall...
I agree that we were borderline when we played well together. Now we are just too weak at pg and pf. Every single playoff team in the west has an elite pg and pf.
Even with Beverley, this is our first real shot as a "contender." Which means even with our talent, we shouldn't be able to beat the teams that have been together for several seasons. Give them more time before we label them as such. That said, I think the only real contenders are ranked right ahead of us: Spurs, OKC, and Clips. The West is tough, but these 3 teams barring injury are in their own stratosphere (with the Rockets not far behind.)
The Rockets are 4th in SRS, so they were obviously contenders before Beverley was injured. We'll have to see now if the backups can adequately fill the hole left by Beverley's absence.
Yesterday I would have said yes. Not a top contender but a contender nonetheless. Now the lack of depth at guard with Bev's injury is troubling.
We were borderline with Bev. Without Bev we have no shot. Who is gonna guard Parker, Conley, Curry, Lillard, or Westbrook?
In a seven game series, I like our chances with any team in the NBA. Less without Beverly, but we still have a shot.
LOL at the poll options. Rockets are contenders if Canaan can match '09 Brooks playoff production. "Production" doesn't necessarily mean all of Aaron's offensive prowess. Canaan's defense can factor as well. Not saying he has defense, just better Brooks'.
I don't think we are championship contenders as constructed but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try to win. Loaded poll though.
Yes we are contenders even with the loss of Beverley. We have two bonified Superstars that should be able to cover for the loss of Beverley. Lin is also capable to make up some of that loss as well.
