Nobody, but nobody, has been knocked around more on the blogs than Howard. Why? What has he done other than produce solid numbers and be a perfect teammate? Last year he was the Rockets' most reliable player. He played in 80 games and shot 46% from the field. This year, JVG wanted to go young and play Chuck, Snyder and Battier. This left Howard, at 33 yoa, without playing time. Rather than sulk or complain to the media, Howard went about his business in a professional manner, itching for the chance to prove his worth. When TMac, Snyder, and Yao were hit with injuries he got his chance and he has been sensational. His numbers are good, and seem to be climbing as he gets more playing time. His FT shooting is right there with Yao. He is arguably one of the best backup PF's in the league right now. Aren't you glad JHo is a Rocket?
It seems like there has to be someone on the team to degrade, and call worthless, and pretend like the team would be better off by getting rid of, even if we didn't get anything in return. Some days that person is Alston, and some days its Howard. I think they both contribute to this team winning. I'm glad.
Neither have I, nor do I understand why anyone would have a problem with him other than he's a bit old at the 4. He has been a terrific teammates. Happy New Year everyone!!
I am glad that some of you feel this way, because Juwan will have high value coming the trade date on February. Hopefully some GMs also feel the same about Juwan's value.
Last year I kept harping on to my friend about how useless Juwanna Man was, but this year he's responded very well to coming off the bench. He's been a solid player and I'm glad he's on the team. I hope he continues his great play and helps the rox to a playoff berth. Happy new years cf.net denizens.
But frankly speaking, Rafer's shooting percentage is really atrocious. He also doesn't dish out many assists either. Does he really have any redeeming value?
I admire those people in life that try. Some of us are blessed with talent and just cruise--Eddie Griffin and Stromile Swift are case in point. I think Juwon has always tried but didn't fully comprehend what he must do. I heard him say recently in the Van Gundy system you have to rebound and play defense to earn playing time. I think it didn't sink in until playing time was taken away from him. As a professional, he improved in those areas.
I never hated Juwan, but I do think his game is incompatible with Yao's. He's got some range, but is definitely better suited for the low post. Now he's reduced to being a spot up shooter and sometimes cutter when Yao is doubled. It's kinda like the redundancy in the Marbury/Francis backcourt in New York, except that Yao is just so much better than Juwan that there's no reason to ever use Juwan over Yao. Juwan should be coming off the bench, but Deke would be his frontcourt mate and they're just too unathletic collectively. Hayes would probably be in foul trouble by the time Juwan comes into the game. Juwan's a man without a comfortable role.
i like the adjustment he made on his shot, however it took him 3 years to realized it! anyway perfect timing we need the lift
Guys who earn ridicule when they're players #4 and #5 on your team can suddenly fit in great when they're players #6 and #7. Howard is one of those guys. When he comes off the bench or fills in for an injured player, you suddenly see what he brings, instead of what he doesn't.
I am happy with current JHo. But I have to admit I was not excited with his play for a period of time. How can I love a guy who could not defend in the games against good PFs, could not knock down open shot, like 0-7 something? Although his defense still needs homework or may never improve, I am glad to see he is able knock down open shots.(This is why Jho is praised but not the Rafer. ). I think his free throw is as good as Yao and his mentality is great. Hey, I would say if Rafer is able to knock down the shots, I sees no difference between AI and RF. With improved JHo and RF, Rox is unbeatable, period.
Wayyyy too far dude, Allen Iverson will forever by lightyears better than Alston. When Alston is hitting those jumpshots (in a million years) he can be a second tier, near top tier point guard, but most of the time his FG% is absolutely horrendous, so he has to stay put in the lower second tier part.
