So of the four teams vying for the conference championships: PPG Rankings: Detroit 21 Cleveland 19 San Antonio 14 Utah 7 Avg 15 (really just 'average') PPG Allowed Ranking: Detroit 2 Cleveland 5 San Antonio 1 Utah 17 Avg 6 The numbers would look way worse if you excluded the darkhorse/longshot Utah. Defense just doesn't get the respect it deserves from the fans. And it follows ... how about defensive-minded coaches? Sadly, we may have been just a reliable shooter or two away from competing for the big prize, now we're practically retooling. So many more unknowns now....
The "Defense" method hasnt worked for the rockets yet, so it wont hurt to try. The worst thing that could happen is that they loose in the first round again, but are more entertaining to watch.
As you might have guessed, SamFisher beat you to it: http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showthread.php?t=129804
Agree. I expect the Rox to be out mostly by the end of the 2nd round and possibly the conference final for the next 3 years. T-mac will be traded in the next 3 years once it is clear there is no championship for the Rox. and After 3 years, Adelman will be out as well, Rox once again will retool.
It is not going to be more entertaining to watch for fan here on the board once you lose games. However, it will be entertaining to watch for fair-weather fans who do not have an id on this BBS.
I guess we can hope that whatever Rockets are still around in this new regime hold on to the defensive mindset they've been using the last few years. (Well, other than what they showed in the Jazz series). And I'd say we could have been a reliable 'scorer' away, at least. After Yao and McGrady we don't have anyone we could confidently lean on to create their own offense.
It is not about defense it is about balance.... I have no problem with the Rockets defense, but our offense was not that great and too easy to defend. I hope our new coach keeps the same defensive philosophy and improves our offense, then we have something. DD
The 96 Bulls led the league in points per game. Of course they also led the league in points given up per game, but throw the offense-first guys a bone.
Your prognostications may be reality, but I won't give up on the team (just can't do that). I'm hoping that Adelman is able to add some good defensive-minds to his staff and some of the fundmentals that JVG preached are not lost for at least a few years. My respect for those elated about the changes is about nill.
You are going to to be so wrong. and I don't want to see your posting ever on this board about Rox needing defense next season. LOL. Well, I bet you will post that. What a pity.
Yeah right, I wish. JVG is one of the best coaches around. Adelman or whoever is not going to be able to duplicate the quality of defense that the Rockets had these past 4 seasons. I want the Rockets offense to improve and I want the young players to be developed, but now I'm pretty worried about how their defense is going to be.
If the Rockets defense is bad next season, of course I will call it out... I am a passionate fan who keeps it real, regardless of popular opinion. DD
Not if you consider these team's strengths, it's not. I don't think you ever realized what JVG brought to the table, since you were too busy whining about VSpan. Honestly, I even underestimated him. I said he was one of the best at coaching half the game, yet he was awesome at coaching the most IMPORTANT half of the game.
JVG's defensive style contradicts the offense style Sun/Warriors/Kings play. The reason, JVG emphasizes setting up the defensive structure first, therefore, he requires Guards not go for offensive rebounds, instead, Guards would come back immediately after the shot to set up the defense first. Look at Rox's roster, there is no really great defense specialist except maybe Battier, however, Rox defense is ranked top 3. The reason is the system. Once JVG is gone, the system will be gone. You will notice Rox's defensive numbers will fall next season for sure.
Defense is no more important than offense, they are both equally important. The PPG stat is sort of a misnomer, as it can be controlled by the pace of play. IMO, a better indicator is FG% allowed, that to me tells a better defensive story. DD
