I thought about putting this in the game thread, but then thought it was strong enough to create discussion on its own. This guy has a good feel for the Rockets, imho, plus its an outside look which is always good to read. Especially read the assets and liabilities section. http://www.blazersedge.com/story/2008/1/25/04745/2541
Check out the comments section at that page, where the writer has even more to say. They fear Yao. If the Rockets exploit that mismatch this is probably the most winnable of the three games coming up. If they don't they could be in trouble--they need wins in Portland and against Utah since GS always gives them fits. As for the liabilities, he's spot on. Especially the part about the Rockets being mentally weak.
Nice read. I hate that one of our weaknesses is mental toughness but it is. I'd rather be weak in almost any other area.
This must be one of the most well-informed piece of the Rockets by an outsider i have ever seen. Cant say I agree with all his point s but an enjoyable read nonetheless. Great Find!
"This isn't the strongest team mentally and it doesn't handle adversity well." This is correct. It's also the reason why this team could win 60 games this season and still not be a legit title contender.
All it takes to be mentally tough is a solid belief, that what you are doing will work. And what builds that belief is winning close games and success...... I know the Rockets have been mentally weak, but if they can string together a bunch of wins, they can flip that switch to mental toughness...... Just establish that Yao is the leader and Tmac is number 2....and win some games, and this team can become tough. DD
A pretty good assessment. Is this guy a scout for them or something? Just one thing. In his "assets" section he mentioned that we have guys that could go off at any given night and he named Bonz, Rafer, and.. get this.. MIKE JAMES. I chuckled a bit. No need to elaborate.. that's pretty much it.
When it comes to playing the Rockets, Przybilla of the Blazers is equal to Biedrins of the Warriors: Neither guy will play much against Yao. Aldridge and Frye will man the post and must get a lot of help guarding him or Yao will toast them. On the other end, if these two are hitting from outside, Yao will have no chance. If Aldridge's shot is on and he decides to drop 25-30 on us, it will be tough to win unless Tracy goes off for a huge game. On the perimeter, nobody on our team can stop Brandon Roy. If we put Shane on him, Webster or Outlaw could tear us up. IMO, the bottom line is if the Blazers bring their "A" game, I don't see us winning. Their athleticism gives them a big advantage. But they might still be tired from the extended road trip and their shots could brick in the 2nd half. We are playing the Blazers at the right time. Some people think the first home game after a long road trip is almost like a road game. If winning close games defines mental toughness, the Blazers have us beat by a mile. They are the Kardiac Kids. This will be fun to watch. We have to play better than the Sonics games or it will be ugly.
Well, it's true...just not lately since he gets zero playtime. That's realy unfortunate for us. He really can help this team if he could just start hitting the shots he's given in garbage time so that RickA can gain confidence in him again.
The going off by Bonzi, Rafer, and MJ who hasn't played since Toronto was amusing. I don't think Rafer could score 30 in a gym by himself. Bonzi looks like he's 49 instead of 29, I think. I'm concerned with the athletic ability of Portland. Carl Landry and Scola will be key to stop the perimiter jumpers from Frye and Aldridge when Portland goes small. Battier better be on Roy or it's going to be a long night for the Rockets. Also, remember Travis Outlaw murdered the Rockets in Houston.
Yet, some buffoons always want to trade Yao or always complain too much about him (no need to repeat names here, they are famous already).
"--They don't defend the perimeter well. The backcourt defenders are almost universally weak." This is true, but sad. We have battier doing nothing but a defense specialist, one of the best all round guards in tmac, why?
I thought that was pretty funny too. I am with you on Rafer. Good grief, sometimes I think the Rockets brain trust has no brain. Rafer is STILL starting AND getting majority minutes, amazing. Who is Mike James? The Rockets brought in a bus load of players to sit Rafer, but he won't go away. He is like peanut butter suck in your teeth. How can we miss him if he never leaves. For the most part, an excellent scouting report.
Wow, what a great assesment of our team. Kind of scary to see our flaws (and we have many) spelled out so completely in black and white like that.
Not really true. With the exception of Wells and Head, all of our backcourt perimeter defenders are above average defenders. And it's not by accident that the Rockets are second in the league in opposing eFG% and defensive efficiency. They are allowing a mere 44.7% eFG on jump shots. That does not classify as weak to me.
That was extremely well written. I liked the part about the cigarette butt. That was funny. I'm hoping the games like the last one in Seattle will help the guys build some mental toughness. I agree, that mental toughness comes from winning close games, or coming from behind and winning. These things build confidence, for which I think "mental toughness," is just a euphemism.
Fantastic assessment of our team. A couple of minor things I'd mention... Yao actually gets up and down the floor VERY fast, especially for a center. Sometimes, he's the first person down court. Laterally, he's slow. Instead of Mike James, he should have mentioned Aaron Brooks. And they also shouldn't fall asleep on Carl Landry - his stock is rising very quickly.
I think that the weakness is seen in their ability to defend the drive/pick and roll from the perimeter. It's pretty much the mirror of their offensive ability strengths and weaknesses.
