Even if they win 40 games that would have missed the playoffs last year (okc). I would be more than happy if they are just in contention of the playin - then anything can happen.
I think this is a good take. At least Udoka had players come in physically ready to play which was a plus (rather than using training camp as conditioning time), but becoming a better defensive or offensive team will take months. It will take teams a few games to get a game plan for Amen, but when they are ready we will have some tough sledding.
In the past, we've seen the Grizz without Ja, they didn't slip that much in regular season wins. There was even a talking point where lineup data looked as good without him. Griizz changed from Brooks to Smart. Grizz just played different without Ja, less heliocentric. On Clippers, similar thing. If one of PG or Kawahi, is not available they won't go far in playoffs but for regular season, Lue could maximize mid players to win. Match up wise, last year they beat Lakers 4 times ( in all their meetings). Some of the reasons thrown out are more applicable to playoffs success. Other teams have comparable depths.
That is what is different from soccer, you have like a 3 month offseason and then 1-2 week training camps sprinkled in there. You do not have to use the first 10-15 games to iron out your game plans.
He could say it but we don't have to buy it. With current outlook do you think this team will have more than 40 wins after this season?
There is no clear Yep or Nope to me. Coach - Yes Starters - Yes Bench - Maybe or Nope Coaching staff - Maybe Front Office - Nope Do they still make an In season trade to improve the team..... To me it is a 49/51 - Fifty fifty that they have 39-40 wins. Coin flip .
Too late, I mentioned that last week .... in one of these threads. Seriously though, if the expectations are a low 30's win total (Vegas line?), they are most likely in the 6-8 worst records which gives them 26.2-37.2% chance of landing in the top 4 and keeping their pick. If you ask me (and you didn't) that's a huge disappointment after the last 3 years of tanking and the $60m spent cap space. When this rebuild started, this was the season I had circled for them to return to relevance with the draft picks they have had along with the expiration of toxic contracts ... Free agency was an unmitigated disaster with no real stars shaking loose and they haven't been able to swing a trade for a star nor have any of these draft picks taken the leap to star (Yet). I had much higher expectations for this season than a low 30something win total. One (or more) of these young cats needs to make a big improvement and drag this team to the playoffs.
Good teams played way more games, had way less rest, and take way more time to get into best form. I think Rockets can have amazing start outrunning teams
Best case to hope for is out of every ten game stretch they can get 4-5 wins and be highly competitive in the other 5-6 though there will be some back to back games where they just don't got it and get blown out Plus health will be crucial, hopefully both vets & young bulls can avoid the serious types Rockets are due to be one of those surprise teams that they have annually in all sports, 9/10th seed should be in reach and capable if all goes in their favor
No matter what happens, I’m gonna withhold judgement until after the allstar break. I’m sure we’ll play better basketball than last year, but it’s gonna take at least half a season for our young guys to really soak up everything they’re learning.
