A killer midrange jumper, pull up even better, seperates the elite PGs from the rest. Brooks doesn't have that. Was also a bit too Rafer-esque with his shots last season.
Their role players have gotten a LOT better. Let's take a look at the players that joined, just in the last year. Kevin Martin Chase Budinger Jordan Hill Jermaine Taylor Jarred Jeffries Patrick Patterson David Andersen Trevor Ariza Alexander Johnson Yeah, those are the same players alright, NOT !! This team is getting better and better, and Morey has done a terrific job of turning over the roster. Give it a chance to work....before getting all doom and gloomy. DD
Your point is understood, but I don't think the rebuilding would be as significant or take as long as other organizations. That's why I think the word is a little strong in our situation.
For those suggesting getting rid of Yao: realize that in any serious player personnel discussion, getting rid of Yao is a non-starter. The man is a cash cow to which the Rockets are tied at the hip and extremely dependant upon. He is also quite talented when healthy, and chances are that he will retire a Rocket; whether that happens sooner (as a result of injury/personal decision) or later is up for debate. Realistically speaking, I think our current group, if managed appropriately, can be used effectively to garner superior talent in a trade. There are many teams in the league over the past few years stocked with above-average talent that werent able to become serious contenders; chicago is one such team that comes to mind. The problem for all of them, as has been the case for us, is getting over the hump and taking it to the next level. The Pistons championship has been the only exception to this rule, IMHO. I think that everyone is looking for that one game-changer to come on board and Morey himself is willing to part with some of our stronger pieces (ie Scola) to get that person on board. It didnt work out with Bosh, but I'm sure he's going to keep trying, especially near the trade deadline (like last year). In the meantime, the direction is essentially what DD is saying- fortify the team with incremental upgrades and hope for improvements from within.
Thanks, what is wrong with having a little enthusiasm for the team that we have right now? It is not as doom and gloomy as people think....... Sure we are tied to Yao, so what? We knew that was going to happen whether we got Bosh or not...... DD
Other than Yao, we don't have anyone on the team as good as Otis Thorpe. I can't believe how Rockets fans still underrate him. (Yes, I understand that Patterson has the same tools as OT, but I'd like to see him play an NBA game.)
Until this team wins it all, it is not fair to compare it to the Hakeem teams. And honestly, the Hakeem teams that won were not favored to do it, nor were they thought of as leading contenders. Until the Sonics lost to Deke's Nuggets in the first round, the first championship team was not favored, and the 2nd one came from 6th to win it all. This team is worse up top, but better down below.....so let's see what they can do.... DD
brother, i've been preaching the "yao is no hakeem" sermon for quite a while. you got the wrong cat if you think i'm saying that. i thought i understood you to say mid-season acquisitions of all-star caliber players aren't a good idea...maybe i misunderstood...but that image of Clyde popped into my head right away.
i really like our team. i don't think rox has many weakness except our defense. our defense needs to be beefed up. defense is a mentality thing. players need to commit and coachs need to emphasize it. defense is different from offense. it requires less talent than offense.
Well, you know Melo might be available at the midseason...and Yao has a big expiring contract. Let's cheer this team on, and see what they can accomplish, they might be champions as is...... DD
With the exception of journeyman Alexander Johnson and rookie Patterson - those are the exact same players that contributed to a lottery season last year. Why is this evidence that supports your thesis that they can win a championship? Their only record thus far is one of failure. Not just to win a chaimpionship, but to even get within spitting distance of the playoffs. Because they are a collection of journeyman and role players.
Oh come on, how many of those players were there from the get go? How did having Tracy McGrady's contract on the team effect it? How about having an injured Yao. This team has grown a lot better just by getting rid of Tmac and getting Yao back on the court, and your analogy of a 42 win team is laughable....because of all the mitigating factors that you are conveniently ignoring. It's ok though, you can go cheer on Bosh in Miami..and see how that team will win it all because they have 2 superstar players, right. DD
The problem is there are not too many alpha dogs out there where we could get them: Kobe, Wade, Lebron are alpha dogs. Bosh was a puppy.
This team won 42 games without Yao and with a changing cast, people act like this squad sucked last year. Brooks has gotten better every year. Martin gets a full year in the system. Budinger and Hill will improve (plus they get to play with Yao) It's at least worth seeing what this team can do.
I think like clock work we can expect every summer to have a thread from DaDakota about the Rockets "chasing the shiny object". And if we were able to catch that shiny object, we would have to rob Peter to pay Paul to do it.
Uh, all of those players were there for a full season except for Martin , who the Rockets finished a fantastic 12-12 with in the lineup. Can you do the math and tell me what that projects to throughout the season? Thanks in advance dood.
