Hakeem has been back and is still not playing enough minutes. He has looked very nice making his moves, but his finish is just not there yet. The only way we can make a serious run at a playoff spot is to have a rotation at the 5 spot of Dream and Cato. Pig Miller has done a very nice job holding down the fort, but it is time to step aside and let our more talented players shift this team into a higher gear. IMHO, you need as many offensive threats on the floor as you can get, but more importantly both Hakeem and Kelvin are a HUGE presence on DEFENSE with their shot blocking abilities. If this team is going to do anything this year, it is time to put the PIG back in his pen. DaDakota
Well, Rudy's said several times that he's not going to make a change as long as everyone is playing well, and if they are, what does it matter if Pig starts? The thing is, even though he starts, he only plays like 11 minutes per game, which he would play close to the same off the bench. Its just a matter of him playing his minutes at a different point of the game. And I kind of like bringing Dream off the bench for instant offense. The Rockets shouldn't and I don't think will make lineup changes until this run is over. As long as we're winning, who cares who starts? Obviously we have the right combo since we are winning, so just be patient and sit with it until it fails, and then maybe bring Dream back as a starter.
We lost 3 in a row just before we beat the Lakers. I do not think a 2 game winning streak constitutes a go with the flow. It is time for Hakeem to take his rightful place in the starting 5. He would add so much to this team with his stature alone. DaDakota
Yeah, but what I mean is that with the exception of Minnesota we have been on a roll and defeated the good teams. However, I think you'll get your wish soon, and I wouldn't mind either. Dream will bring a boost to the starting 5, and I know all Rockets fans would love to see his name back in the starting lineup. I think Rudy's already feeling some pressure to start Hakeem again, and probably will as soon as we lose a game or two, which will happen eventually. I think he'll keep this lineup as long as it wins. But the next time the Rockets lose a couple of games, I think Dream will be back. He looked to be in much better shape tonight, and if he can keep playing well in his starting role (whenever he gets it), we just might catch fire enough to make the playoffs as the 8th seed.
We lost 3 in a row but we have one 8 out of 11. It is not who starts it is who finishes. Who cares if Pig starts he is not playing big minutes and we have been winning since he is starting.
Dream won't start because he will injure himself during the starting line-ups when the players huddle up and jump up and down. I don't think he knows how to be cool like that. hehehehe
Great win Rocks!!! Dream will start again. But I like seeing him being brought along slowly. "its not who starts it is who finishes"... Couldn’t agree more. Boy that's going to play hell with the lotteryists by the end of the season. [This message has been edited by mc mark (edited February 01, 2000).]
while he's getting back in shape, it'll be good to have someone else tire out his opponent. let it be.
Well, I figure we'll see more of them when Cato is fully healed and Dream is in game shape. I look forward to when they will come back, but for now Pig is doing well enough and others are flourishing. Let them heal and get to 100%. ------------------ Proud Cheerleader 'til we move to New Orleans 302
Its not like Dream isn't starting but getting the bulk of the minutes either guys. I think he ended up with 16 mins tonight. Now Im not a physical therapist, but how on earth is Hakeem supposed to get his wind back, playing less minutes every game? I don't care who starts either, but its time to get Hak about 25 mins a game.
Dreamshake, My point exactly. Look at it this way my Rocket brethren. I would rather have the minutes at the 5 split between Cato and Hakeem, and put Pig on the bench. I would even like to see Hakeem and Cato on the floor together for about 6-10 minutes a night. I want Dream to get around 30 minutes, and he needs to start playing more now. DaDakota
Cat, I think your right on target. I don't think Hakeem is ready for 30 minutes yet. By end of next week, Hakeem is starting. Let's see. Conditioning is hard at his age. I want him with some legs in the second half, especially if Mobley and Franchise have off nights. ( Which they will.)
Tonight's game with the 76ers and Drexler having his number retired would be a perfect time to insert Dream into the lineup. Thoughts? DaDakota
Starting Hakeem would not be the best thing to do for the Rockets. It would be better to start Cato so his big presence on defense can wear down his opponent, then bring in Hakeem to dominate either somebody who is huffing and puffing or some weak backup. This would not only get the Rox wins, but would allow the Dream to stack up some big numbers and give Cat and Stevie some reelief on the O.
We've been using Hakeem in a very limited role off the bench, slowly bringing him back into the games. He's been giving us a few flashes of his old offensive moves, and has been consistently giving us a defensive boost with some nice blocks. But he isn't starting. And we've won 9 of the last 12. We seem to have found a comfortable mix for the moment; unless we're planning to throw him directly into serious minutes, which at this point really isn't advisable, is it really necessary to stick him back into the starting role now?
