Battier actually is having one of his better years percentage wise as a Rocket. Battier isnt done. Which actually does good for his TRADE VALUE. Just he plays less minutes than usual. And probably should play even less to make room for young prospects. He's not enough to make and impact on this team anymore. His worth is now with a contender.
Get 'er DONE, CD In an odd way a cheaper Kelvin Cato type move might actually make sense this go-around.
The chemistry has been falling apart. At the risk of sounding melodramatic, I get the feeling that this team is on the brink of implosion. That disgruntled players start going vocal about their role/lack of PT (especially given all the mediums they are privy to), and that, after a series of tough losses and difficult scheduling, the team never rebounds. Right now, I see us getting anywhere from the 7th to the 11th pick in the upcoming draft. If Jordan Hill has taught us anything, its that good defensive big men get drafted well before that pick, which will likely put us in the precarious position of deciding between talent and need.
Im not sure the problem is so much chemistry, as it is confidence. Sure, confident players will generally play better together. But I think this team is beginning to believe that they will be dismantled. Their family torn apart. New addresses coming for many. Much tougher to play well in such a climate.
Wanted to give them tonight to get their crap together and show some resolve after getting trounced but that 1st, 2nd and 4th quarters were pathetic...their chemistry is crumbling.
Chemistry definitely not there...No commitment to defense. We shouldn't be giving up 125 to the Wolves... I don't know about you guys, but I miss defense, even if it was the at the level of two seasons ago.. Yes I know we do not have Yao, but I mean something has to give
I agree that the issue is confidence but from a different source. I think many of the "would be leaders on this team" are feeling too much pressure to do too much. Last year, was viewed a free pass. Most people didn't expect much out of the Rockets. So when they started off well and made a good show within reach of the playoffs, everyone gave them a pat on the back. Even last year though, those good stretches didn't last. It wasn't just because of scheduling, it was how the team played down the stretch - with confidence and free or pressing, thinking so much they they don't make a decision, wait too long to do something or make the wrong decision, etc. This year, Yao was supposed to come back and they were supposed to be better, but Yao's new injury sort of jumped the players back into reality that there is no cavalry coming. Who they have is all there is, and they better show up or they will fail. A lot of the Rockets are cracking under that pressure. Buddinger was trying to do way too much early in the season. Brooks is still trying to "single-handedly" carry the team as times, even when not healthy and instead of running the team's offense. Scola just does not seem to be in the flow of the game's anymore. Last year and the first month, you knew Scola was playing and then you looked and saw he had 20-10 and scratched your head as to when that happened. This year, it is almost like he is thinking too much and taking himself out of the game play. Only Hayes & Battier have not tried to do too much, but that is has always been who they are. And then Martin seems to be trying to do what he can, but will only every be a Tier 2 star and nothing more. You could say that all of this is another of saying there is no true superstar/true leader on the court for the Rockets, and would be true. But it's more than that.
