While perusing other sites recently, one thing that became more and more apparent was that many non-Rockets fans were amazed that the Rockets decided to pretty much stay pat this offseason, as most expected the team to make major moves to clear out the deadwood and build around Steve and Yao. Whether or not this would have been a better way to go is an interesting argument, and feel free to debate that in general here, but what I am more interested in knowing is what your expectations were, and how they compare with what came to pass. Assuming that the current roster is essentially that which will take the floor opening night, are you surprised that there wasn't a bigger shakeup during the off-season?
I expected one major player move this offseason. Now I don't see a major move coming unless somebody gets under Van Gundy's skin or we get bowled over by an offer, until the midseason trade deadline. And then I don't think we will necessarily make a move unless we know we get the better end of the deal.
I expected that we'd get one new starting calibre player (no, AGriff and Piatkowski aren't long-term starters, though they may fill the void this season). And I thought we'd end up keeping Posey. Oh well. I'm not shocked at the inactivity, but I did expect a bit more. I wonder what JAG thinks? Haven't seen him in awhile...
Okay, now it says 4...but for the 1st 3, it registered 0...weird. Edit: Ahhh..meant to hit edit button, not quote button for last post.
The offseason couldn't have gone any better for the Rockets, imo. We kept the core together, signed some useful role players, and most importantly didn't give up too soon. And I'm glad - glad, glad, glad.
I think it was an astute move. If a great deal had been there for the taking, I'm sure it would have been made. But this way JVG can tell everyone the first day of camp: I'm here with no preconvieved biases... right now, you're all equal in my eyes. Playing time will be earned. And if you don't shape up, you're out. If he'd traded anyone already, to bring in "his" people, it could have bred resentment in the rest of the team. Factions could have formed. Now, he can say that whatever he does, is born from his own experience... with fair warnigns to the players.
The only problem with clearing out our deadwood, is that we'd have to take someone else's deadwood in return. And if we were dreaming of guys like SAR or Brand or O'Neal, where will we get the money to keep a guy like that and Francis and Yao. We have our 2 stars now, we have to find out where they need help and get it for them. There is still a lot we don't know about Yao. Since we aren't going to win in all this year, let's get to know how Van Gundy and Francis and Yao interact before we start overhauling the roster.
well, we have one of the best starting Centers, Point Guards, and Shooting gards in the league. And we have the best back up center. Not to mention a new coach/coaching staff. And got some new role players, in A. Griffen, and Piatkow. I didn't expect much of a change this offseason. We gotta let our guys spend some time together.
I could give 2 sihts about the Big Splash comment, but I did expect something more than AG @ EP. But you never know, maybe we didn't need to add anyone in order to get to the promise land. Got leadership? Go Rockets!!
Yeah it really sucks that we have to keep a hard working top flight player that loves to play for us and has an excellent contract.
I assumed all along that we would resign Posey. He was young, could play the 3 and the 2, and actually loved to run the break. He had room for growth. So I also assumed the team would look at getting a banger at the 4 spot... the 3 being taken care of. I figured the Rockets would at least get wet in that regard, if not splashed upon. Another backup PG wouldn't have surprised me if Mooch could have been moved in a deal for the 4. (good luck!) Or at least a cheap vet PG with some mentoring ability. I'm very pleased with Piatkowski, who I've wanted on the Rocks for awhile. AGriff is a good rotation player if he can stay healthy. I'm glad we got both. But yes, I thought we would do more. Have some water flung around at least a little. Perhaps a move is still in the future, either before camp or by the deadline. I wouldn't rule it out.
Frankly, I'm pissed. We needed a major offseason shake-up and ass-kicking, and we got a scapegoat instead. Last season's pratfall was equal parts bad coaching and bad players. Heads need to roll from both sides. The # 1 and # 2 boneheads were Cuttino and Eddie, costing games by ignoring instruction. They are both absolutely replaceable. Any chance to move also-rans like Cato, Mo, Moochie and Rice for real players has to be considered, too. Without a culling, I don't see squat in improvement. You can't run team schemes without team players, and this lot is a collection of iso junk. Good luck JVG. Yao can't bang. Eddie can't bang, dribble or shoot. Rice is old. Cat can't pass, pick or roll. Steve can't defend. Mo can't rebound. Moochie can't stop dribbling. Cato can't shoot. Pike can't move. Ag is fine, not special. What you gonna do with that? This is a bad collection and needs to be killed to come back with a respectable 3-pronged attack.
I guess I hoped for Cato, Taylor and Norris to be traded to bring in some new blood on the bench. Apparently unrealistic given their contracts.
If he'd traded anyone already, to bring in "his" people, it could have bred resentment in the rest of the team. Factions could have formed. Now, he can say that whatever he does, is born from his own experience... with fair warnigns to the players I like this thought. I always like unity on the team. I did expct to keep Posey. Am getting more approving of Piat and Griffijn. TMo does seem better than the "potential"? of Bokki. One thought: If the Rockets kick butt and improve more than 5 games , you should give JVG the credit; on the otherhand there were games likes the first Laker game when they clicked and looked awesome last year. Still puzzling there weren't more changes.
