JVG "bailed" on the team IMO by not letting Steve fly out later. Not starting him would be plenty signal that he was displeased. Chancing an almost certain loss during a potential playoff run is the worst of the two decisions (Steve's vs. JVG's). And 419, I believe is also the section of seats at the TC that has a banner about JJ over it... could be for the area code connection too.
Probably one of the biggest misnomers on this board for the last 3+ years. If Cat took the "money" from Toronto, after Canadian income tax, the money would have been basically equal. As well if you factor in cost of living, which would be higher in Toronto, the NYC of Canada.
Why not alternate with every player's number? How many other players do this? There are usually maybe 1 or so players on a team who wears #'s of another teammate's. Definitely not to the extent that the Rockets do.
Yes, let's blame JVG for forcing Steve to miss his flight... Cause and effect here. Cause: Francis misses flight for whatever reason Effect: Selfish player misses game Yet you use this twisted logic to blame JVG. Blame always goes to the main source of the issue, which in this case was SF and his failure to board an airplane.
Ah ha... but you leave out the "false accusation" part. Steve did NOT attend the SB. Where does that leave us? No compassion, no understanding = JVG and his "discipline" JVG and his discipline can quite possibly now also be seen as a major part of what sent EG over the deep end. After all, it was after the initial suspension that EG had the altercation/shooting incident. When does the "human" side of a person know to back off of the discipline? After a team loses a player? After a 20 pt. loss? After we trade an All-Star, leading scorer? Truth be told, JVG had a perfectly reasonable option to let SF play, but wants to "set the example" at all costs... something that will hurt more in the long run as players leave. No wonder JVG had such scrubs to work with in NY.
You might be able to blame JVG for those other things, which I don't necessarily agree with. But what I have quoted you above, is a pure gem. EG was headed there back from his high school days when he was lucky as hell to even graduate high school, after he felt the need to get into a good old lunchroom tussle with a basketball teammate. The same old Eddie showed up at Seton Hall as well. Did JVG coach at Seton Hall when Eddie wanted Ty Shine to pass him the ball? I know JVG was in NY and Seton Hall was nearby... Was JVG the one who planted pot into EG's Escalade last spring? EG was a disaster waiting to happen. Sadly, the Rockets are one of the few teams in the league who w#ore themselves for the best available talent. Acquiring somewhat shady talent in Francis, Taylor, and Griffin over the years has accumulated into the mess we have now. Yet, of course, that is JVG's fault. After all, this current roster is chock full of winners, who any coach can lead to an NBA title. And I don't care if Francis attended the SB or not. I never mentioned it. The bottom line is that he missed the team flight. If he did not bother to even call JVG about whatever it is that he had to attend to, then whose fault is that? You mean after we trade a popular player. He's anything but a true all-star. Read Cal Ripken during the last 10 years of his career when he kept making A-S appearances. Do you blame JVG for the current set of scrubs we have now, too?
Iron fisted discipline is not always the answer. Yes, I believe the wrong approach could have in fact sent EG into a deeper depression, thus helping to cause more negative occurances in EG's life. Remember, there were some of us wondering why JVG and the organization didn't assign someone to help EG through his problems, instead of just "suspending him indefinitely." Compassion my friend. Not easily learned, but some how everyone learns it. Just don't ever ask for compassion... pray that you come by it honest. Why would SF offer video surveillance as proof of his family emergency? So he could stand in court against a slander case? So he could be found out and proven a liar? I believe SF. Not "Mr. Displine." I wish the team nothing but the best, in spite of JVG. If JVG really thinks his "skills" as a coach are all that, he's in for a long wake up call. Without players buying in fully and respecting the coach, he's just as inaffective as the run-n-shoot offense in football... may get you to the playoffs... but won't win you a thing.
is this your first year following the rockets. You know that francis is in his biggest slump. No one would diagree that his normal self he should be a starter in the all-star game. He will come out of it and return to his star self and lead the team to their first playoffs.
what about the WWJD bracelett, that is just as rediculous if the rumors are true that have been posted on here about how he hits on women and goes to strip bars.
why does JJ wear an armband that says "413"? 4: four years no playoff 1: because that one dude 3: wear No. 3 that the best I think.
My god, you are in the amazing minority with your opinion IROC. I've only seen a few posts defending SF's missing the plane. It was a foolish mistake no matter what the excuse, especially with all the back and forth. Team leader misses plane with no punishment is not good coaching, clearly JVG did the correct thing. Sorry for raining on your parade IROC, but sheeeesh.
