One thing I do not underestand is why Steve doesn't get more shots when Yao's on the bench. When Yao's in, I like the inside-out game. And that doesn't work well with Francis, since he isn't a great 3 point shooter. But why the hell can't Steve get more shots when Yao's out? Is feeding the ball to Mo Taylor really that crucial? I mean, Mo and Spoon are productive players... but that should really be Steve's time just like it was for Drexler when Hakeem was on the bench.
So what's the big deal with Francis getting say five plays a game drawn up for him, it's frustrating b/c he can do so much more to help the team on offense. I have aproblem saying we are overpaying for what SF3 gives us on the court b/c he does sooo many little thingas that don't show up on the boxscore but I just wish we could get more from him offensively.
it just is frustrating at times, when you know how talented steve is(reveral lay ups, dunks, specacular jumpers) but jvg just plain out ignores steve's capabilities, and creates 0 plays for steve. The only pts steve gets through a game is desperation shots when plays are broken up.
Said this another thread, actually, but it's appropriate here, too: When it was impossible to get the ball to Yao in the late 3rd, early 4th... the Rockets should have pulled Yao out of the paint. That would have opened up the lane for penetration for Francis... and it's not like Yao is Shaq. He can hit the long J. Let Francis drive and if nothing's there, kick out. JVG is a wizard defensively, but he leaves much to be desired offensively. Just doesn't seem to make adjustments very well.
Darrell Armstrong hustles too, but I don't think he deserves a max contract. It's the players who can put the ball in the basket who thrive in the Western Conference. Dirk Nowitzki had an off-game by his standards, and that was a big reason why the Mavs lost. However, he is one of the best offensive big men in the NBA. I'd take him over a hustler like Ben Wallace every day of the week.
how do you know SF3 didnt have plays called for him? The ball goes through him every possesion, doesnt mean he cant shoot if its within the flow of the game. However, im glad they stuck to their game plan from beginning to end because ultimately it won the game for them. SF3 needs to drive it in more.. break down the defense not just charge into the pack but get past the defense then take it strong to the rim which allows our big guys to get offensive rebounds or drive and dish getting people open shots. J
I've seen plenty of times in which Yao sets a pick to free up Steve for an open jumper. It's on Steve to hit that jumper. If he bricks the shot, it doesn't mean Van Gundy wasn't calling the play for Steve. The pick and roll with Bibby and Vlade Divac is probably the deadliest play in the NBA now. Did you see Bibby knock that 3 pointer late in the Lakers game when Vlade picked off Gary Payton? This is why guys like Bibby, Cassell, and Steve Nash are by far the best point guards in the league now. Having a point guard with the ability to consistently knock down the long-range jumper just totally opens up the entire offense for himself and his teammates. Noone is going to leave Bibby to double down on a player posting up. The fact is Van Gundy is calling plays for Steve, but Steve has gotta convert on those jumpers. It's very hard to call a play in which Steve gets a layup or a dunk when everyone on defense is giving Steve the jumper. The closer to the basket that a guard has to be to get his points, the more his scoring efficiency is reduced.
everyone knows the problem, but few will admitt it. as it has been said on this thread before the problem is cat. but there are just some francis haters. if you watched the past three games we seen steve make clutch plays, takeover in minnesota, and play well agaisnt the lakers. we seen yao, give it to shaq, kevin garnett, as well make clutch play agaisnt dallas, what has mobley done. nothing except clog the offense, take bad shots, and make boneheaded plays, get a point move steve to two, and get rid of the so called i want to be an allstar.
Steve has begun to show signs of being a pretty decent PG, especially since the All-Star break. His biggest problem isn't his passing -- he's generally a pretty good passer. On that three-point play of Yao's right near the end, Steve overcame the urge to play the hero and got a tough pass into Yao, who had guys all over him. I think Steve's big problem is his lack of court vision. I'd bet half his turnovers come on passes he makes when he either doesn't see that his teammate has moved, or doesn't see an opponent lurking. His behind-the-back pass on that fast break today was a perfect example. In fact, that's what makes him such a pathetic fast-break guard, despite his quickness -- he simply can't feel where the other players are on the court. Unfortunately, that's the part of being a good PG that's hardest (if not impossible) to learn.
This is a scary thought; when you look at the BIG picture, J.Jackson may be quietly becoming the second most important player on this team. Game in, game out, he makes clutch plays and clutch shots, and he is capable of 20+ if he is given the opportunity. He is a good three point shooter, good passer, and not a bad rebounder. Yes, Francis does hustle, and I love that about him, but he is max contract player. Little guys that run around and hustle are not usually that expensive or that rare. Francis has to do MUCH MORE than he has done this season to justify as much of the Rocket's payroll as he earns. Quite simply, too little bang for the buck. On the otherhand, JJ is a bargain. If you think Ming is a monster now, wait till you see a young fast, sharp-shooting, lazer-passing, playmaker PG turn him loose in the lane: 30-15-5 with regularity. Oh please, bring one in.
You must mean Brent Barry. The only problem I see with this is that Les Alexander will have to agree to probably lose money to sign Brent Barry since the Rockets' payroll is already so big already.
He said young, someone to grow with Yao. Preferably a good shooter, so TJ is out unless he develops some range.
No TJ. We need a spot up shooter at 1. TJ has proved since his days at Texas that he has absolutely no shot. Great college PG, but an average NBA PG at best. Now Hinrich is another story. If we can get Captain Kirk or Brent Berry, I'd like to keep Stevie and move CM to the bench, or trade him for a decent 4.
I agree with everything you said except how to remedy the situation, leave steve at the point, move jj to shooting guard and trade mobly for a solid small forward or a power forward..
I think he also meant guys who are actually available on the market. I've never heard the Bulls wanting to trade Kirk Hinrich. Kirk Hinrich is the cornerstone of the Bulls' franchise.
