The Rockets are already a good team. They are not an elite team - yet. People on this board discuss any # of developments that would make the Rockets a great team. Some involve bringing players in (trade threads). Others think that we have the pieces in place, and all they need to do is develop and grow. Trades are a crap shoot. You rarely know what you're getting, and it's nearly impossible for us to know if anything is likely to happen. However, based on what we see... we can hope, predict, and even expect certain things to change in the players we already have. IMO, there are five great "dreams" that many Rockets fans have (two are obviously the biggest) regarding our current personnel. None of these dreams is new... they've been bandied about this board all the time. What I want to know: which dream does the board think is the most likely to ever be realized? I think that if 2 or 3 of them happened... we'd be title contenders. 1. Steve Francis finally gets "it." While "it" is pretty vague, in this context... Steve has to learn how to protect the basketball and create for his teammates, without ruining his own scoring threat. Steve is no longer a spring chicken - once, I think most people on this board were of the opinion that Steve could eventually become a Payton with hops. I think this dream has died for many on this board, but the hope still exists for others. 2. Yao gets an attitude and develops a great low post presence. I'm not sure how much is attitude... and how much is coordination... but Yao isn't the dominant low post force that some had hoped. Right now, he's a very good but not great post player... with range, heighth, and passing ability. If he could develop that low post game, we'd have the genuine superstar that it takes to win a title. But he's never shown all that much aggression... and often looks uncoordinated. There's still plenty of time - but can you "teach" someone so passive to be aggressive? 3. Cato develops an O. With Cato on the floor, it's almost 4 on 5 when the Rockets are on offense. Sure, he can dunk off of alley oops. But so can about 95% of the fake C's in the league. Cato developing a real jump shot, and maybe a couple of post moves would aid Yao immeasurably in punishing collapsing defenses 4. Mobley becomes a truly dominant 2 guard. Mobley, right now, is an excellent scorer, a good shooter, and a good on-the-ball defender. However, his size and sometimes shot selection have prevented him from being a Kobe, T-Mac, or Iverson. This may, in some ways, seem like the most far-fetched dream - after all, Mobley can't do anything about his size. But on the other hand, he's become a better shooter already. Imagine if he became truly lights out? And cut the bad shots... he'd be all-star quality. 5. Nachbar becomes a real threat from the 3 position. We all love Jim Jackson - but because of his age, nomadic nature, etc... he's probably not a permant solution. His shot also isn't as good as advertised. IF Nachbar could find a shot, he could possibly be the key to unlocking defenses that right now go unpunished far too often for double teams. The dagger from the corner is something that's been missing since Mario Elie (or maybe robert Horry) left. Nachbar shows flashes at times - he seems to glide over the floor, seems to have decent handles, and gives genuine effort. His improvement on defense from last year is remarkable. And at times, he'll string a few shots together that leave you wondering... "what if."
I voted for "Cato gets an O," and I think I'm probably already correct, given that Ewing probably tutors him off the court.
I would vote for ending the 'Will Francis ever "get it"' threads, but I think that would be asking for too much.
What we have seen from Yao these last three games is an indicator of what he can do in the future. All he needs now is to sustain this level of consistency and most importantly agression throughout the course of a whole season. I think that he will eventually attain this and become a dominant center in this league. I also think Francis will 'get it' next year. This year is a learning year for him under Gundy and already this year he is showing flashes of finallly 'getting it'. Next year will be a blossoming year for Francis, the great point guard . Mobley will never become a dominant two on the Rockets. With Francis and Yao he just doesn't have enough room to grow. I think that Mobley can be a very valuable role player on a Rockets championship team, though, as long as he limits the boneheaded shots and plays. Cato's offensive game will definitely improve under Ewing, but he will never have a truly effective offensive game. He just does not possess the natural skills that are required to have a good offensive game. I see Cato as 12-10 in a couple of years which will be perfect for the Rockets team. I have hardly seen any of Bostjan Nachbar, so I do not have an opinion on his development, but I dont think he will ever reach his draft day potential. One reason for that is that Jimmy Jackson is signed for the next three years, which means that in the next three years Bostjan will probably never be a starter, which will definitaley hinder his development.
Good questions. I voted for Yao, because the other three can somehow be solved by Yao's dominance. Frnacis is going to get it if Yao gets it done, Mobe is going to next level if the middle collapse on Yao or he is wide open at 3pt line. Even Cato might be an offensive force because he sure can learn from Yao how to get it done. Have you noticed, Cato does some Yao things, like turn around jumpers, low post back down then hook. I used to think Cato may never get it, but the way he is playing right now, it's all good.
I was about to say the same exact thing before you posted. Good post i agree w/ u if ming becomes a beast every1 else around him will play better too.
You're much more optimistic than me. I thought of two alternative posts. One would have enabled mutliple picks. However, I wouldn't have been able to vote at all - because I don't think any of the "dreams" is more likely than not. I also thought of referring to it all as "myths," which will probably never be realized. I think that people think of potential as some sort of ascertainable trait... that you can just detect in someone, and that sooner or later... given proper training... will be fulfilled. Most predicted "potential" is never fulfilled. Most draft picks are at leats modified busts. Most players never fulfill the superlatives that we all give them when they join the team. But, then, I actually think it's more likely than not that at least one of the above possibilities will happen. I think the Yao possibility is more likely than the others (though not odds-on).
I voted for Yao as well. I think it could happen if he gains some strength and of course, the more he gets used to playing in this country. I know this might sound blasphemous to some here but if Yao didn't have to play in games for China in the off-season that would help tremendously. First of all, it would help him to be rested. Second of all, he could get here in time for training camp. But most importantly, it would take him away from playing that style that is seen so much in international play - the finesse game. However, it is a pipe dream on my part to see that happen (him not having to go play in China during the off-season).
I voted for Cato. He's already shown he's willing and ready to work his butt off to earn that FAAAAT contract; all that's really missing from his game is hitting an open 12-foot jumper. Much has been made of Ewing's work with him, and I give credit where it's due. Even I could start to hit an open 12-footer if I practiced dilligently. Cato's clearly been putting some serious training time in, so I figure adding that to his repertoire shouldn't be too much of a stretch.
I am hoping for all of the above, but I think for now, Mobley has proven taht he is already taking it to the next level. i think the only thing that will prove any of this will actually come into fruition is consitency, and so far, Cat has been the most consistent.
As a Chinese and Shaghainese, I do like Yao to play for the NT in the summer, but not to train with them in military style for 3 months. 3 weeks trainning for olympics and 2 weeks for asian touney should be enough. what's the point to keep him there for 3 months? He only gets tired and not improving at all. As I posted the other day, the main reason that China wants him to be back is 1) The sports offical dont care about his career except for the short term success of NT, becasue that's what counts for their promotion to higher post, I am talking about NT coach too. 2) They need Yao to show up in the meaningless commecial game to make money. This gotta stop, either by Yao or Rox. One funny thing, over the summer, one high up sports offical observed Yao's trianning with NT one day, said to Chinese media that Yao has become an awkward big center, he has regressed in NBA.
Just wait until Yao just stands under the basket without anyone pushing him out. He'll get dunks all day with the NT.
Nachbar all the way! I can imagine him being a great dimention to this team. The slashing, the dunking, the popping jumpers from anywhere on the court, the Ginobili-like defense. What did Oscar Robertson say to Steve about getting the weakest player involved? Well, the difference between the options of Nachbar developing and other players stepping it up is that the others already contribute in a major way. Nachbar would be money on this team if he can figure the game out like it looks like he's starting to.
I have NO doubt at all that Nachbar would be a worthy 1st round pick. It is not likely to happen, it is going to happen soon. I think you all should join me on the nachbar bandwagon.. so a year or so from now, you all will look so smart.
I dont know how Cat can get any better except for decision making (due to his size and his current play) and Cato adding a few more shots doesnt exactly "ring" contender to me. I agree with alot of people on this board that if Yao develops into a low post monster he will make all his teammates better. The last few games have shown when Yao has a strong game he makes all his teammates better and when SF gets his teammates involved (especially Yao) his job is easier since that opens up the floor. SF and Yao are interdependent on each other, Yao needs someone to get him the ball in the right place at the right time and if Yao is going off it opens the floor for SF and the rest of the team. I honestly dont believe SF is going anywhere he can play at a higher level and he hasnt even peaked yet this season once he does and Yao can sustain/ increase his assertiveness and energy they will become a force. If you give someone the ball almost every player in the league can score but few command double and triple teams Yao gives us that. J
