I think he is not completely wrong. Dwight has something left in his tank but how many years can he keep this up? Maybe he is pacing himself for the playoffs that would be ideal. The regular season will suffer. He might not stay here for a short term deal but a short term deal would be perfect here. Anything can happen in the offseason and at least with Dwight dominating inside this team has a chance to actually make the 2nd round and perhaps 3rd round again depending on the opponent. (not Spurs and GSW)
For all the hate Dwight gets, you rarely see him slacking and letting his teammates down. He does get frustrated and resorts to mental midget sometimes, but the way he is reffed has a lot to do with it. Dwight is still a dominant presence we just need to utilize him the right way.
This playoff Dwight thing is getting old. He is still elite, top 3 center when he is on, but his dependable is very questionable. Therefore it does not justify his max contract. He has to take games off here and there to stay healthy. Playoff Dwight? Our goal is to win a championship, and that's why we get him here. If we are top 2-3 contenders than this 'playoff Dwight' has a value. If we are like what we are today, likely a first round exit, then his value is not much. Yes, I know our problem is Harden and coach, it's not Dwight, and I am sorry for that. But because of that, as cruel as it may sound, Dwight does not justify his contract right now. You just know averaging 35-40 minutes like this he will break down at some point. At this stage of his career, he needs to go to a team good enough to only play him Andrew Bogut minutes, then it's a win-win for both him and his team. He can no longer carry the team on his shoulder for a whole regular season.
Bitter sweet. Due to the loss, obviously... But also his performance on the free throw line. Think about the caliber of player DH could've been if he had been able to shoot free throws at a 65-70% clip over his career. There's always a shoulda-coulda-woulda with this team.
Think about this for a moment. Howard kills a legit center in Jordan, while Harden gets Destroyed by JJ Redick. DD
I can't remember a game where we won AND Dwight played lights out like this...can you? 30+ points and 20 + rebounds...haven't we lost every game he plays like this?
One thing about Dwight, he always plays 100% and gives effort. Sure his low post games and some stupid fouls are head scratching and frustrating but this man never gives in. he is also happy to share in others success and fellow team members seem to love him he is the opposite of Harden in that regard. harden gives zero F's a lot fo the times, shows no effort. He is a my stats first guy and plays mainly for himself. If the win comes in the process of Harden getting his big numbers, so be it.
There are two scenarios: 1. Flip the table and rebuild. But as has been pointed out, that's not exactly an appealing route. Chances you fail miserably for years upon end are much bigger than hitting the jackpot. 2. Look at your best pieces (JH/DH) and see if you can upgrade/replace some of the other pieces, try to get a good coach, try to work on Hardens head. and ride the few years you have with these stars. I would go for #2, simply because option #1 is so awful.
Sam Smith says the Rockets "will likely deal Howard" by the trade deadline: http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/...y-areas-will-likely-deal-howard/#.Vp5CvvkrLIU
I would puke if we trade Howard and keep Harden, the defense, leadership and effort would be historically bad.
Define "lights out". If your definition is 36-26 then there aren't many (if any as a Rocket) to remember.
