I was married to someone with depression, so I learned to understand it. I called it "sitting too close to the loudspeakers of life." Everything get's magnified, and feels so much more intensely than the receptors the rest of us experience. But, often the cause of it, is the stackup of unfelt feelings and unprocessed thoughts. He's really been through a lot, and he kept quiet, which was the worst thing he could have done. There may be a stigma involved with depression, but 70% of our population get's some form of it from one time or another in their life. He's not crazy, even though in the throws of depression, he did some crazy things. Its very treatable, with medication and therapy. He just has to get his thoughts up from his sub-conscious to his conscious, and learn how to deal with his anger and pain. If he's done his work in therapy, he could be a great player again, and fulfill all of what we hoped for him, and maybe more. He could have learned how to harness that energy, and become a passionate player, which would make all the difference in the world. As long as we don't short-circuit his recovery, I would love for us to take him back. He knows he has the problem now, which he didn't before, is getting the appropriate help, from the sound of it, and I really hope he feels that he owes the Rockets for having given up so much for him, even though we had to give him some "tough love." Please, Les, have CD offer him a contract, and ask him to sign back up with us ... and please, Eddie, come back, as long as you have dealt with the issues ... we don't want you to do something that hurts you, but we need you, man, as soon as you're ready.
It has to due with the fact that we have a glaring hole at the 4 which was created by him. With a thin list of suitable starting powerforwards to choose from free agency, Eddie doesnt look like a bad option. Right now our best choice is Mcdyess and we dont know how bad his knee is and it would probably take a good potion of the MLE. Whereas Eddie is young, not injured and would not get more then a minimum contract, which means low risk. We know what eddie would bring us; a shaky jumper, shot blocking, decent rebounding, accpetable defense and he seems to be more determined then ever which could mean more. It was a shame that he was cut due to all his problems this pre season because I was looking forward to seeing him play under JVG.
Don't forget that Eddie is young, this would only be his 3rd season. He is a natural defender, an above average rebounder (can get better), his offensive game is in between Cato and MoT. He sounds like exactly we could use. He could come cheap too. Even if he becomes another Camby, I will be fine with that. JVG made Camby an all-star, not saying Eddie will be, but Eddie has the ability to be a 12ppg 10rpg 2bpg easily, I hope.
The rockets need a 4 to push Kato back to backup 5 The 4 needs to be quick, with good shot blocking to fit into this defence and decent shot. Eddie is all of that and 21 YEARS OLD!!!
JayZ750, you are right. But the only thing that I hope for is that one of the reasons Eddie was so "shy and introverted" was *because* of his depression and personal problems. If he has lackluster motivation (like if he really didn't want to be there), he's game would reflect that. Who knows. Maybe once he's "happy" he'll play with more energy and enthusiasm. And maybe this will help him turn on that "monster game" that we've been waiting for. Motivation is key for EG.
Let's hope EG is grateful. From my impression, I doubt he is a grateful person. It is not hard for him to pick up the phone to talk to JVG. Van Gundy was pretty nice to him, and had nice things to say about him till the very end.
Hm, I'm sorry, was Rocket River being sarcastic? Or did I miss an entire year? Wasn't JVG installed AFTER Griffin was a headcase and on his way to NJ?
I hope the Rockets do give him another chance and Eddie has loyalty towards the Rockets. I remember when Eddie did an interview on Fox 26 a couple weeks or so after he had been released by Houston. He said that he had no hard feelings towards the organization and that CD was a constant visitor when he was trying to get his life straight. I know we gave up 3 first round picks but come on everybody...did we think Jefferson would turn out to be this good? If he hadnt started his career with J Kidd then I think things would be different. We'll welcome you back with open arms Eddie!
I really like Eddie and I hope he has his priorities straight before trying to play ball. If he came back to the NBA and had another clapse, I fear for him. Good Luck though Eddie. I hope to see you a rocket next year.
I don't just hope Eddie gets a chance to make a comeback with the Rockets, I'll be upset if it doesn't happen. This guy has so much potential, he could be the PF we've needed all season long. I'm a firm believer that if someone can make amends for their past wrongdoings, they deserve a second chance. Nothing would make me happier this offseason than Eddie getting that second chance with the Rockets.
Very nice post, Sherlock. I've been around a couple of close friends with depression, etc. who were able to get straightened out with meds and therapy. If they stay on their meds they're fine. When they quit taking them, someone close to them can tell and call them out on it. With men, in my limited experience anyway, it's usually sexual disfunction that causes them to stop medicating themselves... something that looms large in their life. (uh, they want it to loom large) Eddie is young and has potential. He can be saved with help and some luck. Why not with the Rockets?
Great post, Sherlock. Totally agree. But. The Rockets are light a starting power forward. We can't know Eddie's well enough to play and make it through a season. If he wants to come off the bench for an unguaranteed or minimum contract, I say let's give him another go. But not at the expense (in minutes or money) of finding a reliable starting 4. I think if Eddie wants to come back he'll be able to do better than a bench gig at the minimum, but I don't think the Rockets should offer him more than that. No hard feelings to EG, but we've been burned before and we've got to think about the future.
thinking of starting a lazy summer poll, if someone else wants to do it, go ahead. If you were to pick up one of these guys this summer to add to the roster, who would you pick? Badiane Griffin
I doubt anyone else would give him more then a minimum contract cosindering the problems he has been through.
If we want to give Eddie G. a chance, first let him commit to us and work out the whole summer with JVG and include him again in the summer league. If he shows tremendous improvement mentally and physically, give him a minimum contract. Am I right?
It would be nice to see him come back with success in this league. If he got his life together, it would make a real good "Behind the Glory" story.
This thread reminds me of the girl in a bad relationship. No matter how many times her boyfriend cheats on her or beats her up, she always gives him just one more chance. EG is gone. It's over. Give it up. Raven
