[educating the newbs] Rockets PG 101

Stay on task, we are talking NBA here not college and the definition of "GREAT" (tinman's comment not me) not a winner.

 

So now you've backed down from him being "GREAT" to "wasn't spectacular" but was the PG that led us to titles, and could pass into the post and find teammates in rhythm???? So, now effective and "smooth" = "GREAT." Very inconsistent logic.

 

ROFL!!!!

 

While the Rockets don't have any PGs nearly as good as Kenny, I would not call him great. A Rocket's Legend, defintely.

 

FACT: this is just another homer trolling thread.

 

Mario, Matt, and Clyde (not to mention Sam and Rob, who appear on TV as players) all say hi!

 

This is a true statement. What seems to be ignored by many is that Rafer DOES bring some of the pg101 skills that Kenny either didn't have, or lost as he went on. Good if not great ball control... sensible running of the team concept of offense (though he sometimes makes horrendous decisions when a tight game is coming to a close). His passing is often very good. Assists / turnovers is acceptable if not impressive. It's just his streaky less than stellar shooting in conglomeration with his decisions in the clutch. I heard something about him at the end of the season we acquired him, posted here and once upon a time it was on the Wikipedia, regarding him having Asperger's Syndrome... a form of autism. Reading up on it back then, it struck me as no coincidence then that this might affect his decisions in clutch game moments.

Anyway, what I mean is that I think Rafer does MOST of the PG101 well... but he doesn't come close to being the shot threat that Kenny was. Problem is, that's what people notice the most... until Rafer ISN'T running our offense, and we see what the other options provide... LESS PG 101, and shooting that isn't noticeably better.

I know this isn't a Rafer thread, but it's relative. I guess my point is that, if Rafer is kept in check in terms of scheme and decisions, he can be as integral a part as Kenny was, just perhaps with different strengths and weaknesses.

Head being out is tough. Rafer in to control the pace and Head in to take those clutch shots is a better plan, While I'm not completely impressed when they are both in the lineup, it makes sense from some of these perspectives.

 

Rafer can not touch Kenny on shooting but he has much better handle.
Kenny could not dribble with his left, even his right was suspect. He was scared sh.tless trying to bring the ball up against Payton.
You are dreaming when you said " ... how well kenny got Dream the ball, found Maxwell in rhythm, ran the Pick and Roll with Otis, ran the break with Clyde.." He rarely did those things very well.
Kenny did not lead the Rockets anywhere either. He followed Hakeem's lead!

 

I wasn't in the conversation at all. Only popped in to negate your slam at a truly wonderful college player who didn't have what it takes to be a pro. There are a ton of guys like that, there's no shame in that. You were just naming the guy as the ultimate slam at "NBA greatness" and I wanted to remind you that the guy had greatness at one level, just not the next. Many people would not remember that about Ricky Blanton making the winning shot against a Georgetown team in the tournament with Deke and Alonzo Mourning on it.

Now you stay on task, trying to get tinman into the present. good luck.

 

Wish me even more luck!

 

As a person who never listens to any music made after about 1995, I am feeling a bit hypocritical, but I digress!

 

Considering Payton at his prime is one of the best defenders of all time who wouldn't be scared trying to bring the ball up against him.

I disagree about Kenny Smith not getting Dream the ball well. I remember they played the two man game quite well.

 

there wasn't any music made after '95......

I saw the Stones in Vegas this fall. This show was better than when I saw them in 1980 because this time they played OLDER songs......

 

Of course they did... it's 27 years later.