I agree that Eddie had been inconsistent this year. But the offense doesn't feature him. He got most of his shot from outside and a few inside shot. I think with Yao in the mix, Eddie got less chance of posting down in the post. As a result he is camping out in the 3 point line. Some of his shot was not really design for him and just took them with the shot running down. Some time he hit those outside shots and a lot of time he didn't. He never really got into the rhythm of the game. With the way our offense are structure around Yao and the guards, I don't expect Eddie to have a high average in points. He is ask to rebound and play defense more than scoring. I agreed that he need to develop an inside game but I don't think that we should write him off after only a third of the season. We see flashes last year of what he can do. Also he seem to play well in the summer league when he got more chance to play in the post. Some players develop faster than others. He certainly need to get stronger to muscle down low and fight for rebound. The potential is there and whether he reach it or not only time will tell. One thing that you don't want to do is to kick yourself later on because of giving up on a player too soon.
This is one of the most ridiculous threads I've seen posted. I was going to ignore it, but I decided to reply since you referenced your Enron and Dynegy stock purchases to validate your credibility.(Notice Dynegy's correct name/spelling in bold) Les looks at players as investments, much as you do with your stock purchases. Griffin was raw coming out of Seton Hall his freshman year. He was drafted primarily for his interior defense, and it was understood that his offensive game would take time to develop. Granted he shouldn't limit his game to shooting 3's, but to question his mental capacity is freakin weak. The Rocks have 3 prolific scores in Franchise, Mobley, and Yao, and with a decent contribution from Rice, they don't need many points from the 4. One of the cool things about having such a young team is watching them learn and grow together. Screw this win now at all costs attitude, give the kid some time, he'll eventually pay some dividends.
Don't compare Amare to Eddie, other than that they're 20 years old. Amare is fully developed physically. Compare Eddie to other guys who came in the league with underdeveloped bodies, ie the guys who pippendagimp mentioned- the Swifts, Chandlers, Benders, Kwames, even Jermaine O'Neals of the world. Re: rebounding. The Rockets are a gang rebounding team. We're in the top 5 in the league in rebounds! Eddie has gotten to the boards when he needs to, and does an excellent job getting on demand rebounds. As for the comment that Eddie hasn't improved, take a look at some numbers: Last year: 36.6% FG%; This year: 38.7% FG%. Last year: 33.0% 3P%; This year: 35.5% 3P%. Last year: 0.7 AST; This year: 1.1 AST. Last year: 0.23 SPG; This year: 0.61 SPG. Last year: 1.84 BPG; This year: 1.96 BPG. Numbers up ACROSS THE BOARD. As for points and rebounds, they're slightly down, but his minutes are as well. Take a look at those in per 48 minute stats- Last year: 16.2 points per 48 mins.; This year: 16.3 points per 48 mins. Last year: 10.5 rebs. per 48 mins.; This year: 10.6 rebs. per 48 mins. His numbers are basically even in terms of points in rebounds. Practically every other statistical category is an increase over last year. He's still the youngest guy on the team, and we have a brand new offense, so he's the one most likely to have his struggles. PS-The Rockets management sure seems to have no serious qualms with Griffin when they trade away a PF that contended with Griffin for minutes for a swingman. Whether they're right or not is TBD, but this strongly indicates to me that there isn't a feeling that the "Rox need help at the PF position". Hence, no "problem", hence no need for a "solution."
Lost thousands of dollars huh? YouandMe, I think you should worry more about your finances than putting down a dude who is half your age. How can you be sick and tired of this 20 year old crap? Were you even a rockets fan before Ming got here? I don't even know why I'm bothering. Anyways, Eddie is an investment for the near future. It will take some time for him to develope, but the rewards will be for very worth the time and what we gave away, mainly Richard Jefferson.
First, we need to ask ourselves what we need from that PF spot? I think we need someone who can: 1. rebound 2. play tough defense 3. block shots 4. hit some jumpers every now and then 5. pass the ball every now and then Then, the stats for Griffin this season: TEAM G GS MPG FGM-A FG% 3PM-A 3P% FTM-A FT% OFF DEF TOT APG SPG BPG TO PF PPG HOU 28 20 24.8 92-238 .387 27-76 .355 23-39 .590 1.60 3.90 5.50 1.1 .61 1.96 1.14 2.00 8.4 His FG% can be a bit better but overall he did what we asked him to do just fine. AND since he's only 20, he can only get better. He may never be a superstar. He may never be a 20 ppg, 10 ppg player. BUT we don't need him to be to win a championship. So what's your problem with Griffin? What's your complaint?
Young players need time to develop. Think the Trailblazers don't regret everyday that they traded Jermaine O'Neal for the "established" power forward, Dale Davis? The Rockets are a young team that is not on the cusp of going deep in the playoffs this year. There is no point in doing anything rash like trading Eddie Griffin unless the Rockets get an equally young and potentially dominant 4. Eddie will be fine.
You, Richard Jefferson! Remember, Rudy stated that he would take EG #1!? EG is a 3 that blocks shots. Rudy hasn't tried him there. EG is a glorified Bullard. He hasn't worked on putting the ball on the floor. The coaches haven't stressed that dribbling is a part of basketball. What do the Rox work on in practice? Player Development is not a strong suit for Rudy and his Staff. You, stay strong. Wish people would find other words than "bash" and "hater" for 03! Buy a Thesaurus!
Jeff, Clutch, Will, Keeley, Pretty please with sugar on top, ban YouAndMe, the guy is terrible and a waste of time to read. A few outbursts are fine, but this guy is becoming daily.
He's not awful but he does seem to be overrated around here. He looks alot like Bob Horry to me. Minimal ball handling skills. Nice weak side shot blocker. Likes the perimiter more than inside. Not quite the slasher Bob was in his Rocket days though.
I think sometimes posters get upset when someone speaks the truth vrey harshly, but its still the truth. I for one is pretty disappointed in Griffins developement and has been quick to blame part of it on Rudy. I always thought and still do that the only way a player learns to play against players bigger and stronger is by not ducking and running, but by battling and learning tricks of the trade. Last yr when Rudy had Griffin shootin 3's and staying perimeter, I thought he was basically running and maybe ruining Griffin into ever being a good low post player. I think you can relate it to having an older bigger sibling. Instead of just going perimeter until you get bigger or stronger you learn pump fakes,pivots up and unders and all kind of tricks. I relate that to being a player who isn't or wasn't as atheletic as most like McHale,but was a master on the box with fakes and post pivots. The one positive about Griffin is that he's shooting from 3pt land less than last yr, but him shooting 3's period really shouldn't be in the arsenal. I have over my yrs of watching hoops have ever seen a pivot or low post player start out perimeter and then become a good low post player. Unless Eddie makes a miracle turnaround, it seem he will always be a poor fg% player. Unless he gets someone to work with him on his footwork, his offensive arsenal will be limited to just turn-around jumpers or open shots created by others. Maybe the best the rockets can hope for is a 14pt 12rebs 3 blks type of power forward after a couple of yrs trying to get his bulk up. Is that enough? The way Ming and Francis are playing, maybe so. It would be nice to see him become more rugged in the future,but I'd still prefer him over a iso KT or a jump shooting non rebounding Taylor.
But the guy is only 20 years old. Different people physically develop differently. I didn't physically mature till about 22. Guys like Stoudemire and Lebron are just freaks. Just give him time. We'll make the playoffs like we should this year and next year we'll contend for a title.
If Shaq tries to go through Yao or fouls him like he does everyone else, he may be in for a tough night. So far Yao is not getting the rookie fouls called on him. Is this because he has good fundamentals or because the league is giving him instant Karl Malone status. Either way, I can see Shaq blowing up either during or after the game about how he is not getting the calls he deserves. He has been doing it since LSU and the game on the 17th will be very emotional for him, especially since Yao looks like the starter in the AS game. Shaq is coming in with something to prove and may find the deck stacked against him.
If Eddie turns into that type of player I would be ecstatic. One positive that I have seen from Eddie, as of late is that he seems to be making the smart pass more and more. I think Eddie could turn into a good passer. So add about 3 assists a game to your numbers and I would be dancing in the streets for Eddie.
I swear people have short memories. Eddie was drafted by the Rockets knowing that he was two or three years away from being a solid player. When Eddie is 23 or 24, then let loose any barrage you like. Until then, be happy the Griffin is a Rocket. I am.
I hate to say it , but I agree with youandme. Although I still have hope for EG, it seems that he is turning in to nothing more than a poor man's Robert Horry. By the way, just in case anyone hadn't heard, KT put up 20 last night.
